City: Vatican
Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
Start Time: Varies
You’ll begin your tour by meeting directly outside the Vatican Museums and walking right into one of the most impressive collections of art in the world.
Your guide will furnish you with all the context you need to fully enjoy your magnificent surroundings. These include the Raphael Rooms — laden with extraordinary frescoes by the Renaissance master — the ornate sculptures in the Octagonal Courtyard, and the awe-inspiring Gallery of Maps.
With 70,000 distinct pieces stretched over nine miles calling the Vatican home, it’s no wonder many visitors lose their way as they attempt to make sense of it all on their own. But with an official Vatican guide, you’ll be in the most capable hands as you traverse the best possible route to experience this renowned collection.
The magnificence of the Vatican Museums is just the beginning. We’ll then make our way to the heart of Vatican City: the Sistine Chapel. Outside of opening hours and without the usual masses of visitors that congest the space at peak times, you’ll enjoy a rare look inside this iconic building which houses Michelangelo’s best-known masterpiece. The Sistine Chapel is always a sure highlight on any Vatican tour, so we’ve worked directly with the Vatican itself to ensure a truly one-of-a-kind visit.
After exploring the Vatican in the hands of an expert guide, you’re sure to have built up an appetite. So next, we’ll take a stroll over to the Pinecone Courtyard where you’ll be greeted with a mouthwatering spread. Guests on the morning tour will enjoy a special breakfast buffet, while those joining us in the evening will sit down for a classic Italian aperitivo and a light dinner. Again, with barely any other visitors, you’ll be treated to a rare oasis of tranquility within the exquisite courtyard.
Most people who visit the Sistine Chapel aren't able to appreciate the holy space as it was intended due to the influx of other visitors. With this VIP access, you’ll experience Michelangelo’s masterpiece in a way few others can claim to have seen it and gain a full appreciation for the masterful works contained within the Vatican’s walls.