Private Sistine Chapel & Vatican Highlights Tour with Fast Access

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Vatican Museums

• In the company of a local and very knowledgeable guide you will visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peters Basilca.
• Your guide will share with you the history of the Vatican and tell you many interesting facts and anecdotes about the splendid artwork you will see.
• After meeting your guide your visit begins at the Belvedere Courtyard and then on to the Pio-Clementine museum with its unparalleled display of ancient Roman and Greek Statues.
• Some of the Vatican’s most precious treasures are on display in the Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of Maps that has the largest collection of Renaissance Maps in the World.  The Sobeisky Rooms holds the largest canvas to be displayed in the Vatican Museums and the Immaculate Conception Rooms has some of the most wonderful frescoes.  Nothing can compare however with the wonderful works of art by Raphael displayed in the rooms he painted for Pope Julius II.  Here is the famous Parnassus ad School of Athens.

Sistine Chapel

Then it is on to the Sistine Chapel.  Before you enter your guide will explain the history of this famous chapel, still in use today to host the conclave for the election of a new Pope, and tell you about the famous frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli and their Renaissance contemporaries.

St. Peter's Basilica

• It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.
• There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics.

St. Peter's Square

The tour end in Saint Peter’s Square; see the Pope’s Palace, gaze upon Bernini’s statues that surround this magnificent square and perhaps take a photo of the uniquely attired Vatican Swiss Guard.