VIP semi-private Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tour

We are able to offer high quality at a low price by running our tour in the afternoon or evening when there is no need to wait in line to enter the museum. You thus avoid paying the surcharge for the skip-the-line ticket which is usually only necessary in the morning. Evening is the best time to visit the museum as one avoids the bustle, large tour groups and crowds that are typically found earlier in the day. You will feel indulged by the intimate nature of being in a small group and enjoy an exceptionally high quality tour.

Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product

Stop At: Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, 00120 Vatican City Italy

Accompanied by your expert art historian guide, you will be immersed into a thrilling adventure of history, masterpieces, and secrets that for millennia have been secured within the fortified walls of Vatican City. Learn about its ancient origins, how archaic pagan rituals were practiced on the Vatican Hill, and how later in Roman times the Apostle Peter was crucified by order of the Emperor Nero.

In the Vatican Museum you will see highlights of the immense art collection including classical sculptures, Renaissance tapestries, and the spectacular Gallery of the Maps. Deep inside the ancient papal palace you may be shocked to learn how two magnificent apartments bore witness to the worst pope and darkest moments of the Catholic church, but you will also be astounded by the beauty of Raphael’s legendary paintings which adorn some of those very walls.

Duration: 2 hours

Stop At: Sistine Chapel, Viale Vaticano, 00165 Vatican City Italy

At the Sistine Chapel you will be awestruck as you gaze at Michelangelo’s Ceiling and Last Judgement. Absolute silence is required inside this place of worship, so your guide will have already explained what these masterpieces mean and why they are so celebrated. You will have also learnt about the papal conclave and the fabled moment when white smoke rises from a chimney on the Sistine Chapel roof, the sign that the cardinals have elected the new pope.

Duration: 15 minutes

Stop At: St. Peter's Square, Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Vatican City Italy

Next, is a short walk to your final stop, St. Peter’s Square. On the way you will marvel at the imposing fortified wall which surrounds the world’s smallest country and see the Swiss Guards on duty at the Vatican’s main gate. From the magnificent square you will also be able to admire the imposing St Peter’s Basilica, it will be closed by this time, but your guide will give you an introduction about its origins, history and what there is to see within.

Duration: 20 minutes

You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.