Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Bramante Staircase Private Tour
The highlight of this special guided tour is the magnificent helical staircase designed by Bramante for Pope Julius II in 1505. This architectural gem, inaccessible until now, will be the special focus of a visit that will also explore the principal masterpieces of the Pope's Museums. The tour is conducted by an educational guide authorised by Vatican City State and includes : Vatican Museums, Pio Clementino Museum, Bramante Staircase, Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries, Gallery of the Geographical Maps, Raphael’s Rooms, Sistine Chapel.
Options
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Bramante Staircase Private Tour
Pickup included
What's included in Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Bramante Staircase Private Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Sistine Chapel
Regarded as Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel is a jaw-dropping attraction you must see at least once in your lifetime.The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City, of Rome and of the world in general. It is known as much for its decoration, as for being the temple in which popes are chosen and crowned.The construction of the building was between 1473 and 1481 during the mandate of Pope Sixtus IV, to whom it owes its current name. What grabs the attention in the Sistine are the frescoes that completely cover the walls and the ceiling. Some of the most important artists who worked in the chapel are Botticelli, Perugino, Luca and Michelangelo.Without any doubt, The Creation of Adam is the best-known image from the Sistine Chapel. It is located in the central part of the vault and represents the story from Genesis in which God gives life to Adam.Located over the high altar Michelangelo’s other masterpiece, The Final Judgment.
Vatican Museums
Designed by the famous architect of Tuscany, Donato Bramante, the original staircase was commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century. The staircase features herringbone paving and has granite columns lining the innermost side of the spirals. It also allowed Pope Julius II to travel directly to his private residence by carriage. The reason this was possible is because the original staircase doesn’t have stairs but is more of a paved ramp. What’s more is that this fascinating architectural marvel displays the double helix shape. This is the shape we most commonly relate to a strand of DNA today. It allowed traffic to travel up on one path and down on the other to ensure that there were never any interruptions. The original staircase is an exclusive destination which makes it very difficult to visit.
Inclusions
- Pio Clementino's Museum
- "Skip the line" entrance tickets in the Vatican Museums
- Educational professional guide authorised by Vatican City State
- Private English-speaking tour escort at your disposal
- Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation and private chauffeur
- Entrance in the Bramante Staircase (Hidden Vatican)
- Entrance in the Sistine Chapel
- Entrance in the Gallery of the Candelabra and Gallery of the Geographical Maps
- Entrance in the Raphael’s Rooms and entrance in the Gallery of the Tapestries
- Entrance in St. Peter's Basilica
- Food and Beverages
- Gratuities (optional)
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Child rate applies only when shared with 2 paying adults
- Dress code required for the Sistine Chapel: knees and shoulders must be covered
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Please arrive at the pick up point 30 minutes before departure time.
Additional Information
Pick up at your accomodation (hotel, B&B, apartment). Please confirm us the pick up address. N.B.: If your accomodation is not in the area indicated on the above map, send us a message to arrange your pick up.
