Alone in the Sistine Chapel: VIP Entry at the Vatican’s Most Exclusive Hours
2 hours
Max 20
Why take this tour?
Highlights
- A Vatican experience few will ever have: Step inside the Sistine Chapel at its most exclusive hours—before the city wakes or after it sleeps—with near-private access.
- No crowds, no rush—just you and Michelangelo: Spend uninterrupted time in the Sistine Chapel, free from the usual noise and chaos.
- Explore the Vatican’s hidden wonders: Wander through empty, echoing halls as your expert guide brings masterpieces to life.
- Ultra-limited access – secure your spot now: With just a handful of dates available, this once-in-a-lifetime tour is one of the most exclusive ways to experience the Vatican.
- 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 guide
- Expertly guided walking tour
- Skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museums
- VIP access to the Sistine Chapel
Unlock the Vatican at its most exclusive hours
Book Now
Verified Customer reviews
Verified Ratings
4.3 /5
based on 63 Walks’ customer ratingsOverall rating
4.3 /5
63 reviewsRating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
Walks of Italy is by far the best tour company we’ve used in Italy. Our Vatican guide, Stefano, was fantastic, and we loved having an expert walk us through the Sistine Chapel before the crowds arrived. The storytelling, organization, and VIP experience were next-level!"
Tripadvisor customer · Lisa · USA · Dec 12, 2024 Excellent
This was an excellent tour and our guide Claudia was superb. We'd booked because our trip to Rome was a last-minute one and the Vatican was otherwise sold out and so although we worried about how expensive it was, the money was absolutely worth it.
Claudia proved her worth right from the outset by dealing with two issues firmly and efficiently and then proceeded to engage the whole group really effectively. Everybody on the tour was an adult aside from my 9-year old niece and so Claudia immediately made her feel special by inviting her to lead the group. This ensured that my niece was captivated for the entire duration and everything Claudia told us was interesting and engaging.
Tripadvisor customer · Rhian · UK · Dec 11, 2024 Excellent
HIGHLY recommend the early access Vatican, Sistine Chapel tour. By 11 AM, the lines wrapped around the buildings, but we entered with no waiting. Our guide, Rosana, kept a great pace, and we were even able to access a private passageway from the Sistine Chapel!
Verified · Sharon · USA · Nov 18, 2024 Excellent
Francesco, our expert guide from Walks of Italy, blessed us with an amazingly informative, super well-organized, fountain of knowledge tour about this special place. Every minute was fun and fascinating. He was easy to understand, sensitive to every incoming question, kept things moving, but not rushed. Oh, and the skip-the-line thing? So, so worth it. Truly. Walks of Italy tours are phenomenal. Simply the best. Don’t settle for less for such a precious experience. Thank you, dear Francesco.
Tripadvisor customer · John31621 · USA · Nov 08, 2024 Excellent
We took the late Vatican tour and it was spectacular! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable, made sure we had plenty of time in the Sistine Chapel, and shared so many behind-the-scenes stories. The Vatican museum was stunning, and this experience was one of the best tours we’ve ever taken. Highly recommend!
Verified · Teresa · USA · Sep 08, 2024FAQs
Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator at the Vatican Museums. What does that mean?
Walks Tours is proud to be an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
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.
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 us at [email protected] so we can arrange your visit.
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'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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