Pristine Sistine Early Morning Small Group Vatican Tour

Highlights

  • Visit the stunning Sistine Chapel before the daytime crowds.

  • Explore the Vatican Museums at the quietest time of day.

  • Skip the line at St. Peter's Basilica.

  • Gaze upon masterpieces by Raphael, Michelangelo, & Bernini.

  • Marvel at the awe-inspiring Raphael Rooms.

  • Learn from one of the best expert guides in Rome.

Summary

Be among the first visitors of the day to step into the Sistine Chapel and skip the line to enter St. Peter's Basilica.

Tour info

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
15
Pricing (From)
Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€124.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€114.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00
See all pricing
Commentary
English

Why take this tour?

Beat the crowds and see historic masterpieces up close on this guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. See the stunning Raphael Rooms, marvel at the artwork in the Sistine Chapel, and visit the impressive Vatican Museums with a guide.

Enter the Vatican Museums right as they open for the day for a complete guided tour of this stunning space. Enjoy the masterpieces without the bustling crowds as you follow your guide through the Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of Maps, the four Raphael Rooms, and more. Learn from your guide where Raphael worked the faces of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo into his frescoes.  

Next, head to the Sistine Chapel. Arrive just as the doors first open to groups and visit at the most peaceful time of day. Get a full run-down of Michelangelo's frescoes, including a detailed handout, from your guide before heading in.  

Finish your tour by going to St. Peter's Basilica via a special secret passage, bypassing the long lines outside. End your morning with a full tour of this sacred space and gaze upon Michelangelo's moving Pietà, Bernini's grandiose altarpiece and learn the stories and legends behind the art.

What’s included?

  • Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums

  • Skip the line ticket to St. Peter's Basilica

  • Expertly guided tour of Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica

  • Small groups of 15 people or fewer

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Headset

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel Pick-Up / Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

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

  • 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 to make alternative arrangements.

  • 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.

  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees.

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

Before you go

  • This tour is in English.

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

  • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.

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

  • 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. Storage is available but please note you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the 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.

  • 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 to make alternative arrangements.

  • 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.

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

Covid Policy

  • Face masks required for travelers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Face masks provided for travelers
  • Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 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

Pricing

PRICING VALID FOR 7:15 AM

Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€129.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€119.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00

PRICING VALID FOR 7:45 AM

Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€124.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€114.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00

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.