Vatican Early Access Tour
Vatican Early Access Tour
The Key Facts
Semi-Private Tour
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 7.45am
Small Group Tour
Monday and Saturday at 7.45am
Group Sizes:
Semi-Private Tour: 2-6 people
Small Group Tour: 4-12 people
Duration:
3.5 Hours
- Enter the Vatican before everyone else with an early entry and no lines.
- Enjoy the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms and Vatican Museums before the crowds arrive.
- Experience the wonder of standing in the Sistine Chapel beneath Michelangelo’s ceiling and facing his “Last Supper” fresco.
- Gaze in awe at the splendours of St Peter’s Basilica, the most important church in Catholicism.
- Be moved by Michelangelo’s “Pietà” in St Peter’s Basilica.
- Learn key facts about the history of St Peter’s Basilica, including its symbolic design and the history of its construction.
- Choose between a Semi-Private Tour of only 6 people, or joining a Small Group Tour of up to 12 people.
Semi-Private Tour
- Adult: €150
- Child (aged 5-17 on the day of the tour): €99
- Infant (aged 0-4 on the day of the tour): Free
Small Group Tour
- Adult: €125
- Child (aged 5-17 on the day of the tour): €75
- Infant (aged 0-4 on the day of the tour): Free
Semi-Private Tour
Daily at 9.00amSmall Group Tour
Daily at 9.00amYOUR FULL TOUR
Description
Overview
Enter the Vatican City one hour before the official opening time in small groups for a more relaxing experience. See the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms and the Vatican Museums as they were meant to be seen!
Beat the crowds and see historic masterpieces up close on this guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Basilica.
With an exclusive entrance before the general opening to the public and in a small group, this guided tour will be your chance to discover without crowds the immense art collection built up by the Popes throughout the centuries.
Vatican Museums
Enter the Vatican Museums before the general public for a complete guided tour of this stunning collection.
Enjoy the masterpieces without the bustling crowds as you follow your guide through the Belvedere Courtyard, the Gallery of Maps, the four Raphael Rooms, and more.
Learn from your guide where Raphael worked the faces of Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo into his frescoes.
Sistine Chapel
Next is the Sistine Chapel. Arrive just as the doors first open to groups and visit at the most peaceful time of day.
You will get a full explanation of the frescoes of Michelangelo, as well as other artists, and the history of the construction, design and purpose of the famous chapel, from your guide before going in.
St Peter’s Basilica
Finish your tour by going to St. Peter’s Basilica via a special secret passage, bypassing the long lines outside. End your morning with a full tour of this sacred space and gaze upon Michelangelo’s moving Pietà, Bernini’s grandiose altarpiece and learn the stories and legends behind the art.
The Basilica features several chapels and contains numerous statues and mosaic works of importance. Your guide will point out the most important, and leave you with time to look around by yourself. The Pietà, one of Michelangelo’s most well-known religious sculptures, is among the highlights of this part of your visit.
Built over St. Peter’s tomb, the Basilica took more than 120 years to complete and is one of the most important sites in Christianity. During your St Peter’s Basilica tour our local, expert tour guide will explain to you the fascinating history of its conception, location on the Vatican Hill, design, architecture and symbolism.
