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This tour is truly unusual, because it hides an entire world inside it — a whole universe of artistic masterpieces. The Vatican Museums are an immense collection of galleries and halls where you’ll find some of the most fascinating and valuable exhibits created by the great masters of the past. And, ultimately, the Vatican Museums are among the most visited not only in Italy, but in the entire world.
Sistine Chapel — Michelangelo’s famous fresco “The Last Judgment”.
Belvedere Courtyard — High Renaissance architecture and iconic sculptures.
Pinacoteca — over 400 works, tracing painting from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Raphael Rooms — four rooms painted by Raphael and his students (1508–1517).
Tour format: 3 hours with a licensed guide + entry tickets included.
Good to know: the museums are closed on Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month (free entry).
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel holds one of the main places in the Vatican Museums complex. It is here that you can see Michelangelo’s famous fresco called “The Last Judgment”.
Belvedere Courtyard
The Belvedere Courtyard is where you’ll see buildings whose architecture will remind you of — and tell you about — the era of the High Renaissance.
In addition, you will see the statue of Apollo, Perseus, the statue of Aphrodite of Knidos, and other fascinating exhibits.
Pio-Clementino Museum
The Pio-Clementino Museum will impress you with no less interesting works of art, displayed across 8 halls.
Gregorian Egyptian Museum
The Gregorian Egyptian Museum has 9 halls, where you can see statues of pharaohs, ancient mummies, sarcophagi, and various Egyptian cult objects, dated to the 3rd century BC.
Pinecone Courtyard
In the Pinecone Courtyard, various unusual exhibits await you, displayed outdoors.
For example, here you will see a gigantic pinecone that decorates a fountain — an ancient symbol of life.
You will also definitely be interested in the sculpture “Sphere within Sphere”, which is a symbol of modern life.
Pinacoteca
The Pinacoteca displays more than four hundred works. By viewing them, you’ll be able to better understand and explore the history of painting — from the primitive styles of the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Raphael Rooms
The Raphael Rooms are four rooms painted by Raphael himself and his students between 1508 and 1517.
And that’s not all
In addition to everything else, the Vatican Museums include the Galleries of Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps, the Immacolata Hall, the Museum of Philately and Numismatics, the Ethnological Museum, the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, and many, many others. As you can imagine, there will be plenty to see — and plenty to be amazed by!
What to do
Join an engaging Vatican Museums tour with entry tickets included, guided by a licensed professional — it’s the easiest way to focus on the key masterpieces and understand what you’re seeing.
Make sure your route includes the Sistine Chapel, Belvedere Courtyard, Pio-Clementino Museum, Gregorian Egyptian Museum, Pinecone Courtyard, the Pinacoteca, and the Raphael Rooms.
Leave time for the Museums’ additional gems, like the Galleries of Candelabra, Tapestries, and Maps — they’re often where the “wow” moments happen.
1-day itinerary
Reserve the morning (or the first half of the day) for the 3-hour Vatican Museums tour, so you can walk through the main halls at a comfortable pace.
Focus on the must-sees: Sistine Chapel, Belvedere Courtyard, Pio-Clementino Museum, Gregorian Egyptian Museum, Pinecone Courtyard, the Pinacoteca, and the Raphael Rooms.
2-day itinerary
Day 1: follow the main route with a licensed guide (3 hours) to see the essentials and get clear context for the masterpieces.
Day 2: return for the galleries and rooms you want to explore in more detail — from the Galleries of Candelabra and Tapestries to the Gallery of Maps, plus other museums within the complex.
How to get there / tour details
We invite you to join an exciting Vatican Museums tour with entry tickets, accompanied by a licensed guide. Tour duration is 3 hours. Price is 65 euros per person.
Finally, here is one more useful piece of information: the Vatican Museums do not work on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month. On that day, entry is completely free!
FAQ: Vatican Museums — tickets, schedule, route
How long does the Vatican Museums tour last?
The description states a duration of 3 hours.
Are entry tickets included?
Yes, the tour is offered with entry tickets included.
Who will guide the tour?
You will be accompanied by a licensed guide.
How much does it cost per person?
The text mentions: 65 euros per person.
What are the must-sees inside the Vatican Museums?
The Sistine Chapel, Belvedere Courtyard, the Pinacoteca, and the Raphael Rooms.
Where can I see “The Last Judgment”?
In the Sistine Chapel — one of the main highlights of the Vatican Museums complex.
What’s special about the Belvedere Courtyard?
High Renaissance architecture and well-known sculptures such as Apollo, Perseus, and Aphrodite of Knidos.
What will I find in the Pinacoteca?
Over 400 works that help you follow the development of painting up to the 19th century.
What is in the Gregorian Egyptian Museum?
Pharaoh statues, ancient mummies, sarcophagi, and Egyptian cult objects dated to the 3rd century BC.
What can I see in the Pinecone Courtyard?
Outdoor exhibits, including a giant pinecone decorating a fountain and the “Sphere within Sphere” sculpture.
When were the Raphael Rooms painted?
Between 1508 and 1517, by Raphael and his students.
When is entry free?
On the last Sunday of the month (otherwise, the museums are closed on Sundays).
