Why is choosing a skip-the-line Vatican tour so important when visiting this micro-state? Well, the answer may have something to do with the fact that pre-pandemic, six million visitors came to the Holy See every year!
Evidently, making sure you secure a headstart on those other tourists can ensure a seamless trip and clear access to the best that the Vatican has to offer. This is why our tours, with a maximum of six guests, center around skip-the-line access to forge unforgettable memories within the walls of the city-state.
So, what exactly will your private or semi-private group encounter on your trip to Vatican City?
Skip-the-line at the Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s masterpiece, for many, is the highlight of their visit to the Vatican, Rome, and even Italy. Experiencing the breathtaking frescoes on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, and taking in every last detail of the Last Judgment will undoubtedly leave you speechless. Offering an insight into Renaissance Italy, the famed biblical scenes also guide viewers to contemplate within themselves and the history of mankind and Christianity in tandem.
It’s no secret that this, one of the greatest artistic achievements ever to have been accomplished, appeals to the masses and thus creates queues. Whilst the number of visitors to the Sistine Chapel has dwindled as a result of the pandemic, Walks Inside Rome’s skip-the-line Vatican tours craft the ultimate cultural homage without the stresses of modern tourism.
The majority of our tours grant VIP skip-the-line early access to the Vatican, and head to the Sistine Chapel at the earliest possible moment. While preferences may vary, leaning towards either a classic tour, express trip, or taking a different approach from a Jewish perspective, avoiding the potential negatives associated with general opening is an ever present feature of our tours.
Head straight to the Vatican Museums
A cacophony of wonders awaits inside the Vatican Museums. As you snake through four-miles of winding galleries, be sure to gain the best view of the artistic genius and history marvels that lay within by booking a skip-the-line Vatican tour.
The majority of our experiences commence in these famed halls, including both the classic and express Vatican experiences. With both including early, skip-the-line entry, you will gain access to the awe-inspiring collection of works and artifacts in tranquility. So, be sure to take a moment to truly appreciate the surroundings steeped in stories of past artists, leaders, and entire civilizations.
So, just what can you expect to see within the Vatican Museums?
- Gallery of Maps
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Gallery of the Candelabra
- Laocoön
- Cabinet of Masks
Laocoon
Be a priority at Saint Peter’s
Both St. Peter’s Square and St. Peter’s Basilica offer unforgettable scenes. The grandiose nature, both within the architecture of the world’s largest church and the expanse of its piazza, is a sight to behold.
Originally built in the 4th Century AD by Constantine the Great, and supposedly sitting above the tomb of Peter the Apostle, St. Peter’s Basilica underwent a total renovation in the 1500s. Bramante and then Michelangelo would complete the first wholesale changes, before Bernini ensured his truly Baroque signature was left on the building.
Rivaled by the Vatican Obelisk, which stands in the middle of the square, the basilica is an obvious tourist attraction. A priority, skip-the-line Vatican tour to this astonishing landmark will ensure that it is the church’s brilliance that overshadows possible waiting times, and not the other way around!
St. Peter’s Basilica dome and facades
Top tips before entering the Vatican
As we are sure you know, the Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter’s Basilica are active places of worship, and therefore they have certain rules. Check out these quick tips before entering.
- Certain dress rules are in place at these active places of worship. Those wearing knee-length shorts or short skirts, or exposing knees, shoulders, or mid-riff may be refused entry by the Vatican guards. Sandals and jeans are fine.
- Vendors outside do sell t-shirts, scarves, or sarongs (though at a predictably high price) for those in a pinch.
- Bring some comfy shoes! The Vatican, and Rome, require lots of walking – after all they are a respective independent state and capital city. So, pack some good sneakers or comfortable sandals to easily traverse Rome’s famous sampietrini (cobblestones).
Discover the Vatican with Walks Inside Rome
Walks Inside Rome has offered immersive, authentic, and educational private and small-group tours in the Vatican and beyond for over 20 years. Our local, licensed guides are seasoned experts in art, history, archaeology, and food, and we know that our combined expertise and experience will transform your time in Rome into something truly exceptional.
Take a look at our complete catalog of tours and experiences by visiting our website or contacting us directly. We can’t wait to hear from you so we can customize your Vatican tour and start exploring together!
