Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel

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Highlights

  • Skip the line at the Vatican Museums to save time

  • See the Vatican Museums without the typical crowds

  • Enjoy expert commentary from your guide

  • Visit the Sistine Chapel just before closing time

  • Small groups of 15 or less for an intimate experience

Summary

Discover the best of the Vatican Museums on a skip-the-line, small group, guided tour without the typical crowds. See highlights of the museum's world-famous art collection and marvel at Michelangelo's awe-inspiring frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. 

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
15
Pricing (From)
Adult: (15-99 years)
€89.00
Child: (2-14 years)
€84.00
Infant: (0-1 years)
€0.00
Commentary
English
Dropoff location

Vatican Museums, Rome, IT

Why take this tour?

See the stunning Sistine Chapel and the highlights of the Vatican Museums after the crowds have left for the day on this guided tour with entry three hours before closing time. Your small group will be accompanied by an expert guide as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere Courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ and ‘Laocoön and Sons’, and finally Michelangelo's masterwork in the Sistine Chapel in relative peace and quiet.

Your tour begins with skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, taking the stress out of the long lines, and providing you with more time to explore one of the world’s greatest art collections. An expert guide will accompany you through the museums, telling stories that bring the statues, frescoes, and maps to life. With entry three hours before closing time, you’ll wander empty halls and take advantage of this quieter time to visit after most tourists have already departed.  
 
Boasting many galleries, it can be hard to know where to start, but your guide will take you on a carefully planned route perfected over the years. Discover the bigger picture of power and politics in Vatican City and how it interacts with art. 
 
Go to the rooms of former popes in the Raphael Rooms, and wander down the extraordinary Gallery of Maps to see how ancient cartographers mapped the world through history. End in the Sistine Chapel (just before closing time) after the daytime crowds have left. Gaze in awe at Michelangelo’s miraculous frescoes, including his depiction of the “Last Judgment” on the ceiling. 
 
By the end of your tour, you'll have experienced the Sistine Chapel and the highlights of Vatican Museums the way few can claim: in peace and without the crowds.

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What’s included?

  • Skip the Line Access tickets to the Vatican Museums

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Headsets

  • Small groups of 15 people or fewer

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact our Guest Experience team to make alternative arrangements.

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

  • Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

  • The Vatican policy insists that guests cover their shoulders and knees inside the Museums and Basilica at all times

Before you go

  • Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.

  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.

  • The use of mobile phones is allowed, except in the Sistine Chapel.

  • As with all museums, particular galleries of the Vatican museums can sometimes be closed without prior notice and pieces removed for restoration or loan. In the case of a gallery being closed, your guide will take you to another section of the museums instead.

  • All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html

  • Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums.

  • The Sistine Chapel is a holy place, and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress.

  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +1(202) 684-6916 to make alternative arrangements.

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

  • While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair and stroller access, they are not conveniently located on the group tour route and only give access to specific sections of the Museums. We advise clients to contact Walks Customer Service Team to make further arrangements.

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted
    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption
Operator Website

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About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.

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