front view of the St Peter Basilica
View of the roof of the Sistine Chapel
Tourists with their guide inside St Peter Basilica
Reserved Access

Full-Day Combo Tour: Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Rome’s Four Papal Basilicas

4.87
(11,187 Reviews)
10h
English
Flexible
Tue, Thu & Sat
08:00, 08:30 & 09:00

  • Experience the best of the Vatican with reserved priority access to the Vatican Museums, followed by expert-led tours of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Rejoin us after intermission to explore the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, and the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, completing a historic tour through Rome’s Four Major Papal Basilicas.
  • Walk up the sacred Holy Stairs, believed to have been climbed by Jesus on His way to Pontius Pilate.
  • With exclusive access and expert guidance, immerse yourself in a carefully planned full-day experience through the Vatican, and Rome’s illustrious papal basilicas.

Tour Description

What's Included

  • Expert Tour Guides
  • Priority Entry to the Vatican Museums
  • Skip-the-Line Access to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Guided Visits to Rome’s Four Major Papal Basilicas
  • All transfers in an air-conditioned coach
  • All Entrance and Reservation Fees
  • Audio Headsets
  • Gratuities (welcomed and appreciated)
  • Private Pick-up & Drop-off

Sites Visited

  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Gallery of Maps
  • Gallery of Tapestries
  • St. Peter’s Basilica
  • St. Peter’s Square
  • Holy Stairs – “Scala Sancta”
  • Basilica of Saint Mary Major
  • Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran
  • Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Experience the Best of Rome’s Sacred Heritage in One Day

Begin your day with priority access to the Vatican Museums, led by an expert guide who will bring the world’s most renowned art collection to life. Wander through galleries brimming with classical sculptures, timeless Renaissance masterpieces, and intricate tapestries until you reach the Sistine Chapel. Here, we stand in quiet amazement before Michelangelo’s frescoes, including the iconic Last Judgment.

Your morning continues inside St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world, where your guide will lead you through its vast interiors filled with architectural marvels, artistic treasures, and an abundance of spiritual significance.

Following our morning at the Vatican, we take a mid-day break to relax, recharge, and reflect while preparing for the thrilling journey ahead.

The Four Papal Basilicas and Sacred Pilgrimage Sites

Return to our Vatican meeting point after intermission to begin our Papal Basilicas & Holy Stairs of Rome Tour. A dedicated coordinator will guide you to our private coach, transporting you through Rome’s storied streets to the majestic Basilica of Saint Mary Major. Here, you’ll meet another of our tour experts who will introduce you to the church’s shimmering gold ceilings and centuries-old mosaics.

Next, venture with our expert to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran—Rome’s cathedral and the Pope’s official ecclesiastical seat. Stepping outside, encounter the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), believed to have been climbed by Jesus during His Passion. This revered site offers a profound window into the city’s enduring spiritual heritage.

From there, we head to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a revered landmark built over the tomb of Saint Paul. As you admire its monumental architecture and centuries-old art, your guide will highlight its sacred traditions and enduring significance.

Return to the Vatican for Sunset at St. Peter’s Square

Conclude your full-day experience standing at St. Peter’s Square for final insights into the basilica’s history, Bernini’s grand colonnades, and the ancient Egyptian obelisk located at square’s center. At this point, you’re free to re-enter St. Peter’s Basilica at no cost if you’re looking to savor its splendor a bit more, at your own pace. When you step back into the city of Rome, you’ll have gained memorable insights and inspirations.

Our meticulously planned full-day combo tour grants you rare access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and all four of Rome’s Papal Basilicas—all while maximizing your precious time and budget.

Still searching for the perfect tour? Browse our full Vatican catalogue and find the experience that best aligns with your interests and travel goals.

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From
US$192.98
per adult
  • Book with Confidence: Free cancellations up to 24 hours before the experience begins (local time).
  • Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help.
  • No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.

Get to Know City Wonders

Guide showing attraction

A City Wonders tour is the product of meticulous research, detailed planning, and a passion for providing customers with travel experiences they will cherish forever.

With City Wonders it's not just facts, our passionate guides tell you the stories that bring the sights to life.

  • All of our guides are experts in their field
  • We only hire fluent English-speakers so nothing is ever lost in translation
  • We focus on the little details and anecdotes that make City Wonders so special