Vatican Guided Visit and Tiber River Boat Experience

Start your morning with timeless masterpieces in the Vatican then cruise Rome’s river with freedom and style.

Description

Begin your morning immersed in centuries of art, architecture, and religious history inside the Vatican Museums. With the advantage of an early access guided visit (7:45 am departure), you'll explore the highlights of one of the most important museum collections in the world while the crowds are still light. From classical sculptures and Renaissance tapestries to the frescoes of Raphael’s Rooms, every step is filled with meaning. Your guide, an expert in art and history, will lead you through the galleries, ending the visit in the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces in a calm, reverent atmosphere. The early morning tour starting at 7:45 AM offers the most serene experience and must be selected when booking.

After your deep dive into Vatican treasures, change tempo with a leisurely cruise on the Tiber River. With your 24-hour Hop-On Hop-Off boat pass, you can explore Rome’s neighborhoods and landmarks from a scenic and peaceful perspective. Float past sites like Castel Sant’Angelo, Isola Tiberina, and the bridges that weave the city together. Whether you stay on board for the full loop or disembark at key piers to wander Trastevere or Campo de’ Fiori, the river cruise is a relaxing, traffic-free way to move through the city. Onboard audio commentary provides insights along the way, helping you connect the dots between ancient and modern Rome.

This combination tour is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their time in Rome without feeling rushed. Begin your day with guided insight into the Vatican’s masterpieces, then enjoy the freedom to design your afternoon using the river cruise to reach different corners of the city. Whether you’re seeking iconic landmarks, charming neighborhoods, or a scenic break from walking, this experience offers just the right mix of structure and spontaneity—with Rome’s beauty always at the center.

Inclusions

• Early entrance avoiding the crowds (for 7.45 AM departures)
• Licensed English speaking guide
• Guided tour at Vatican museums
• Skip-the-line access tickets to the Vatican Museums
• Rome Boat Tour Hop On Hop Off Ticket (24 hours ticket validity)
• Possibility to hop-on hop-off the boat during the validity at every pier
• Multi audio commentary on board

Meeting Point

Notes

Guests with wheelchair accessibility needs will find difficulty with this group tour. In order to ensure a barrier-free tour with alternative routes, please book the private version of this tour.

Please note that the itinerary inside the Vatican Museums may vary, depending on restrictions decided by the museum board. 

The guided tour will culminate at the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel. Your guide will provide you with directions on how to reach St. Peter's Square, ensuring you have a clear understanding of the best route to take, if you want to reach it on your own. The guide will not accompany you inside the Basilica, allowing you to spend additional time there at your own pace.

Entry to the Vatican Museums is based on strictly timed tickets. For this reason, late arrivals cannot be guaranteed access. All visitors must have a photo ID for the security check. The Vatican Museums imposes a mandatory dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered, otherwise you will not be able to enter.

For security reasons, power banks are not permitted inside the Vatican Museums. Please leave them at the designated deposit area at the entrance, where they will be securely stored and available for collection at the conclusion of your tour.

Important Notice: Jubilee Year 2025
As 2025 is the Jubilee Year, a period of major religious celebrations and events, tour schedules may be subject to changes beyond our control due to decisions by the Holy See and Jubilee initiatives. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding regarding any adjustments that may arise.

BOAT LINE ON TEVERE RIVER: 
Please note that there are no food or beverage services on board the boat, however, you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.
Restroom facilities are available on board.
We regret to inform you that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
Boats operate daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with departures approximately every 30 minutes.
Please note: This is a voucher, not a ticket. You can use this voucher to collect your tickets at your chosen embarkation point.

Rain Policy

This tour runs on rain or shine.