Early Vatican Museums Tour: The Best of the Sistine Chapel

4.7
(934 reviews)

3 to 4 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Enter the Sistine Chapel at the most peaceful time of day to enjoy Michelangelo’s masterpiece in serenity and embark on a thorough guided tour of the Vatican Museums, ending at the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. There's no better way to see the highlights of the Vatican without the crowds that descend upon the galleries later in the day. Not a morning person? Book the Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel for a relaxed afternoon visit after the crowds have left for the day.

What's Included

Guests can stay and enjoy time at their leisure after the tour finishes
Small groups of 15 people or fewer
Expertly guided tour of the Vatican
Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums
Skip the line ticket for St. Peter's Basilica (AM Tour option only)
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Antico Café Candia, Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM.

End point
Saint Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 4 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Vatican Museums

    If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: Your guide will lead you on a full tour of the Vatican Museums, stopping to see all the most important works. Visiting either before or after the daytime crowds, you’ll appreciate the extra space and silence to appreciate the magnificent artwork in the Museums.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Guided tour & Photo Stop

    Admission ticket free
  • Sphere within a Sphere (Pass by)

    If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: Inside the peaceful, Pinecone Courtyard you'll pass a spectacular bronze globe. It was designed for the Vatican by well-known Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro and copies of it can now be found all over the world, including Dublin, Tel Aviv and New York City.

    Admission ticket free
  • 2

    If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour: During the day, the Raphael Rooms are as busy as the Sistine Chapel. At this hour of the morning, however, when the Museums have just opened for the day, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy them peacefully. Your guide will point out where Raphael worked the faces of his contemporaries Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo into his frescoes.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Guided tour & Photo Stop

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Guided tour & Photo Stop

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Sistine Chapel

    If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: The Sistine Chapel wasn’t meant to be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other people. Beat the crowds by entering first thing in the morning or in late afternoon to enjoy the incredible frescoes in relative peace. Please note that the Sistine Chapel (and the door with access to St. Peter's Basilica) will be closed from April 28-mid-May for the Papal Conclave. The Vatican Museums will remain open and you will still be able to see its many highlights with your expert guide as they lead you on an alternative itinerary during this historic time at the Vatican.

    30 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4
    St. Peter's Basilica

    If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour: Last but certainly not least, you'll head straight to St. Peter's Basilica via a special secret passage, bypassing the long lines that are starting to form outside. End your morning with a full tour of the sacred space and gaze upon Michelangelo's moving Pietà, Bernini's grandiose altarpiece, and so much more as you learn the stories and legends behind them. Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is subject to unexpected closures. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.

    1 hour Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
Supplied by Walks - Italy & Spain

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Tags

Half-day Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
Religious Tours
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Excellent Quality
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Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.7 Based on 934 934 reviews
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