Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Early Morning Tour

At dawn in the Eternal City, an official Vatican guide will meet you outside the Vatican Museums.

These usually closed-for-an-additional-two-hours doors will open for you to gain access to the empty foyer, marking the commencement of your truly exclusive VIP tour through the Vatican before the arrival of crowds.

Traditionally, popes emerged from noble families and held both political and spiritual roles.

As God's representatives on earth, their power exceeded that of all European kings.

The Apostolic Palaces (now part of the Vatican Museums) were reserved only for popes alongside these very narrow confines which would typically be fam ily, friends, and diplomatic visitors of the pope.

Thus they had to serve as private residence — richly appointed domestic quarters — and royal palace at once.

As you open up and light up each gallery, take a moment to look at famous antiquities like the Apollo Belvedere and Laocoon.

Be amazed by Nero's large marble bathtub; walk through the calm Gallery of the Candelabra to see the famous statue of Diana of Ephesus.

Also, see closely the finely hand-stitched Flemish tapestries made according to Raphael's school meant originally for insulation in the Sistine Chapel.

Walk into the beautiful golden Gallery of the Maps showing well-made frescoed maps of Italy from the 16th century.

This great collection of art in Vatican came together over many years by many popes mostly with help from Pope Julius II.

Known as the Warrior Pope, Julius II commissioned Raphael to create the splendid decorations in his private rooms now called Stanza Rafaello and at the same time commanded Michelangelo to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

This task initiated the greatest artistic competition ever known.

As you look at the School of Athens, stop for a moment to admire the brilliant colors and unique skill of Raphael, famous for his portrayals of sweetness and light.

Stand in awe below Michelangelo's vast frescoes from Creation of Man to The Last Judgment.

Usually filled with people fighting for space, you will get a rare opportunity to see both the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel in peace without crowds.

After your holy experience beneath these stunning painted ceilings, your guide will take you to the open Pinecone Courtyard.

Here, you can enjoy a nice breakfast buffet with a well-deserved espresso.

Please note that because of the special nature of this tour, the largest group size will be capped at 20 people.