Enter the Sistine Chapel at the most peaceful time of day to enjoy Michelangelo’s masterpiece in serenity and embark on a thorough guided tour of the Vatican Museums, ending at the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica. There's no better way to see the highlights of the Vatican without the crowds that descend upon the galleries later in the day. Not a morning person? Book the Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel for a relaxed afternoon visit after the crowds have left for the day.
& Sistine Chapel without crowd: Discover the Vatican Museums highlights & Sistine Chapel on a skip-the-line, small group guided tour without typical crowds.
If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: Your guide will lead you on a full tour of the Vatican Museums, stopping to see all the most important works. Visiting either before or after the daytime crowds, you’ll appreciate the extra space and silence to appreciate the magnificent artwork in the Museums.
Guided tour & Photo Stop
If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: Inside the peaceful, Pinecone Courtyard you'll pass a spectacular bronze globe. It was designed for the Vatican by well-known Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro and copies of it can now be found all over the world, including Dublin, Tel Aviv and New York City.
You will make your own way to the meeting points
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. - All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour. - All participants must provide their full names at the time of booking. Names must match ID/Passport. Failure to supply this information will lead to the cancellation of your booking. - Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums. Storage is available but please note you must return (about a 20-minute walk) to the entrance to pick up your items at the end of the tour. - Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry. - No photography or filming is permitted in the Sistine Chapel. - The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and is subject to other unexpected closures during special celebrations/festivities, including the Easter ceremonies. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery. We are unable to provide refunds or discounts. - Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding. - All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html