About this experience
The Express Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms Private Tour is a perfect 2 hours tour that will allow you to experience first hand and in a private environment, one of the most important sites in Rome. With your expert local guide, skip the lines and gain direct access into the Sistine Chapel to fully absorb the beauty of Michelangelo's masterpiece prior the hustle and bustle of the crowds. Your guide will then escort you to the Raphael Rooms for an intimate experience with these fresco masterpieces. This private tour creates a friendly environment where you can interact with your knowledgeable guide, and enjoy the peace of an almost-empty museum. Your guide will then lead you back to the Museums' galleries, where you will be given information on how to enjoy the rest of your time.
At a glance
- Duration: 2 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 2 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What is included
- Early morning tour of the Vatican Museums
- Visit to the galleries
- Raphael Rooms
- Sistine Chapel
Not included
- tips and gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Make the most of your time in Rome with direct access to the Sistine Chapel prior to the arrival of public tourists. Enjoy the incredible beauty of Michelangelo's masterpiece with your expert local guide and learn the history, techniques and secrets behind one of the most visited sites in Italy. With over 25,000 tourists visiting per day, you will be thankful to enjoy it prior to the regular opening times!
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.
After experiencing the wonder of the Sistine Chapel, your private expert guide will take you to your next stop - the Raphael Rooms. Have a truly intimate experience in a near-empty museum to enjoy the gorgeous frescoes of Raphael as your expert guide explains these masterpieces in detail with historic anecdotes.
Your guide will then escort you to the Raphael Rooms for an intimate experience with these fresco masterpieces.
Meeting and pickup information
- Viale Vaticano 100, in front of Cafè Vaticano, right across the street from the Vatican Museum's Entrance.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- LivTours
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Vatican management maintains the right to delay the opening of the Sistine Chapel for religious reasons, in this case the guide will modify the itinerary and extend your visit of the museums to ensure you make the most of your time before access to the Sistine Chapel is permitted.
- No photography is allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
- The Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking while inside is strictly forbidden. Your guide will provide all commentary prior to entry
- Backpacks are not permitted in the museum.
- Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
- Guests with mobility concerns should contact us as soon as possible, as the itinerary may need to be adjusted to accommodate specific needs.
- IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
- Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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