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.
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Verified Customer Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
based on 26 reviews
Rating summary by category
Latest reviews
Excellent
Great! Worth the cost.
Joe ·
May 22, 2023
· United States
· Male
· 35 to 44 years
Excellent
The Sistine Chapel after hours is the way to go! The entire tour was excellent thanks to our guide, and the light dinner at the end was actually a large charcuterie board, substantial. Recommended.
David ·
May 11, 2023
· United States
· Male
· 55 to 64 years
Good
Out of the 4 tours we booked through this company months ago two of them were changed last minute. This tour we were told changed over email the day we arrived in Rome - the day before Easter. The email said our Wednesday tour was cancelled and offered an alternate, cheaper experience early in the morning on Tuesday. I looked online and still saw tickets being sold for our initial booking but when I messaged I did not hear back due to Easter Sunday and Monday. Nevertheless we showed up Tuesday just in case and found there were no guides. I sent maybe 5 emails between Saturday and Tuesday and heard back Wednesday morning with a short email saying "see you tonight" essentially. No acknowledgement of the cancellation or my prior emails. It was very confusing and made planning out two days of our trip to Rome very chaotic. I did enjoy our tour guide and the evening aperitivo and wine in the Pinecone Courtyard. There is an overwhelming amount of art to look through but it felt as though we were being rushed past much of it to get to the Sistine Chapel. This is just the nature of the tour. Perhaps in the future, now that I have some foundational understanding of the museum, artwork, and creators/contributors - I will return without a guide and walk through at my own leisure to better appreciate the cornucopia of statues and frescoes and structural design. I'm still grateful for the chance to see these beautiful pieces of history.
Cory ·
Apr 14, 2023
· United States
· Male
· 25 to 34 years
Excellent
This was an excellent tour. Our guide took her time and by the end we were the last ones going through the galleries as they closed. The time after hours in the Sistine Chapel and Raphael rooms were magical. The courtyard drinks and tapas were excellent and much more than expected. We ended our stay in Rome with this tour and it was magical.
Robin ·
Apr 10, 2023
· United States
· Female
· 55 to 64 years
Excellent
Your tour guide was amazing! She was quite knowledgable and presented in a lively manner. Thank you!
Kay ·
Mar 19, 2023
· United States
· Female
· 55 to 64 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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