Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Early Morning Tour

About this activity

  • duration-alt_14246718 Duration

    2 hours
  • money-transfer-coin-arrow_15355109 Free cancellation

    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
  • guide_13794414 Live tour guide

    English
  • calendar-salary_14227546 Reserve now & pay later

    Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
  • portal-enter_10462703 Skip the line through a separate entrance

    1

Highlights

  • Enjoy a small group tour of the Vatican Museums hours before opening
  • Flip on the lights to the Gallery of the Maps and learn its secrets
  • Admire the School of Athens in the vibrant Raphael Rooms
  • Turn the key to the Sistine Chapel for an exclusive viewing
  • Enjoy a delicious breakfast in the Pinecone Courtyard

Your experience

From January 12 to March 31, the museums of the Vatican initiate special conservation intervention on Michelangelo's Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel.

During all this time, a scaffolding structure currently covers the whole wall of the Last Judgment.

Even though access and viewing of the Sistine Chapel remain fully available, this masterpiece will not be seen during its restoration work.

Thank you for your comprehension as this marvelous work of art requires urgent care.

Meet your guide right at the entrance of the Vatican Museums, so close to where your Semi-Private Early Morning Vatican Tour will be starting.

Begin with the Pinecone Courtyard and The Octagonal Courtyard.

See inside for what are considered by many as the most important statues of antiquity-ranging from mysterious Greek Laocoon to Apollo Belvedere, and Belvedere Torso; damaged as it is, inspiration for so many artists over the years.

Next, stop to discover the artistry that decorates and embellishes these halls: first in the Gallery of.

We then make our way to the gorgeous Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s work of art.

Since this Chapel is the top draw in the Vatican, LivTours understands that it is very important to give guests enough time and space to soak in its beauty.

Stand amazed at the wonderful ceiling frescoes done by Michelangelo.

Think about the beautiful ‘The Last Judgement’ before a lot of people get here.

This tour takes you to the Raphael Rooms just before crowds start streaming in.

Enjoy some of the most important works of art in the quiet and peace that is seldom found here, away from all the usual throngs.

Listen and learn from your guide about interesting stories and meanings behind paintings on the walls of private rooms of old popes.

At the end of your visit, you go right into St.

Peter's Basilica through a special door, saving your time and letting you skip the line.

Once inside, you see the stunning interior, known as the biggest Catholic church in the world.

Among great artworks that you can view closely are Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino.

Before leaving St.

Peter's Basilica, your guide will talk about the Papal Tombs and tell you how to reach the dome of St.

Peter's. Your Early Morning Vatican Tour ends with a slow walk around Piazza San Pietro Square which gives you a moment to feel the beauty of St. Peter's.

What's Included
  • Key Master access to the Vatican Museums
  • Semi-private tour
  • Official Vatican guide
  • First look at the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms
  • Museum highlights
  • Pinecone Courtyard for VIP breakfast
  • A group of no more than 20 people
What's Excluded
  • Food and drinks (unless option selected)

Itinerary

Starting location:

Caffè Vaticano

2
Vatican Museums

Visit, Guided tour (75 minutes)

3
Raphael Rooms

Visit, Guided tour (15 minutes)

4
Sistine Chapel

Visit, Guided tour (30 minutes)

Finish at:

Cortile della Pigna

Meeting Point

To Remember

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • Due to the exceptional circumstances of this tour your group size will have a max of 20 people
  • Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter
  • There is no photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
  • Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
  • Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
  • IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican.
  • If a disability may qualify you for complimentary Vatican access, please inform us.
  • ALERT: Sistine Chapel closes April 28th for Papal Conclave (starting May 7); reopening expected mid-May. Tours will feature alternative Vatican highlights; updates will follow.
Not Suitable for
  • Wheelchair users