Before Opening Vatican Experience: VIP Access for a True Small-group Tour
Rome, Italy
3 hours (Approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Overview
The Vatican Museums is one of the most visited attractions in the world, and the daytime crowds can be daunting. With this exclusive early-access tour, savor the collections with a small group before the galleries open to the general public to avoid the throngs. Skip past the line at the entrance with fast-track tickets and admire works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and others with a guide for insights into their history and significance.
- Beat the crowds with early access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- Make the most of your time with skip-the-line entry tickets
- Take in the collection’s highlights in just hours with the help of a guide
- Enjoy more personal attention with a small-group of up to eight participants
What's Included
Priority Access (before the regular Early Morning Crowd)
Raphael Rooms
Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica with direct access
Small-group Tour (max. 8 people)
Private transportation
Breakfast
Departure & Return
What To Expect
Itinerary
With our Prime Tour, we get you inside the Museums before the regular Early Morning crowds, bypassing those already waiting in line for the Vatican doors to open - You'll really feel like the Popes Special Guest as you stroll right past everyone who has a Standard Early Morning Vatican Tour.
Watch the Vatican Museum Galleries slowly come to life before their day starts.
Duration: 1 hour 10 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
The Raphael Rooms, where you will admire Raphael's most famous frescoes and learn about his rivalry with Michelangelo.
Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
The Sistine Chapel takes its name from Pope Sixtus IV della Rovere (pontiff from 1471 to 1484) who had the old Cappella Magna restored between 1477 and 1480. It is known throughout the world both for being the place where the conclave and other official ceremonies of the Pope are held (in the past also some papal coronations), and for being decorated with one of the most famous and celebrated works of art of artistic civilization the frescoes by Michelangelo.
Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Enjoy the breathtaking Saint Peter's Basilica, shrine of Christianity and Art. You will marvel at the Priceless Pietà, by Michelangelo, and stop by the venerable tomb of Saint John Paul II & Pope Karol Wojtyla.
The Pietà (1498–1499) is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.
Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
The Pietà is a work of Renaissance sculpture by Michelangelo Buonarroti, housed in St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. It is the first of a number of works of the same theme by the artist. The statue was commissioned for the French Cardinal Jean de Bilhères, who was a representative in Rome. The sculpture, in Carrara marble, was made for the cardinal's funeral monument, but was moved to its current location, the first chapel on the right as one enters the basilica, in the 18th century. It is the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.
Admission Ticket Free
This monumental elliptical space, enclosed by 284 Doric columns four rows deep (196m wide and 148m long), is the masterpiece of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who laid it out during the pontificates of Alexander VII and of Clement IX.
Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- A moderate amount of walking is involved - comfortable shoes are recommended
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Learn more about cancellations.
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