See the Vatican as VIPs do – with this once-in-a-lifetime private Sistine Chapel viewing and tour of the Vatican Museum’s secret rooms. This exclusive gives you unprecedented VIP access to the magnificent rooms that are usually off-limits to the public, allowing you to see a side of the Vatican that most never will. Be awed by secret rooms like the Niccoline Chapel and the Room of Gold, and see sights like Raphael’s Rooms.

Due to a new Vatican partnership, this tour provides VIP access through a reserved door, allowing you to skip all the lines – even the priority lines. End your tour with an after-hours private viewing of the Sistine Chapel, empty except for your group (average 15 people) and guide. Michelangelo’s fresco in the Sistine Chapel – including The Creation of Adam – is considered the most influential fresco in the history of Western art. See it with no crowds, linger over every detail, and earn one-of-a-kind bragging rights for the rest of your life!

Highlights

• 3-hour small-group VIP tour of the Vatican Museums including skip-the-line entry
• This tour includes exclusive access through a reserved entranceway and we guarantee you will not wait in any long lines
• Enjoy a rare, private tour of the Sistine Chapel after its doors are closed to the public
• Hear commentary from your guide inside the Sistine Chapel — normally forbidden!
• Visit hidden corridors and secret Vatican rooms that are usually closed to the public, such as the Niccoline Chapel or the Bramante Staircase
• See top Vatican attractions like the Apollo Belvedere statue, Raphael’s Rooms, Gallery of the Candelabra and Gallery of the Tapestries
• Experience the Vatican as a VIP insider with this Viator exclusive

What You Can Expect

Skip-the-line Vatican tours are so popular, even the priority lines are long! But this tour includes exclusive access through a reserved entranceway, ensuring that you will not wait in any long lines. Spend three hours here on a small-group tour, accompanied by a Vatican guard to unlock doors to secret rooms. You’ll discover the Vatican as only VIPs like presidents and royal families usually do.

Due to the nature of this special-access tour, the itinerary changes each time. Access to the secret rooms varies and is based on availability, but most tours include the impressive Bramante Staircase (Scala del Bramante), which is actually a ramp on the corner of the Pope’s Palace. You’ll also most likely visit the Room of Gold (Sala degli Ori), an opulent, rarely seen room that holds a dazzling collection of papal gold jewelry and precious Etruscan jewels.

The Niccoline Chapel (Cappella Niccolina) is another secret room most likely seen during your tour. Every bit as beautiful as the Sistine Chapel, this secret room is adorned with gold brought back from Christopher Columbus’ travels, and frescoes by Fra Angelico, a Renaissance painter whose mesmerizing artwork pre-dates Michelangelo’s.

In addition to the closed rooms, see many of the Vatican Museums’ classic attractions. As your expert guide entertains you with tales of Vatican art, power and treachery, admire Apollo Belvedere and other renowned monuments. Visit Raphael’s Rooms, the public part of the papal apartments in the Palace of the Vatican, and stroll through the Pinecone Courtyard.

Your tour ends on a high note with private access to the Sistine Chapel for your small group. After the doors close to the public, you’ll have 30 minutes inside this incredible (and empty!) chapel. Speaking is typically forbidden, but during this private experience, your guide will explain Michelangelo’s stunning ceiling fresco, which depicts scenes from Genesis, and his wall fresco, The Last Judgment.

Details

Inclusions

• Entrance fees
• Skip-the-line entry
• Small-group tour
• After-hours access to the Sistine Chapel
• Professional guide

Exclusions

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities (optional)

Additional info

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
• Not wheelchair accessible
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• No large bags/tripods/umbrellas/backpacks are permitted in the Vatican and must be checked in. Only very small purses are allowed. Please do not bring these items as you will need to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance
• Due to the nature of this special-access tour, the itinerary changes each time. Access to the secret rooms varies and is based on availability
• Backpacks, tripods and big umbrellas must be left inside a cloakroom on entering the Vatican Museums. To reduce any disruption for your group, we recommend that these items are not taken on this tour

Schedule

Departure point

Vatican Museums, Vatican

Departure time

This Vatican VIP Access tour departs at 3:15pm (meet strictly at 3pm)

Duration

3 hours (approx.)

Return details

Returns to original departure point