Exclusive First Entry: Sistine Chapel Express, St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Crypts Tour

For short-time visitors in Rome or those who want to see the highlights of the Vatican without spending hours inside the Museums, our First Entry Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Crypt offers an exclusive opportunity to see the top three sites in just two hours.

With first entry to the Sistine Chapel, you’ll have time to explore on your own before other tour groups and the general public arrive. Skip the Line Access gets you directly into St. Peter’s Basilica afterward, before descending to the incredible Vatican Crypt, not covered on regular Vatican tours.

Our early access Sistine Chapel tour starts outside the Vatican Museums before they have opened. You’ll enter 30 minutes ahead of any other tour group and a full hour and 30 minutes before the general public. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll go directly to the Sistine Chapel (passing through the Museums). On the way your guide will give you some tips on what to look out for in Michelangelo’s world-famous frescoes; from his cheeky self-portrait in ‘The Last Judgement’ to ‘The Creation of Adam’ on the ceiling.

Being the first to enter the Sistine Chapel means that you can avoid the notorious crowds that fill the room during regular opening hours. Spend some time taking in the incredible artwork that surrounds you in the Sistine Chapel.

Once you’ve had your fill of the Sistine Chapel, we’ll take you through a special door – not available to the general public – through which you’ll gain direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica. Skip the Line Access here means you'll avoid another long queue outside the walls of the Vatican. On the way, your guide will give you an overview of St. Peter’s Basilica, letting you know what you should look out for during your visit.

Entering St. Peter’s Basilica, you’ll be blown away by its size and beauty. Visit Michelangelo’s sculpture ‘La Pietà’ and Bernini’s altar, a monumental structure of twisted wood and bronze, recycled from the Pantheon.

The last leg of our tour takes you below the Basilica to the Vatican Crypt. This is where the most important Popes in Church history have been buried – a huge honor bestowed upon past popes.

Once you've finished, your guide will lead you back outside to St. Peter’s Square where you can appreciate the mastery of Bernini, one of Rome’s greatest architects and artists.

With an expert, English-speaking guide leading the way, you’ll see all the highlights of the Vatican City in just two hours, while first entry at the Vatican Museums and Skip the Line Access at St. Peter’s Basilica keep us ahead of the crowds.

For the very best of the Vatican in one breathtaking morning, choose our First Entry Sistine Chapel Tour with St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Crypt.