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Highlights

View Michelangelo’s remarkable Sistine Chapel before the general public
Early access and top-rated guides make this tour a clear winner for best value
Skip-the-line access to both the Vatican Museums AND St. Peter's Basilica

Summary

Skip the line and enter the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel one full hour before the general public on this limited-access tour!

Tour info

Duration

4 hours 30 minutes

Group Size

Why take this tour?

Beat the crowds and enjoy skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel at the quietest time of the day. On this special access tour, our expert guide will accompany you through the Vatican Museums, the rooms of Raphael, and the Sistine Chapel a full 60 minutes before opening to the general public and 30 minutes before opening to other accredited tour operators.

As you stroll through the former papal residences your guide will point out major works of art dating back to Ancient Greece and Rome and explain the role these ancient pieces played in inspiring the future artistic genius of Renaissance Italy. Much of this tour will be dedicated to the awe-inspiring Rooms of Raphael and the majestic Sistine Chapel, from its commissioning to the finishing touches applied by none other than Michelangelo Buonarroti. You will hear the true life story of this fascinating yet tormented artist, who considered himself a sculptor and not a painter yet dedicated countless years of his life painting frescoes on a ceiling 44 feet high. Learn of the physical and psychological damage inflicted on the artist as your guide helps you to discern between myth, fact, and popular Hollywood fiction regarding this epic work of art.

After ample time gazing up at the world’s most famous ceiling, choose whether to take advantage of priority access to St. Peter's Basilica or remain inside the museums to explore some of the remaining 1400 galleries of art at your own pace.

What’s included?

Special access to the Vatican Museums 60 minutes before opening
Rooms of Raphael and Sistine Chapel
Full-immersion guided Vatican Museums experience with an expert Vatican tour guide
Belvedere Courtyard, Greek and Roman Sculptures
Priority access to St. Peter's Basilica (not on wednesdays)
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities

Things to know

Before you book

Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Max 20 participants per tour

Before you go

Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered
Tour departs rain or shine
Passports are not required for entry to the Vatican Museums

Cancellation Policy

All cancellations must be received in writing. Cancellations made up to 24 hours prior to the start time will be refunded in full. No refunds will be made for cancellations with less than 24 hours notice or failure to arrive at the meeting point on time (no-show).

Redemption information

Ciao, thank you for booking with ItaliaTours!
Your VATICAN EARLY ENTRANCE: SEMIPRIVATE SISTINE CHAPEL TOUR is booked. Excited? You’re about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

MEETING POINT:
Arrive 15 minutes before the start of your tour in front of Via Sebastiano Veniero 19. Across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance you will see a broad staircase leading down. At the bottom of the stairs, turn right. Number 19 is a few steps ahead where an Italia Tours representative will be waiting for you.
Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/ZtNY3GCYFy8zbCN29

VATICAN DRESS CODE:
Shoulders and knees must be covered for both men, women, and children. Short pants are permitted as long as the above requirements are met. No refunds will be given if entry is refused due to lack of appropriate dress. No knives, weapons, or sharp objects will be permitted inside.

CROWDING/PARTIAL CLOSINGS:
During peak season and on the days surrounding national and/or religious holidays, extreme crowding can be expected at the Vatican, leading to increased wait times to pass through security checks despite our priority-access reservations. While this is beyond our control, we do our best to minimize any inconvenience.

ITALIA TOURS CUSTOMER SERVICE:
Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617-207-6611
Call from Italy: +39 069-674-1298
Email: [email protected]