Vatican Museums Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
2.5 hours
Max 15 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
Full description
Experience the Vatican at night, when the atmosphere in the Vatican Museums is tranquil and after the daytime crowds have departed. For two hours, you'll enjoy rare, after-hours access to the acclaimed galleries, including the Sistine Chapel, with an expert guide. Walk the empty halls and see some of the finest ancient sculptures and Renaissance art in the world. The highlight of the tour is, of course, the Sistine Chapel, the private chapel of the Pope. Appreciate visiting the chapel at a quieter time of day and get a sense of how the Pope himself would experienced it. Look up and admire Michelangelo's famous frescoes. Your guide will tell you about their creation and what makes each so special. This guided, small-group tour includes a special, skip-the-line admission ticket and is capped at only 15 participants for an intimate experience.
Stop At: Vatican Museums
Description: Begin your 2-hour after-hours tour at the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Palaces. As you walk along the elaborate halls and galleries, your expert Vatican guide will bring the Church’s fascinating history to life, from the martyrdom of St. Peter to modern Vatican City. You’ll also see some of the finest ancient sculptures and Renaissance art in the world, including Raphael’s School of Athens, the Hellenistic Laocoön, and the Apollo Belvedere.
Admission: Included
Time: 2 hours
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
Description: The highlight of the tour is, of course, the Sistine Chapel, the private chapel of the Pope. In the evening light, and without the tourist hordes, you’ll be able to get a sense of the intimate atmosphere the Pope would have enjoyed here. As you admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, your Vatican expert will tell you about their creation, secrets behind them, and what it is that makes them so special.
Admission: Included
Time: 30 minutes
Description: Begin your 2-hour after-hours tour at the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Palaces. As you walk along the elaborate halls and galleries, your expert Vatican guide will bring the Church’s fascinating history to life, from the martyrdom of St. Peter to modern Vatican City. You’ll also see some of the finest ancient sculptures and Renaissance art in the world, including Raphael’s School of Athens, the Hellenistic Laocoön, and the Apollo Belvedere.
Admission: Included
Time: 2 hours
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
Description: The highlight of the tour is, of course, the Sistine Chapel, the private chapel of the Pope. In the evening light, and without the tourist hordes, you’ll be able to get a sense of the intimate atmosphere the Pope would have enjoyed here. As you admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, your Vatican expert will tell you about their creation, secrets behind them, and what it is that makes them so special.
Admission: Included
Time: 30 minutes
Meeting point
Start Location
Bar l'Ottagono, Piazza del Risorgimento, Rome, IT
We meet just outside the green bar in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento Square. This is the only bar/cafè located on the square. The bar is on the side of the square towards via Crescensio - close to Tram stop number 19. The closest Metro/Underground stop is Ottaviano.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- 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.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- 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.
- All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- 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.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date 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.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 72 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.