Extraordinary Entry Sistine Chapel: VIP Access Official Vatican Tour
3.5 hours
Max 10
Why take this tour?
Highlights
- Marvel at one of the most iconic artistic masterpieces in the world — Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel — with almost nobody else around
- Explore the Vatican Museums in-depth with an official Vatican guide. With a small group of just 10 guests max, you’ll have easy access to them, who can answer any question you have about this extraordinary destination
- Morning tour: Begin your perfect day in Rome as you arrive at the Vatican at sunrise, making your way through the silent halls of the Museums before they officially open
- Morning tour: Sit down to a sumptuous breakfast buffet in the Pinecone Courtyard to refresh and refuel after a morning spent nearly alone among the Vatican’s greatest treasures
- Evening tour: Relish in the serenity of the Vatican as the gates close to the general public for the day, enjoying a relaxing visit away from the crowds as the sun begins to set over Rome
- Evening tour: Enjoy a classic Italian-style aperitivo at twilight in the beautiful Pinecone Courtyard — a picture-perfect end to your day in the Eternal City
- Sites Visited
- Vatican Museums
- Sistine Chapel
- Raphael Rooms
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Gallery of the Candelabra
- Gallery of the Maps
- Gallery of the Tapestries
- Octagonal Courtyard
- Tour Includes
- Local English-speaking official Vatican Guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museums
- VIP access to the Sistine Chapel
- Aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard
Embark on a guided journey through the Sistine Chapel that few people get to experience.
Book Now
Total Customer Reviews: 260
Verified Ratings
4.4 /5
based on 45 Walks' reviews
Rating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
Our Guide was amazing. Tour was full of colorful narrative which enriched the experience. There is only so much you can do when mainlining art and we got to see the best of the best thanks to Walks.
Tripadvisor customer · Sep 19, 2023
Excellent
This is so worth it and definitely go in the morning! We had Kylie and she was wonderful. It made so much sense to meet at the little cafe (although you'll need a taxi)
Tripadvisor customer · Sep 17, 2023
Excellent
Guide was the best. She was extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic. It was an experience I'll always remember.
Viator customer · Sep 17, 2023
Excellent
Guide very knowledgeable. We enjoyed learning from him. Unfortunately the basilica was closed while we were there, so disappointing.
Viator customer · Sep 16, 2023
Excellent
The tour guide we had was excellent, detailed and above all knew (or so we believed) a lot about The Vatican Museums and The Sistine Chapel. His enthusiasm about this showed throughout with a few detailed tidbits.
Verified · Samuel · Sep 15, 2023 · USA · Male · 65 to 74 years
Meeting Point
Meeting Point
Viale Vaticano 104, 00192 Rome. Meet your Walks Coordinator in front of Ristorante Da Paolo. The restaurant is located across the street from the walls of the Vatican, about 100 meters before the main museum entrance if you are arriving from the center of Rome. Your coordinator will be on the street corner holding a green sign or just inside the doors of the restaurant. Your Walks Coordinator will accompany you into the Vatican Museums to meet your guide.
Please meet 15 minutes prior to the tour start time.
FAQs
Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs, strollers or for those with mobility impairments?
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 at [email protected] or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
Can my dietary needs be accommodated on this tour?
The buffet has a variety of options that can accomodate different dietary restrictions. Contact the Guest Experience team at [email protected] or call +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) if you need additional assistance.
I am in a wheelchair/have a mobility impairment. Can I take this tour?
The Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair access, but they are not located on the group tour route. If you have a mobility impairment and/or use a wheelchair please contact our customer service department at [email protected] and we will be happy to work out a suitable alternative.
I've heard the Vatican has a strict dress code. What should I wear?
It does, but it isn't anything too formal. The big rule is to make sure your shoulders and knees are covered - that applies to both men and women. Also remember that shorts of any length are not allowed at all in St. Peter's Basilica so if you are visiting both the Vatican Musuems and the Basilica, wear trousers or a long skirt. Occasionally visitors get away with wearing a bit less but it’s best not to risk it. Hats are also not allowed.
Walks cannot be held responsible for guests who are refused entrance due to inappropriate dress so please remember to cover up.
Why can't I take photos inside the Sistine Chapel?
When the chapel was restored in 1990 the biggest donors to the project (donating a whopping $4.2 million) were a Japanese television network. In return, they received exclusive rights to photograph and film inside and quickly banned any professional photographers from taking pictures. Although they didn't mind if tourists took photos, the Vatican guards decided to enforce the rule on everyone because it was impractical to differentiate between a normal visitor and who was a professional photographer. The Japanese network's exclusive contract has expired now but the rule persists. If you try to take any images in the Chapel Vatican, security is authorized to make you delete them.
Can I check my bag in at the Vatican?
Unfortunatley the Vatican cloakroom is closed after-hours - and this tour takes place after closing time. You may bring a small bag or backpack, but any large bags or objects will not be allowed.
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