Waste no Time in Line
With our Reserved Entrance, you can head straight inside without wasting any time. This gives you more time exploring the rooms and hallways where Popes and artists placed the art that made such an impression on them.
Discover More on this Tour
Once inside your guide will show you what very few ever see - St. Peter's Basilica rising above the gardens. From here you'll also see the unassuming building in the distance known as the Sistine Chapel. After photographs, you will move through the statues of antiquity and modern sculptures in the Pinecone Courtyard. As the Sistine Chapel is a place of quiet worship, you will receive an introduction here about what you are about to see inside from your Renaissance art-history expert.
On your way to the Chapel, you will pass through the incredibly accurate Hall of Maps, the tactile Gallery of Tapestries and the Raphael Rooms. Along the way, your guide will point out all the fascinating details to be seen such as Neptune pulling Columbus across the oceans and the depiction of Michelangelo. Inside the Sistine Chapel, you will be able to see every detail that you guide will have discussed with you such as Michelangelo's portrayal of Hell and his image of God which became part of public consciousness.
Don’t Delay with a Guide to Lead the Way
Over the course of three hours, you’ll explore the treasures of the Vatican with a guide who will ensure that you see the highpoints of this unique collection. You'll see the rooms where the Popes are chosen and the doors where they make their final exit. You'll also see how they used their time to gather the art which reflected their ideas of faith and culture. You'll leave not just having seen the art of the Vatican but having understood the story behind it.
For a truly spectacular experience, consider our Semi-Private version of this tour. Limited to only 10 people or less, this tour makes for a more personalized exploration of the Vatican Museums.
Important Notes
Covid Guidelines:
For information related to COVID measures currently in place, including specifics regarding the requirements and restrictions associated with visiting tourist attractions and traveling within Italy, please review the following guidance:
https://darkrome.com/covid-guidelines
Tour Specifics:
- Appropriate dress is required for entry into some sites on this tour. Knees, shoulders, and backs must be covered.
- Please note that in case of unexpected closures of some of the areas inside the Museums, the guide may have to modify the itinerary slightly. For example, if some of the internal connecting areas are closed for safety reasons, Raphael's Rooms may be replaced with Pio Clementino Museum, where Laoocon and Apollo Belvedere statues are.
Cancelation Policy
This tour is subject to a 24-hour cancelation policy. If you wish to cancel or amend your booking, you can do so without charge by contacting us up to 24 hours in advance of your expected departure time.