FAQs: Vatican Tours

Do your Vatican Tours include admission fees?

Yes, all of our Vatican tours include the admission and reservation fees.

Do your Vatican Tours include skip-the-line access?

Yes, all of our Vatican tours include skip-the-line access to all sights visited. This means that we use the special group entrance with pre-reserved timed-entry tickets, so you’ll never have to wait in long general access lines.

Where do your Vatican Tours meet?

All of our Vatican tours (with the exception of the Vatican Mosaic Studio Tour) meet in our office, located just 2 minutes’ walk from the Vatican Museums’ entrance. Full details of the exact location are included on the confirmation voucher you will receive when you book your tour.

Is there a dress code for your Vatican Tours?

Yes, both the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica have a strict dress code; requiring all visitors to cover their shoulders and knees. Low cut or sleeveless clothing, shorts, miniskirts and hats are not allowed.

How big are the groups on your Vatican Tours?

All of our Vatican Tours have a maximum of 12 guests or fewer.

What is the advantage of your 7:45 am Vatican Early Access Tour?

Our Vatican Early Access Tour allows you to enter the Vatican Museums one hour before the general public, which means you get to experience the Sistine Chapel with only a fraction of the visitors present during regular opening hours.

I read that your 7:45 am Vatican tour includes a free breakfast, what does that mean?

All tours starting at 7:20 am will include a complimentary Italian breakfast in our office prior to entering the Vatican Museums. This light morning meal consists of croissants, fruit, juice and freshly brewed coffee. If you are looking for something more substantial, there are a couple of cafes located next door, where you may indulge in a wider range of snacks at your own expense.

Will I be able to explore the Museums on my own once my Vatican tour is over?

Yes, you can. But you would have to refrain from entering St. Peter’s Basilica with your guide and thus miss out on that part of the tour. Our tours leave the Vatican Museums through a one-way passage from the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica. Once you have exited the Museums, you cannot re-enter without waiting in the line and purchasing a new ticket, so please make sure to notify your guide of your choice before entering the Sistine Chapel.

Will I be able to explore St. Peter’s Basilica on my own once my Vatican tour is over?

Yes, absolutely. All of our Vatican tours (with the exception of the Vatican under the Stars Tour) all end at the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, which is a very convenient location to visit the grottoes, Vatican post office or climb the dome. Your tour guide will be happy to point you in the right direction.

Do your Vatican Tours include a climb to St. Peter’s dome?

Only our Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Tour includes a climb to the dome. If you are joining one of our other itineraries, you are more than welcome to climb the ‘cupola’ independently after the tour has finished. The dome closes at 5 pm (October-March) or 6 pm (April-September), so make sure you plan your day accordingly. Please note that additional costs apply and that there may be a line to enter throughout the high season.

Can I bring a bag with me to the Vatican Museums?

Yes, you can bring a small bag with you on your tour.  Bags, backpacks or luggage measuring more than 40·35·15 centimeters are, however, not allowed into the Vatican Museums and must be checked at the cloakroom. The same applies to large umbrellas, tripods and any other objects that could potentially be harmful to other visitors or damage works of art in the Museums. The cloakroom storage is free of charge, but please be aware that it is located approximately 20 minutes walking distance from the conclusion point of the Vatican tours.

Do your Vatican Tours include the Sistine Chapel?

Yes, all of our tours (with the exception of the Vatican Mosaic Studio Tour and Ultimate St. Peter’s Basilica Tour) include the Sistine Chapel.

Do your Vatican Tours include St. Peter’s Basilica?

Yes, all of our tours (with the exception of the Vatican under the Stars Tours and the Vatican Mosaic Studio Tour), include St. Peter’s Basilica. Please note, however, that the Basilica of St. Peter is an active parish and is therefore subject to unforeseen closures for spiritual celebrations. In such cases we will, if possible, contact you in advance with an alternative tour time or itinerary.

Is photography allowed in the Vatican?

Yes and no. Photography is strictly forbidden inside the Sistine Chapel but you are more than welcome to take pictures throughout the rest of the Vatican Museums, as long as you turn off the flash first. St. Peter’s Basilica has no restrictions regarding photography.

Do you provide tours of the Vatican Necropolis?

No, tours of the Necropolis (or ‘Scavi’) can only be booked through the Vatican Excavations Office directly. To read more on how to go about making your reservation, please visit this link.

Do you provide tours of the Vatican Gardens?

No, we do not currently offer any tours which include the Vatican Gardens.