A few notes on logistical planning to make your Vatican tour experience as smooth as possible. 

 
Tickets

Our visit to the Vatican includes advance entry tickets, which allow us to skip the general admission line. However, we will still be required to wait in the security line which can take up to 20 minutes. Your guide will spend this time wisely by providing an overview of the history of the Vatican. 

Your ticket includes special access through the stair passageway from the Sistine Chapel to reach St. Peter's Basilica, avoiding the line in St. Peter's Square. Since St. Peter's Basilica is an active church with numerous events, the portion of the tour involving the Basilica might be subject to disruptions on the day of the visit, depending on the church's events, availability, and crowd levels. Unfortunately, we cannot prevent or alter these changes.

PLEASE NOTE: Starting May 2024, the Pietà sculpture and the Baldacchino inside St. Peter's Basilica will undergo restoration works and therefore they might not be visible during the tour.

Depending on your group size, you may have headsets on the tour. 

Summer Crowds

During the summer travel period, the Vatican Museums can see upwards of 35,000 visitors per day in the high season (Easter - September) and there is very little air conditioning in the buildings. It’s important to anticipate slower movement, limited visibility, and potential restrictions on accessing certain areas due to the density of crowds. Our experienced guides are adept at navigating through these challenging conditions and will strive to optimize your tour's route.

Vatican policies require modest attire to respect the sanctity of the site. This generally includes covering shoulders and knees for both men and women. It's also advisable to wear comfortable footwear.

A few things that pair well with this experience: 

For more information on planning your tour, read through our How to Visit the Vatican Museums resources page.

Roma Passes can not be used for the Vatican. 

How crowded will the Vatican be?

During the summer travel period, the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica can be subject to extremely high levels of visitor traffic. Our experienced guides are adept at navigating through these challenging conditions and will strive to optimize your tour experience. As a preferred Vatican partner, Context is able to secure tickets for this early entry time slot. However, you will not be alone in the Vatican, but the crowds will be more manageable. 

Yes. Context, as a Vatican-preferred partner, has access to advance entry tickets, which allows us to skip the general admission line. However, we will still be required to wait in the security line. At times, this line may take up to 20 minutes. Regardless, our guide will spend this time wisely by providing an overview of the history of the Vatican. The most important consideration is timing your visit to avoid large tour groups and cruise ships which cause excessive crowding. We schedule our tours to try and find the best conditions inside the museums. 

No, this tour does not include the Vatican Gardens.

Why is this tour not available on Wednesdays?

This tour grants entry to St. Peter's Basilica. On Wednesdays, the Basilica is closed to the public for the weekly audience with the Pope. We provide two tours that include visits to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, excluding the Basilica, and that are available every day, including Wednesdays. You can find more information by exploring our Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets.

Is it tour suitable for children?

This tour is not designed specifically for children. The extensive walking and noisy crowds at the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming for very young children, especially in the bustling summer months. For a more tailored tour to suit your family's needs, please feel free to check out the Vatican Tour for Kids with the Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets.

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

There is access for clients with mobility issues, and free wheelchairs are available for rent at the entrance. However, people using wheelchairs/walking devices must follow a different route and book privately. 

Guests with disabilities may be entitled to free entry to the Vatican Museums. Please contact us to find out if you qualify.

There are not many opportunities to stop and rest, especially with larger crowds during the busier spring and summer months. Please wear appropriate footwear and let us know of any mobility issues that may impact your tour experience. 

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.