• Vatican Museums - For those choosing the Early or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: The guide will provide a comprehensive tour of the Vatican Museums, highlighting all the key artworks. By visiting either before or after the peak hours, there is more room and tranquility to fully appreciate the stunning art collections.
• Cortile del Belvedere - Includes a guided tour and photo opportunity.
• Sphere within a Sphere - For those on the Early or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: In the serene Pinecone Courtyard, visitors will encounter a remarkable bronze sphere. Created for the Vatican by renowned Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro, replicas of this piece are displayed worldwide, including in Dublin, Tel Aviv, and New York City.
• Stanze di Raffaello - For those on the Early Vatican Museums Tour: During the day, the Raphael Rooms are as crowded as the Sistine Chapel. However, in the early morning, when the Museums first open, there is ample space to enjoy them quietly. The guide will highlight where Raphael incorporated the likenesses of his contemporaries Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo into his frescoes.
• Gallery of Maps - Includes a guided tour and photo opportunity.
• Gallery of Tapestries - Includes a guided tour and photo opportunity.
• Sistine Chapel - For those on the Early or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour: The Sistine Chapel is best appreciated without the crowds. By visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, visitors can enjoy the breathtaking frescoes in a more peaceful setting.

Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel (and the door leading to St. Peter’s Basilica) will be closed from April 28 to mid-May for the Papal Conclave. The Vatican Museums will remain open, and visitors can still explore its many highlights with an expert guide who will offer an alternative itinerary during this significant period at the Vatican.

• St. Peter’s Basilica - For those on the Early Vatican Museums Tour: Finally, visitors will proceed directly to St. Peter’s Basilica through a special secret passage, avoiding the long queues outside. The morning concludes with a comprehensive tour of this sacred site, featuring Michelangelo’s poignant Pietà, Bernini’s magnificent altarpiece, and much more, as the guide shares the fascinating stories and legends behind them. Note: The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica may close unexpectedly. On such occasions, the tour will instead explore the splendid Pinacoteca Gallery.

• Expertly guided tour of the Vatican
• Skip the line ticket for Vatican Museums
• Skip the line ticket for St. Peter’s Basilica (AM Tour option only)
• Small groups of 15 people or fewer
• Guests can stay and enjoy time at their leisure after the tour finishes

• Gratuities
• Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

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.

• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• 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.
• All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their 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.
• 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.
• The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
• Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.