The Vatican Museums - generally acknowledged to be one of the best collections of art in the world - are usually closed to the public at night. On this Vatican Night Tour, you’ll have the opportunity to discover Greek statues, The Sistine Chapel and Renaissance masterpieces after dark, and the Vatican Museums with an expert private guide. When night falls, the atmosphere of the Vatican Museums is transformed. You’ll marvel at the timeless beauty of these grand galleries. You’ll walk through vast, frescoed chambers and hallways lined with some of the most famous statues from antiquity, enjoying the enchanted atmosphere which can only be experienced in the calm of the evening. The splendour of the Vatican never ceases to amaze, but your visit will be further enriched by the explanations of your personal guide. You’ll see works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, and discover what inspired these great artists. This tour is carefully planned to optimize your time, showing you highlights such as the Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms as well as some of the hidden treasures of the Belvedere Courtyard, The Gallery of the Maps and the Gallery of the Tapestries. The Vatican is renowned throughout the world for its astonishing collection of Greek and Roman art. A Renaissance enthusiasm for classical artwork led to the rediscovery and display of great works such as the Laocoon - a moving depiction of the struggle of a doomed family - and the aesthetic perfection of the Apollo Belvedere. Discover the stories and the secrets of these magnificent sculptures on your private Vatican tour, exploring the Courtyard of the Pinecone, the Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, and many other famous parts of the Vatican Museums. An undisputed highlight of the tour is undoubtedly a walk through the Raphael Rooms. Stunning frescoes by Raphael decorate the walls and ceilings of the most luxurious rooms in the papal apartments, including the famous School of Athens. This impressive fresco not only demonstrates Raphael’s supreme talent, but also offers a fascinating insight into the art and philosophy of the Renaissance. Your journey through the Raphael Rooms takes you to the Sistine Chapel tour. Seeing Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes with your own eyes is an unforgettable experience. Learn about the remarkable life and work of Michelangelo, one of the greatest artists of all time, while studying the rich detail of the most famous ceiling in the world. On your private tour of the Sistine Chapel you’ll have the opportunity to admire the paintings up close, and hear the story behind the Last Judgement. This vast painting on the altar wall was surprisingly controversial when it was first revealed, for reasons you’ll discover on your private tour. With the help of your knowledgeable guide, you’ll separate fact from fiction and learn the truth about Michelangelo’s masterpiece.
