Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour

1421 reviews

3 hours

Max 18

Why take this tour?

Highlights

  • See the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel without the crowds on a relaxing tour before closing time.
  • Visit the Vatican Museums with skip-the-line access.
  • Savour the splendor of the Sistine Chapel and famous works of art like "Laocoön and His Sons".
  • Enjoy insightful commentary from your guide to make the most of your visit.
  • Sites Visited
  • Vatican Museums
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Pinecone Courtyard
  • Belvedere Courtyard with Ancient Greek & Roman sculptures
  • Gallery of the Candelabra
  • Gallery of the Maps
  • Gallery of the Tapestries
  • Tour Includes
  • Skip-the-line Vatican Museums tickets
  • Expert Walks tour guide
  • Headsets

Avoid the crowds on this peaceful afternoon Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour

Book Now

Total Customer Reviews: 1421

Verified Ratings
4.4 /5
based on 1421 Walks’ customer ratings
Rating summary by category
Guide
4.6/5
Latest reviews
Great
The guide (Marta at our late afternoon visit) was very knowledgeable. It would have been interesting to hear more about the various exhibits. Unfortunately, the general crowdedness (and the sheer size of the Vatican museum exhibits) prevents more in-depth introductions and presentations. A bit pricey for a family of four, but efficient use of the time and minimal queing.
Verified · Johan · Nov 22, 2024 · Sweden · Male · 55 to 64 years
Excellent
Paulo was a terrific guide, and extremely knowledgeable. The tour was exactly what we wanted, and we learned a lot!!
Verified · Norma · Nov 04, 2024 · USA
Excellent
Anna was an excellent guide! Very clear, very educational, answered all of our questions and did not feel rushed at all. This tour was worth every penny and for such an expansive tour I felt like I got to see most of everything.
Verified · Ellen · Oct 30, 2024 · USA
Excellent
Amazing tour. Our guide was amazing, very knowledgeable and humorous. The Vatican and Sistine were sensational. Meeting point was easy to find and a few minutes walk from Cipro train station which was easily accessible to get to from Rome Termini. Wear comfortable shoes! Highly recommend.
Verified · Storm · Oct 30, 2024 · Australia · Female · 35 to 44 years
Excellent
It was truly a great and memorable tour! I highly recommend the Pristine Sistine at Closing Time: Late Entry Vatican Tour! Kylie, our guide was super smart and friendly. She was very detailed in every information and facts during the tour.
Verified · Jay · Oct 29, 2024 · Canada · Male · 45 to 54 years

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 us at [email protected] so we can arrange your visit.
I want to take a selfie in the Raphael Rooms, can I bring my selfie stick?
No. Selfie sticks are strictly forbidden inside the Vatican Museums, along with flash photography. However, visitors are allowed to take non-flash photographs anywhere besides the Sistine Chapel.
What items can I NOT take into the Vatican Museums
Knives, scissors, and other cutting tools must also be deposited in the cloakroom as a precaution against harming the artwork inside. No hammers, either, as one was once used to smash Michelangelo's Pietá. This probably goes without saying, but firearms are also strictly prohibited for visitors within the Vatican Museums and you can't check them in the cloakroom.
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.
IMPORTANT: Can I bring a bag into the Vatican Museums?
Yes, as long as it's within a certain size. You cannot bring any bag, backpack suitcase or container larger that 40cm x 35cm x 15cm into the Vatican Museums. In fact, size limits apply to all items; because of the sheer number of people that visit the Museums, space is at a premium. You can’t enter with medium to large umbrellas, any umbrellas with spiked tips, camera tripods, signage (apart from signs used by certified guides) or walking sticks – except those required by disabled visitors. All of these items can be left in the cloakroom, which is located at the entrance to the Museums. This means that you will need to walk 15 - 20 minutes back here after you finish your tour at St Peter's Basilica. On our afternoon tours you may need to leave the tour early to collect your bag before the cloakroom closes.
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.

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