Wednesday Early Morning Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tour (Max 6 People)

Highlights

• Early Morning Access to Vatican Museums
• Small Group (Max 6 People)
• Renaissance Masterpieces

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1

   Vatican Museums

   1h 30min

   Discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With a small-group tour of maximum of 6 people, easily maneuver through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace. After a view of the terrace over the Vatican gardens, make your way across the beautiful early Renaissance courtyard to admire Hadrian's Pinecone, and then to the modern art piece of Arnaldo Pomodoro. You will then head to the magnificent Octagonal Courtyard which is one of the most remarkable collections of Roman and Greek artifacts. Admire the famous Belvedere Torso, learn about the mystery of the Laocoon Priest of Troy, and visit the Muses Room. Walk through the beautiful galleries to admire an abundance of candelabra, tapestries, and maps. Then head to the Julius II apartments and see the grandeur and the magnificent details of the Raphael Rooms.

2. 2

   Sistine Chapel

   20min

   Next comes the highlight of the tour -Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Since you are forbidden to speak inside the chapel, your guide will prepare you with anecdotes and details before entering to see one of the most remarkable works of Renaissance art ever known. Then, enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence as you admire this 8,000 square foot wonder. From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

3. 3

   Cortile della Pigna

   30min

   Stroll through the charming Pinecone Courtyard

4. 4

   Stanze di Raffaello

   20min

   Marvel in front of Raphael's masterpieces.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   20min

   Once you have finished admiring the Sistine Chapel, it's then time to continue to your last stop of the tour - the Pinacoteca of the Vatican Museums. This special section has been a part of the museums since 1932, and houses amazing works from Renaissance masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo and Giotto. And here your tour concludes, as you bid farewell to your guide. You are welcome to stay inside the museums to further explore their vastness, or exit to explore what more the Eternal City has to offer.

Before you go

Location