Vatican After Hours Night Tour with Sistine Chapel

Walking Tour

2.5 hrs

Rome

Your Vatican after-hours tour provides an opportunity to contemplate these exquisite galleries in peace, just as Popes throughout the ages have done. Accompanied by an art historian, we will enjoy a guided exploration of this enormous collection, pausing to take an up-close look at world-class sculptures, tapestries, and frescoes. Our Vatican night tour finishes with a spectacular visit to the Sistine Chapel, which you'll have to yourselves.

Please note: These dates are available by request only, and therefore can be extremely difficult to secure. Please provide your alternate availability in the additional details section at checkout. We do our best to work with the Vatican's highly sought-after timeslots that are available before and after their open hours.

Itinerary Detail

Over the centuries, papal patrons have commissioned renowned works, such as the magnificent frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, and those by Raphael in his Stanze. The Vatican is home to many of the most important sculptures from the ancient world – including the Laocoön and the Belvedere Torso. Led by a Context expert, you are able to view this collection as few ever have—without the crush of the crowds.

Together we will take our time learning about the masterpieces that adorn the Vatican Museum galleries. As we encounter paintings and sculptures brought to life by Italian masters, you’ll have the chance to ask questions, engage more closely with Vatican City’s unique historical narratives, and come away with unparalleled knowledge of Italy’s most iconic museum.

Logistics

This tour is available by request only. Please share alternate availability when you place your order to maximize the opportunity of securing a date.
Please note that the availability of certain galleries is subject to change due to unexpected activities or events hosted by Vatican City.
Not all of the Vatican Museum galleries will be accessible during this after-hours visit, including the Pinacoteca and Egyptian collections. The Belvedere Courtyard is often closed after hours but will be included if possible. St. Peter’s Basilica will not be available.
We normally spend a significant amount of time (35-40 minutes) inside the Sistine Chapel and divide the rest of our time between the Gallery of Maps, the Tapestry Gallery, and the Raphael Rooms, including other collections as time and security permits.
Though this is an after-hours visit, there are a small number of other groups that may be in the museums at the same time, which means we may run into other visitors while in the museum. The number of people in the museums after-hours, however, is minuscule compared to daytime crowds.
This tour meets promptly at 5:45 PM, or 6:45 AM (depending on your booking), so that we may maximize our available time in the galleries together. Meeting point details will be provided once your reservation has been confirmed by our team.

Additional Information

To assist you in planning your trip to the Vatican, we have created an informative resources page on how to tour the Vatican.

FAQ

Is this tour accessible?
Visitors with disabilities may be entitled to free entry to the Vatican Museums. Please consult the Vatican Museums website for further information and please contact us to discuss if you qualify. Vatican Museums Accessibility Information.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
Renaissance art collections and Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes in Vatican City.
Raphael Rooms

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Vatican Museums After-Hours VIP Tour Experience with Sistine Chapel and Skip-the-Line Tickets general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

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21 Reviews

Passionate, knowledgeable and expert in the art and history of the Vatican. Livia provided an intimate yet academically engaging tour.

David Aug 30, 2024

This was one of the best travel experiences I have ever had in my life. Being in the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel before opening hours was the experience of a lifetime and worth every cent! Our guide, Livia, was magnificent and was informative, engaging, and fun! I can't recommend this tour enough!

Daria Aug 21, 2024

Was amazing visit the Vatican with Cecília without anyone else. An increrible experience.

Monique Oct 3, 2023

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

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