Pristine Sistine Early Entrance Small Group Vatican Tour

Highlights

  • Enter the Museums before the general public to see the Sistine Chapel at a quieter time.

  • Access the Raphael Rooms, considered by many historians to be as breathtaking as the Sistine Chapel, before opening hours

  • Enjoy access into the Vatican Museums before opening time, which can save hours waiting in lines

  • Our guides are passionate art experts, full of stories and familiar with even the smallest details. With groups of just 15 or fewer, you'll find them easy to engage with.

  • This comprehensive 4 hr Vatican tour includes all the highlights of the Vatican Museums including the Pinacoteca painting gallery, missed by most.

Summary

With entrance to the Vatican an hour before the public, enjoy a full Sistine Chapel Tour & Vatican Museums tour at the most peaceful time of day.

Tour info

Duration
4 hours
Group Size
15
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Our Pristine Sistine Chapel tour is the product of 13 years of constant development and refinement. Most Vatican tours start in the rooms closest to the entrance but we've found that the trick is to enter early, a full hour ahead of the general public, and go directly to the most beautiful (and busiest) rooms: The Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms.

Passing through empty galleries, you'll arrive first at the four Raphael Rooms. Considered by many to be as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel. It can be difficult to negotiate these apartments later in the day, but at this hour of the morning, your guide will have the time and space to give you a proper tour. There are so many incredible details in these frescoes; including a likeness of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, strolling through The School of Athens.

Now that your eye is trained to great Renaissance masterpieces, it's time for the main event. You'll enter the Sistine Chapel just as the doors open to groups and ahead of the general public. By this time, your guide will have given you the full history of this space and pointers on what to look out for. Take your time and enjoy some of the most iconic images on earth. After 15 to 20 minutes of quiet contemplation, you'll embark on a guided tour of the Vatican Museums.

Engage with the Best of the Vatican Museums Collection

The Vatican Museums are home to some of the world's most precious artefacts and some of its most impressive artworks, but it can be hard to understand the significance of works without some expert help. That's where our guides come in. They're all experienced art historians with perfect English. They'll show you the highlights of the collection and enrich your visit with witty anecdotes and entertaining details. Traveling in small groups of only 15 people or fewer (with top-quality headsets) you’ll always be able to hear your guide and engage with their stories, asking all the questions you can think of.

Among the galleries you visit will be the Pinacoteca Art Gallery. Overlooked by most visitors, it's the more modern wing of the Vatican Museums and home to a collection of the Vatican's most precious paintings. You'll see works by Leondardo da Vinci, Caravaggio and more by Raphael. Anywhere else in the world just one of these works would draw lines around the block, but at this time and in this setting, you'll often have the space to yourselves.

Previously, many Vatican tours visited St Peter's Basilica. Following the pandemic however, routes and access have changed, making this impossible. The Basilica remains a must-see on any trip to Rome though, so your guide will give you the tips and context you need to get the most from an independent visit. They'll do this in a special spot overlooking the Basilica's most notable feature - it's incredible dome.

Most people only visit the Vatican once in a lifetime (if ever!) Our Pristine Sistine™ Chapel Tour guarantees that you have a once-in-a-lifetime experience while you're there.

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What’s included?

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Expertly guided walking tour

  • Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums

  • Headset

  • Small groups of 15 people or fewer

  • 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.

  • We cannot accept wheelchairs on this group tour. Our group route utilizes staircases where elevator access is not easily accessible. Those with wheelchairs and limited mobility can contact us ([email protected]) so we can arrange your visit.

  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy 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.

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

  • Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information

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
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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