Turning the Lights on at the Vatican Museums

Turning the Lights on at the Vatican Museums

Accompany the chief Key Keeper as he opens the doors to the Vatican Museums, which have stood for 500 years. Before the throngs of visitors arrive, take in the breathtaking beauty of the Sistine Chapel ceiling during this extraordinary opportunity.

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€ 350.00

About this activity

  • money-transfer-coin-arrow_15355109 Free cancellation

    Cancel up to 1 Day and 12 Hours in advance for a full refund

  • time-forward_15911935 Duration

    2.5 hours

  • queue-alt_15044408 Skip the ticket line

    1

  • guide_13794414 Live tour guide

    Italian English

Highlights

  • Join the Vatican’s Key Master in opening the Vatican Museums' galleries
  • Enjoy 2 hours inside the Vatican Museums free of crowds
  • Marvel at the Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
  • End your tour with a delicious American breakfast in the Cortile della Pigna

Your experience

Gianni’s been getting up every day for almost ten years to tackle the big job of unlocking the 24 rooms that adjoin each other as one within the Vatican Museums.

Now come along with him as, every morning, he lets you be an onlooker to some of the greatest pieces of art in the world.

Hear those old locks creak open as you ‘hold’ the keys to these historical rooms that go from dark to light within a flick of a switch.

Visit and have a look at what ‘treasures’ are contained within the Vatican Museums in a way no one else can do.

Walking through those rooms, you walk with Gianni as he shares “experiences” and “stories” from the seasons when he was head clavigero, and even some nice ‘bedtime stories” from only about 20,000 pieces on ‘View’.

Not just services will be shown in the best daylight but rooms that are normally inaccessible to the public.

And when you have had your visit, you can go into Cortile della Pigna and have breakfast in the open air with croissant or pain au chocolat and pancakes with peanut butter or jam, orange or apple juice, and tea or coffee.

What's Included
  • Exclusive early access to the Vatican Museums before opening hours
  • Vatican Museum entry ticket
  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Services of an interpreter
  • American-style breakfast
What's Excluded
  • Tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

To Remember

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Long pants

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Shorts
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Backpacks
  • Umbrellas

Know before you go

  • Gianni Crea will conduct the tour in Italian but there will be an interpreter to translate into English
  • You must cover your shoulders and knees to visit the Vatican, and may be refused entry if you do not adhere to the dress code
  • Late arrivals will not be accommodated
  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security
  • Tickets to the St. Peter's Basilica is not included in the tour. Entry is free, but it may be hard to enter due to the large volume of visitors
  • This tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible
  • Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums
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