Itinerary
Follow your guide inside the Vatican through a special entrance, and head directly inside the collection of private artwork in the Vatican Museums.
Walk through the Gallery of the Maps and Gallery of Tapestries as you listen to tales of Vatican intrigue. Gaze at ancient Italian maps, sculptures, and candelabras. Stop for photos in front of the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, designed by Donato Bramante.
Vatican City
Vatican Museums tours with skip-the-line access are popular, yet even fast-track lines can be lengthy. This exclusive experience provides admission through a dedicated entrance, ensuring a queue-free visit.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Vatican Museums
Embark on an exclusive journey into the treasure trove of the Vatican Museums. Explore the intriguing Gallery of the Maps and Tapestries, immersed in tales of Vatican secrets. Marvel at captivating Italian maps, and be awe-inspired by the sculptures in the Gallery of Candelabras. Capture memories with a photo stop at the Pigna statue in the Pinecone Courtyard, crafted by the renowned Donato Bramante.
Join our English speaking expert guide for an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Vatican City!
1 hour 15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Cortile della Pigna
The Pineyard Courtyard at the Vatican Museums is a serene haven, blending classic architecture with lush greenery. Donato Bramante's Pigna statue stands as a bronze centerpiece, creating a peaceful retreat. Amidst this cultural richness, the courtyard invites reflection and appreciation for its timeless elegance.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Sphere within a Sphere
In the heart of the Vatican's Cortile della Pigna stands a notable bronze sculpture: Sfera con sfera (Sphere Within a Sphere) by Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro. This captivating artwork depicts two fractured orbs resembling intricate machine gears, symbolizing the intricate and fragile nature of the modern world. Pomodoro began creating similar sculptures in the early 1960s, exploring the theme of complexity.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Galleria Delle Carte Geografiche
The Gallery of the Maps is a mesmerizing display of intricate cartography, spanning centuries. Immerse yourself in history through vividly detailed maps, capturing the beauty of geography and artistry.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
Sistine Chapel
Explore the Museums rooms and then enter the incredible Sistine Chapel— the Pope's own sanctuary and a must-see on any Vatican visit. Stand beneath Michelangelo's iconic The Creation of Adam on the ceiling, and marvel at The Last Judgement, his vibrant mural gracing the wall.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Basilica
After marveling at the Sistine Chapel, your guide leads you to St. Peter's Basilica, the symbolic heart of the Catholic Church. Dive into its rich history, exploring Vatican art like Michelangelo's La Pietà, crafted when he was just 24. Admire Bernini's baldachin and bid farewell to your guide in St. Peter's Square.
Note: On Wednesdays, due to the Papal Audience, St. Peter's Basilica and Square may be unavailable. Fear not, as an extended Vatican Museums itinerary awaits you as a perfect alternative.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included
St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square is an iconic masterpiece in Rome. It embraces visitors with its grandeur. Designed by Bernini, the vast elliptical space is encircled by a majestic colonnade, symbolizing the Church's embrace. The central obelisk and fountains add splendor, while the stunning façade of St. Peter's Basilica stands as a beacon of architectural brilliance, inviting pilgrims and tourists alike to marvel at the heart of Vatican City.
5 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
