Express Vatican Museums Tour with Sistine Chapel

Rome, Italy

Full description

 See the stunning Sistine Chapel and the highlights of the Vatican Museums after the crowds have left for the day on this guided tour with entry three hours before closing time. Your small group will be accompanied by an expert guide as you explore the Vatican Museum's galleries, Pinecone Courtyard, and finally Michelangelo's masterwork in the Sistine Chapel in relative peace and quiet. Walks Tours is proud to be an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums. 

Stop At:  Vatican Museums
Skip the (always long) lines into the museums, diving right into the galleries holding some of the most famous works of art in the world. Your expert, English-speaking guide will offer eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Belvedere Courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ and ‘Laocoön and Sons’, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries. If you select the 4:15pm tour at time of booking, you'll visit after the daytime crowds have left, allowing you the extra space and silence to appreciate the magnificent artwork in the Museums. 
Duration: 2.5 hours
Admission Ticket Included

Stop at: Sphere Within a Sphere
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.
Duration: Pass by
Admission: Ticket Included

Stop At:  Sistine Chapel 
Then head to the Sistine Chapel just before closing time for a peaceful experience with just a handful of other visitors. Before entering, your guide will explain the stories behind the creation of these iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. When you enter, you will then be able to appreciate the full majesty of the room, spotting the little details and quirks that most people miss.
Duration: 30 minutes 
Admission Ticket Included 

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Cancellations received greater than 72 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 72 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Reviews

Matthew
Jun 2026
5.0

If you’re reading this, book it now! You’ll be one of the first on the boat and get the best spot before anyone else. Daniela (aka “Daniel”) treated us exceptionally well from start to finish. Her knowledge of the falls and the stories behind them was the perfect balance of informative and entertaining. She keeps you laughing throughout the tour and enjoys the experience right alongside you as if it were her first time seeing it. 10/10 — I would recommend this tour to anyone. As an added bonus, our group had only four people, which made the experience absolutely incredible and much more personal. Thanks again, Daniel! 😉

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

Lisa
Jun 2026
5.0

The tour was great and having priority on the boat was excellent

Additional information

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.