Rome is a city rich in history and culture, and the Vatican Museums & Four Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in its grandeur. With priority access to the Vatican Museums, visitors can marvel at the Sistine Chapel‘s breathtaking frescoes and explore the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica. But the tour doesn’t stop there – it also includes visits to four other Papal Basilicas, each with its own unique charm and significance. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking to experience the heart of Rome, this tour promises an unforgettable journey.

Contents show

Key Points

This full-day tour of Vatican City provides priority access to the Vatican Museums and guided exploration of the four Papal Basilicas.
The tour duration is 7.5 hours, with a starting price of $174.54 per person and up to 15% savings.
Highlights include a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, free time in the Sistine Chapel, and transportation by private coach.
Strict dress code requirements and security restrictions, such as no backpacks or non-folding strollers, must be followed.
Cancellation policy offers a full refund up to 2 days in advance, and the tour is conducted in English.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Vatican Museums & Four Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour is a comprehensive sightseeing experience that covers some of Rome’s most iconic religious landmarks.

At 7.5 hours, the tour provides ample time to explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and three other major basilicas.

Priced from $174.54 per person with up to 15% savings, the tour offers priority access and guided components.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available up to 2 days in advance.

The tour is conducted in English and departs from a convenient location near the Vatican Museums.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Rome

Itinerary Highlights

Spanning 7.5 hours, the Vatican Museums & Four Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through some of Rome’s most revered religious sites.

The tour begins with a guided exploration of the Vatican Museums, followed by free time to marvel at the Sistine Chapel.

Guided exploration of the Vatican Museums, followed by free time to marvel at the Sistine Chapel.

Next, visitors embark on a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. After a break, the tour continues to St. Paul Outside the Walls, the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, and concludes at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy priority access and transportation by private coach.

Tour Features

This tour offers a host of valuable features to enhance the visitor experience. Guests will enjoy priority access to the Vatican Museums, bypassing long queues.

A guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica provides comprehensive insight, while unguided exploration of the Sistine Chapel allows for personal discovery.

Access to all four Papal Basilicas is included, offering a rare opportunity to experience Rome’s most sacred sites.

Comfortable transportation by private coach ensures a seamless journey between locations, maximizing sightseeing time.

With these thoughtful features, travelers can immerse themselves in the wonders of the Vatican and Papal Basilicas efficiently and enjoyably.

Important Information

Guests should be aware that this tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

The meeting point is at the City Wonders team at the steps across from the Vatican Museums entrance, near Caffè Vaticano. The closest metro stop is Line A (Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani).

Participants must bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and water. Prohibited items include baby strollers, non-folding strollers, flash photography, and backpacks.

The dress code requires covering knees, shoulders, and backs for entry. Photography isn’t allowed in the Sistine Chapel, and names of all participants must be provided for St. Peter’s Basilica entry.

More Great Tours Nearby

Visitor Guidelines

When visiting the Vatican Museums and Papal Basilicas on this tour, visitors should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, and water.

They’ll need these essentials as the tour involves extensive walking. Backpacks and non-folding strollers aren’t allowed for security reasons.

Plus, the dress code is strict – knees, shoulders, and backs must be covered for entry.

Photography is prohibited in the Sistine Chapel. All participants’ names must be provided in advance for St. Peter’s Basilica access.

Following these guidelines will ensure a smooth and memorable experience exploring the Vatican’s treasures.

Museum hopping your thing? Check out these other cultural spots we've reviewed in Rome

Exploring the Vatican Museums

Although the Vatican Museums house an immense collection of art and artifacts spanning centuries, the guided tour efficiently navigates visitors through the highlights.

Visitors will see renowned masterpieces like the Raphael Rooms and Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling. The tour provides essential context, allowing visitors to appreciate the magnitude and significance of the museum’s holdings.

With priority access, guests avoid long lines and gain quick entry. During the 2-hour guided portion, the group explores the most iconic galleries at a leisurely pace, maximizing the time spent admiring the exceptional artworks and architecture.

Discovering the Sistine Chapel

After exploring the renowned masterpieces in the Vatican Museums, the tour leads visitors to the magnificent Sistine Chapel.

This awe-inspiring space is the private chapel of the Pope, featuring Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes covering the ceiling and walls.

Visitors have 20 minutes to admire the artistic genius on display, from the iconic Creation of Adam to the dramatic Last Judgment.

Visitors are allotted a mere 20 minutes to marvel at Michelangelo’s masterful depictions of the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment.

Photography is strictly prohibited to preserve the chapel’s sanctity. Guests must remain silent and refrain from any disruptive behavior.

This experience offers a rare glimpse into one of the world’s most celebrated artistic treasures.

Visiting the Papal Basilicas

The tour then takes visitors to explore the four iconic Papal Basilicas of Rome.

First, they’ll visit St. Paul Outside the Walls, one of the largest churches in the world.

Next, they’ll tour the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and the oldest of the four basilicas.

The final stops are the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, known for its stunning Byzantine architecture, and St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world and a highlight of the tour.

Throughout, knowledgeable guides provide insights into the history and significance of these sacred spaces.

The Sum Up

The Vatican Museums & Four Papal Basilicas Full Day Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s magnificent religious heritage. Travelers can enjoy the grandeur of the Vatican’s art and architecture, while also visiting the four major papal basilicas. With priority access and comfortable transportation, this guided tour provides an unforgettable experience for those seeking to discover the spiritual and cultural wonders of the Eternal City.