Overview
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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Local English-speaking guide
Small groups of 15 people or fewer
Expertly guided tour of the Vatican
Headset
Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums
Skip the line ticket for St. Peter's Basilica (AM Tour option only)
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Meet at Antico Café Candia at Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.
End point
St. Peter's Basilica
Good to know
• The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows. If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
• All guests must pass through security.
• 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.
• 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.
What to expect
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Vatican Museums
2 hours
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.
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Sphere within a Sphere
2 hours
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.
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Stanze di Raffaello
30 min
If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour: During the day, the Raphael Rooms are as busy as the Sistine Chapel. At this hour of the morning, however, when the Museums have just opened for the day, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy them peacefully. Your guide will point out where Raphael worked the faces of his contemporaries Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo into his frescoes.
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Sistine Chapel
30 min
If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: The Sistine Chapel wasn’t meant to be seen standing shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other people. Beat the crowds by entering first thing in the morning or in late afternoon to enjoy the incredible frescoes in relative peace.
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St. Peter's Basilica
1 hour
If you select the Early Vatican Museums Tour: Last but certainly not least, you'll head straight to St. Peter's Basilica via a special secret passage, bypassing the long lines that are starting to form outside. End your morning with a full tour of the sacred space and gaze upon Michelangelo's moving Pietà, Bernini's grandiose altarpiece, and so much more as you learn the stories and legends behind them. Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica is subject to unexpected closures. On such days we will instead explore the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 14 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Early Vatican Museums Tour: The Best of the Sistine Chapel
Can I cancel Early Vatican Museums Tour: The Best of the Sistine Chapel for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3–4 hours.
Where does it start?
Meet at Antico Café Candia at Via Candia, 153, 00192 Roma RM. Your guide will be holding a Walks sign.
What's included?
- Local English-speaking guide
- Small groups of 15 people or fewer
- Expertly guided tour of the Vatican
- Headset
- Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums
- Skip the line ticket for St. Peter's Basilica (AM Tour option only)
What's not included?
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Which places does it visit?
It visits Vatican Museums, Sphere within a Sphere, Stanze di Raffaello, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by Walks - Italy, Spain & Greece
