Private Early Morning Sistine Chapel Tour

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Highlights

Explore the Vatican Museums before they open to the public
Meet the genius of Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel
Explore the courts of the Italian Renaissance in the Raphael Rooms
Come face to face with the masterpieces of the Vatican without the crowds

Summary

Enter the Vatican before it opens to the general public, exploring the highlights of the galleries in the tranquility of the early morning before entering the Sistine Chapel when it's at its quietest.

Tour info

Duration

3 hours 30 minutes

Pricing (From)

Adult: (18-64 years)

€456.00

Why take this tour?

Enjoy the Sistine Chapel as Popes and princes did: early in the morning. This private tour offers the perfect environment to explore the Sistine Chapel and other works of incomparable beauty in the Vatican Museums. Your personal guide will help you visualize the cultural context in which such works arose, immersing you in the climate of the Renaissance. This exclusive Vatican private tour will take you to discover this season of human history when the flowering of the arts was accompanied by the evolution of science, together laying the foundations for much of our modern world. This was a period of overwhelming enthusiasm and of amazing innovation. The men of the Renaissance didn't merely dream of changing the world, they revolutionised it. The printing press, the geographic maps with which Columbus reached the Americas, modern science, architecture, art, and the modern sense of beauty were all creations of the Italian Renaissance. Some of the the most important works that you will discover, such as timeless Greek masterpieces like the Laocoon, the Belvedere Torso and the Apollo Belvedere, were excavated at the time of Michelangelo and Raphael, who studied and admired them in the same architectural context in which they are preserved today. The artworks that they created are the fruit of their careful study. And so you too will pass through the Pinecone courtyard, the Belvedere courtyard and the tapestry galleries on your Vatican private tour, discovering a selection of masterpieces with a guide capable of recreating the climate of the epoch, helping you to appreciate the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel in their historical context. Please note, the Basilica of St.Peter's may be subject to unscheduled closings and late openings for religious ceremonies. Because these are often last-minute for security reasons, guests will not be notified in advance. Instead, you will be provided with a complete experience by exploring the Vatican Museums in more detail.

What’s included?

All fees and taxes
Early access to the Vatican Museums
Skip-the-line Tickets
Expert, English-speaking private guide
Headsets (for groups of 6 or more)
Transportation to and from the meeting and end points
Food and beverages
Gratuities (optional)

Things to know

Before you book

Please note that the Vatican Museums provide free entrance for visitors who are (according to the requirements stated by the Vatican City) at least 74% disabled by presenting the appropriate certification and, if one needs assistance by another person, that person also receives a free entrance. Please inform us when you are booking if you fit into these requirements and we will remove the pricing of the entry tickets from the price of the tour.
As this is a walking tour with steps and staircases, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended.
The Basilica of St. Peter's may be subject to unscheduled closings and late openings for religious ceremonies. Because these are often last-minute for security reasons, we do not have time to notify our guests. In that event, we will provide you with a complete experience by exploring the Vatican Museums in more detail.
Please advise if any travelers have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.

Before you go

Your guide will meet you in front of the Caffe Vaticano, Viale Vaticano, 100.
Please ensure you arrive 10 minutes early and at the right meeting point as we cannot wait for late arrivals.
For your convenience and safety we urge you to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Please advise if any travelers have mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.
Dress code enforced at certain religious sites and museums. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
Large bags, tripods and large umbrellas cannot be brought into the museums. These items will have to be left at the museum coat check and retrieved after your visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.
At the end of your tour, you are required to return the headset provided to you to your guide. In the event that you do not return the headset, you will be subject to a fine of €100 for lost property.

Cancellation Policy

15 or more days before the tour day: 90% of the cost will be refunded, minus ticket costs; Between 8 and 14 days before the tour day: 50% of the cost will be refunded, minus ticket costs, 7 days or less: no refund.

Operator Website

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About operator:

Through Eternity is a tour company in Italy that provides insightful guidance and commentary on historical and artistic sights, both well known and off the beaten track. The company has been providing exceptionally high quality cultural tourism since 1999. Our guides are all highly educated, fluent English-speaking professionals who bring history alive and provide deep cultural context. The company provides tours and excursions in Italy, Spain, France, Turkey, England and Greece. All Through Eternity's back-office staff are native English speakers.