• Vatican Museums - When choosing the Early Vatican Museums Tour 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 daytime crowds, there is more space and tranquility to fully appreciate the stunning art within the Museums.
• Cortile del Belvedere - Includes a guided tour and photo opportunity.
• Sphere within a Sphere - On the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour, visitors will encounter a remarkable bronze globe in the serene Pinecone Courtyard. 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 - Opting for the Early Vatican Museums Tour allows visitors to explore the Raphael Rooms, which are typically as crowded as the Sistine Chapel during the day. However, in the early morning, when the Museums have just opened, there is ample space to enjoy them peacefully. The guide will highlight where Raphael incorporated the faces 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 - By selecting the Early Vatican Museums Tour or Afternoon Vatican Museums Tour, visitors can experience the Sistine Chapel without the usual crowds. Entering early in the morning or late in the afternoon allows for a more peaceful appreciation of the incredible frescoes.
• St. Peter’s Basilica - On the Early Vatican Museums Tour, the visit concludes with a direct entry to St. Peter’s Basilica through a special secret passage, avoiding the long lines forming outside. The morning ends with a comprehensive tour of this sacred space, featuring Michelangelo’s poignant Pietà, Bernini’s magnificent altarpiece, and much more, while learning the 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 magnificent 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.

• The tour is in English.
• 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.
• Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
• All participants must provide their full names, dates of birth, and passport/nationality details at the time of booking. The information must exactly match what is listed on the ID or passport. Name changes are not allowed. Failure to supply this information will lead to the cancellation of your booking.

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