Your tour begins with skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, taking the stress out of the long lines, and providing you with more time to explore one of the world’s greatest art collections. An expert guide will accompany you through the museums, telling stories that bring the statues, frescoes, and maps to life.

Boasting many galleries, it can be hard to know where to start and what you should see if you're short on time. But your guide will take you on a carefully planned route perfected over the years. Along the way, you'll discover the bigger picture of power and politics in Vatican City and how it interacts with art.

During your three-hour tour of the Vatican Museums' highlights, explore the peaceful Pinecone Courtyard, admire the famous ‘Apollo Belvedere’ and ‘Laocoön and Sons’ statues, and wander down the extraordinary Gallery of Maps to see how ancient cartographers mapped the world through history. End in the Sistine Chapel and gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s miraculous frescoes, including his depiction of the “Last Judgment” on the ceiling. If you want a crowd-free experience, pick the 4:15pm tour at time of booking. You'll skip-the-line into the Vatican Museums and enjoy the Sistine Chapel as the last visitors of the day.

By the end of your tour, you'll have experienced the Sistine Chapel and the highlights of Vatican Museums alongside an expert guide to help you appreciate it all.