Tour Details
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
- Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Photos & Highlights
- Embark on an intriguing adventure led by a Vatican expert, as you uncover hidden mysteries within paintings and dig into captivating stories of the Vatican's past.
- Relax and let your guide lead the way, letting you create memories with your family while immersing yourselves in the intertwined narratives of faith, art, and power that define the Vatican.
Select a date
Tour Description
Ready to experience the Vatican with kids? Your expert is eager to share the stories behind famous artworks and sculptures, but they’ll also take you to lesser-known areas of the museum that you wouldn’t know how to find yourself.
Here, the kids are the stars of the show; adults can take a step back and relax. We’ll tailor the tour to your child’s interests, turning confusing names and dates into epic tales about brave knights, mischievous popes, and artists who were cooler than rock stars.
But don’t worry parents — you’ll still learn something, too. Imagine standing with your children beneath giants sculpted from marble or before enormous tapestries with hidden meanings woven into the fabric. History’s best stories will be broken down into fun, digestible tales, perfect for travelers of all ages.
We can’t forget the world’s most famous ceiling. Inside the Sistine Chapel, you’ll be floating in a sea of angels and prophets while your Vatican unlocks the secrets hidden in every brushstroke.
On this Vatican tour for kids, your family will navigate the Vatican like explorers, appreciating the hidden gems everyone else walks past. Pack your sense of adventure, show up with your curiosity, and get ready for a Vatican experience you'll never forget.
The Rome Jubilee (Dec 24, 2024 – Dec 14, 2025) may affect access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel on short notice. Visitors should anticipate potential disruptions or last-minute closures to accommodate official Jubilee events, funeral ceremonies, and conclave proceedings. As updates are announced, we will alert any affected tours.
The Rome Jubilee (Dec 24, 2024 – Dec 14, 2025) may affect access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel on short notice. Visitors should anticipate potential disruptions or last-minute closures to accommodate official Jubilee events, funeral ceremonies, and conclave proceedings. As updates are announced, we will alert any affected tours.
Experts
Kid-friendly experts
"Our Vatican tour was absolutely amazing! Our guide Carlo was amazing with the kids - my 13yr old said he could have listened to him talk all day!"
Sandra M.
Sandra M.
Engages young curious minds
"My family was so incredibly jet-lagged, but she made the tour fun, informative and kept my exhausted children attentive and very interested. Her husband, who is a master mosaics artist, even joined us briefly & she gave the children some pieces as a momento to take home!"
Amy F.
Amy F.
Captivates special interests
"Alessandra was amazing and very friendly. She captivated nine year old for 3 hours and focused on her interests to show us the Vatican."
Michelle D.
Michelle D.
- You want to dive into the secrets the Vatican holds, exploring both its iconic artworks along with lesser-known but equally fascinating sculptures and paintings that reveal the rich history captured in the museum's vast collection.
- You’re excited to see the iconic Sistine Chapel, but you want helpful tips and background to make your visit more meaningful than if you visited on your own.
- You would like a stress-free, educational tour that keeps the whole family engaged and entertained.
- Vatican Museums: An extensive complex of art galleries and historical collections, housing many of the world's most renowned artistic treasures and artifacts.
- Sistine Chapel: Nestled within the Vatican Museums, this sacred space is celebrated for its breathtaking ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo.
- This tour does not include the interior of St. Peter's Basilica. We've designed our shortened itinerary with younger attention spans in mind.
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.
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.
Recommended Age for Children
This tour is ideally suited for children aged 5 to 12. The extensive walking and noisy crowds at the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming for very young children, especially in the bustling summer months.
Dress Code
Vatican policies require modest attire to respect the sanctity of the site. This generally includes covering shoulders and knees for both men and women (zip-on jackets or scarves are acceptable). It's also advisable to wear comfortable footwear.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
A few things that pair well with this experience:
- A big meal before your tour and a full water bottle.
- A little pre-trip prep: The Sistine Chapel: An Inside Look Before Your Visit or Vatican Museums: Top 10 Highlights for Curious Travelers
- Your best walking shoes, lightweight clothing if visiting in the summer months, and an open and curious mind.
For more information on planning your tour, take a read through our How to Visit the Vatican Museums resources page.
Does this tour include St. Peter's Basilica?
This tour does not include St. Peter's Basilica. If you would like to combine all three iconic sites in one tour, please consider booking The Complete Vatican Tour with St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Skip-the-Line Tickets, or our St. Peter's Basilica tour. For more flexibility, check out our St. Peter's Audio Guide, which allows you to continue the Context experience on your own at any time. We can also purchase tickets to St. Peter's Basilica on your behalf—these pair perfectly with the audio guide and allow you to explore the site independently, though please note that your guide will not accompany you inside.
Does this tour include the Vatican Gardens?
This tour does not include St. Peter's Basilica. If you would like to combine all three iconic sites in one tour, please consider booking The Complete Vatican Tour with St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, and Skip-the-Line Tickets, or our St. Peter's Basilica tour. For more flexibility, check out our St. Peter's Audio Guide, which allows you to continue the Context experience on your own at any time. We can also purchase tickets to St. Peter's Basilica on your behalf—these pair perfectly with the audio guide and allow you to explore the site independently, though please note that your guide will not accompany you inside.
Does this tour include the Vatican Gardens?
No, this tour does not include the Vatican Gardens.
Are strollers allowed in the Vatican?
While strollers are permitted, our typical itinerary within the Vatican Museums includes stairs. You will have the option to carry the stroller up these stairs, or we can move through elevators, which are available in certain areas. However, please be advised that the dense crowds can make it challenging to maneuver a stroller through the galleries.
Does this walk "skip the line"?
Yes. Context, as a Vatican preferred partner, has access to timed tickets and can enter without waiting in the general entry line. Despite using the reserved entrance, "skipping the line" does not alleviate the biggest difficulty in visiting the Vatican: the crowds. We try to find the best conditions inside the museums. Please note that Roma Passes can not be used for this tour.
Can I store my luggage or stroller at the Vatican during my tour?
Can I store my luggage or stroller at the Vatican during my tour?
Before entering the exhibition spaces, visitors are required to leave all luggage, suitcases, large bookbags, packages, power banks, or containers considered unsuitable by Vatican staff in the cloakroom. Please be sure that if you check something into the cloakroom, you must pick up your baggage before the end of the business day at the Vatican.
I have purchased the Roma Pass, can I use it on my Context tours?
Roma Passes can not be used for the Vatican.
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.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
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.
Are there areas to stop and sit along the way?
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.
Where You'll Start
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392 Reviews
Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.
Andrea was great, good with the kids and very knowledgeable.
Clint
May 22, 2025
Our guide Jeanette was the perfect person to lead us through our first visit to the Vatican. She was so knowledgeable and adapted the tour to engage my 11yr daughter so well. The private tour really made the most of our limited time there, highly recommend.
Anne
May 15, 2025
Our guide was so knowledgeable, friendly, and great at adapting content to our family's interests (and stamina :-))!
Kelly
Apr 29, 2025
