About this experience
Wednesday's are wonderful - and they are the best day to experience the Vatican museums in all their glory! Since St Peter's Basilica is closed for the Papal Audience on Wednesday mornings, the museums are far emptier than on other days of the week. This, coupled with early morning access, gives you the ultimate advantage of seeing the museums with the fewest crowds possible! Explore the vast Vatican Museums with your expert guide and see incredible works from famous Renaissance masters such as Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo and Giotto. Stroll through the charming Pinecone Courtyard & Octagonal Courtyard as you hear stories and anecdotes from your guide. Then, behold Michelangelo's greatest masterpiece - the Sistine Chapel, all before the crowds pile in! On your fully private tour, easily maneuver through the museums and ask all the questions you like!
At a glance
- Duration: 3 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 3 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
- Pinacoteca
- Raphael Rooms
- Early Access to the Vatican Museums 1 hour before the public
- The Sistine Chapel
- Fully Private Tour with Local Expert Guide
- Galleries of the Candelabra, Tapestries & Maps
- Pinecone Courtyard & Octagonal Courtyard
- Carriage Pavilion
Not included
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (optional)
Itinerary and highlights
Discover some of the most famous paintings and sculptures from western civilization and listen to amusing anecdotes about the former popes and artists represented in the museums. With your very own private tour, easily maneuver through the crowded museums at a comfortable pace.
After a view of the terrace over the Vatican gardens, make your way across the beautiful early Renaissance courtyard to admire Hadrian's Pinecone, and then to the modern art piece of Arnaldo Pomodoro. You will then head to the magnificent Octagonal Courtyard which is one of the most remarkable collections of Roman and Greek artifacts. Admire the famous Belvedere Torso, learn about the mystery of the Laocoon Priest of Troy, and visit the Muses Room. Walk through the beautiful galleries to admire an abundance of candelabra, tapestries, and maps. Then head to the Julius II apartments and see the grandeur and the magnificent details of the Raphael Rooms.
Next comes the highlight of the tour -Michelangelo's masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel. Since you are forbidden to speak inside the chapel, your guide will prepare you with anecdotes and details before entering to see one of the most remarkable works of Renaissance art ever known. Then, enter through a tiny door to admire the majestic Sistine Chapel. Take in its grandeur in contemplative silence as you admire this 8,000 square foot wonder.
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.
Marvel in front of Raphael's masterpieces.
Stroll through the charming Pinecone Courtyard
Meeting and pickup information
- Outside Caffe Vaticano, on Viale Vaticano 100 which is directly across from the Vatican Museums entrance. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign. Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
Languages and tickets
- German — Guide
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- French — Guide
- Spanish — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- LivTours
Accessibility and practical details
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- On Wednesday morning St. Peter’s Basilica is closed, which means less crowds, but also that you will not be able to access the Basilica until after the tour ends.
- 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.
- There is no photography allowed in the Sistine chapel, and all other artwork can only be photographed without flash.
- Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden, therefore your guide will give you an explanation of the Sistine Chapel beforehand during your tour, in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
- Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
- Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
- IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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