Early Bird & Private Tour: Secrets of the Vatican Museums

Highlights

  • Explore the Vatican Museums

  • Enjoy a stroll through the impressive Belvedere Courtyard

  • See the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps

  • Marvel at the Sistine Chapel

  • See St. Peter’s Basilica

Summary

Admire the treasures of the Vatican Museums, the beautifully painted Sistine Chapel and the magnificent St Peter's Basilica

Tour info

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
English
Meeting Point

Giuly's Cafè, Via Santamaura, 3 , Rome, Lazio, IT

123 Main St, Main St, Kings County, New York, 11217, United States

Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

On this tour of the home of the Catholic Church, you will have the opportunity to visit the important landmarks with major significance to Catholics. Hear about the tumultuous history of the Church and the colourful popes who reside behind these sturdy walls.

* Explore the **Vatican Museums** - home to some of the most renowned classical sculptures and masterpieces from the Renaissance. 
* Enjoy a stroll through the impressive **Belvedere Courtyard.** 
* Marvel at some of the finest pieces of artwork at the **Gallery of Tapestries** and the **Gallery of Maps.** 
* Learn the history behind the impressive collection of sculptures, carvings, frescoes and paintings. 
* Skip-the-line and be mesmerized by **Michelangelo**’s two great frescoes at the **Sistine Chapel**– **The****Creation** and the Last Judgement. 
* Immerse yourself in the **hidden gems of the museums**, exploring rooms which are closed to the public at all times. This includes the **Room of the Animals**, **Gallery of Statues**, and the **Cabinet of Masks**. 
* Step foot in the largest and most important Catholic Church in the world – **St. Peter’s Basilica**.

**Vatican City** is considered to be the centre of the Roman Catholic Church and is undoubtedly one of the most historically and culturally-rich cities in the world. As the world’s smallest independent state, situated in the centre of Rome, Vatican City is home to the **Swiss Guards** – tasked with protecting the Pope; **St. Peter’s Basilica**– the centre of the Catholic world; **St. Peter’s Square** – a large plaza situated in front of St. Peter’s Basilica; **Sistine Chapel** – the official residence of the Pope; and **Vatican Museums** – home to paintings and sculptures collected by the Popes for hundreds of years.

Your comprehensive tour of Vatican Museums will whisk you through the entire complex. Begin with a stroll through the impressive Belvedere Courtyard, before exploring the many rooms and galleries of the museums. Explore the Gallery of Tapestries, the Gallery of Maps, and be mesmerised by Michelangelo’s great frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel. This VIP-style tour will also give travellers access to the hidden gems and secret rooms of the museum, which aren't typically open for public viewing. You will have exclusive access to the Room of the Animals, Gallery of Statues, and the Cabinet of the Masks.

What’s included?

  • Relaxed & comfortable guided tour

  • One hour entrance before the general public to the Vatican Museums

  • Visit all of the most important sites of the Vatican

  • Plenty of time to take photos of the spectacular sights

  • Food and drink, although your guide will be happy to recommend local favourites along the way

Things to know

Before you book

  • Please bring comfortable walking shoes

  • Kids under 4 are free

Before you go

  • Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes prior to the tour start time

  • Please bring waterproof clothing in case it rains

  • In summer, please remember to bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water

Covid Policy

  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands

Cancellation Policy

    Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

About operator:

Travel Curious, based in Shoreditch/London, researches, creates and owns immersive, cultural tours and experiences in cities throughout the world. We provide our tours and experiences as a service to the travel industry and are privileged to name some of the biggest global brands as our partners