Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
Discover the works of art within the Vatican Museums with few crowds
Want to see the Vatican Museums at night? Here's your chance. This Vatican night tour gives you VIP access to the art of the Vatican Museums after closing time. Avoid the heat and crowds and witness the collections in a new light.
Included
What you get with this tour
Itinerary
What you will see on this tour
- Terrace Views
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Pio-Clementine Collection
- Gallery of the Candelabra
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Gallery of Maps
- Immaculate Conception
- Raphael Rooms
- Borgia Apartments
- Sistine Chapel
- Michelangelo's Ceiling
- Keep Exploring
Are you looking for unusual things to do in Rome? How about touring the Vatican at night? Not only does this special small group Vatican night tour let you skip the crowds, lines and heat, but it also provides a fresh way to see the Vatican’s amazing collections. If you aren’t an early morning person, or you just want less distractions as you enjoy the museum’s treasures, this is the best Vatican tour for you. This two hour tour includes:
- -After-hours accessto the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
- - An English-speaking guidewith expertise in art history
- - Access to the treasures inside the Vatican without the heat and crowds
- - A maximum group size of 13 people
COMPARE ALL VATICAN TOURS
Night Tour of Vatican Museums
Skipping the line, take a journey with your expert Vatican guide through art history as you walk through the rooms of the most fascinating “living” museums on earth. See works of art in the Pinecone Courtyard and a great view of St. Peter's Basilica. View sculptures handed down to us from the Ancient Romans in the Pio-Clementine Collection. Pass through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of Tapestries and Gallery of the Maps as your guide explains the history and stories surrounding these art collections.
The School of Athens by Raphael
Learn about the complexities of Raphael's fresco in the former papal apartments. Raphael was one of Rome's most famous Renaissance artists and he encompassed all the ideals of a Renaissance man. He designed and frescoed multiple rooms connected to the Vatican Museums. In addition to other masterpieces, visit one of Raphael’s most famous works of art, The School of Athens.
The Sistine Chapel at Night
Our evening Vatican tour concludes in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel, where the ceiling and the altar wall are adorned by world-famous and inspiring frescoes. Only when you enter the Sistine Chapel is it clear how high the ceiling is and how many paintings are up there. At this point, it is impossible not to appreciate how difficult is must have been for Michelangelo to lay on his back and toil at his masterpiece, year after year. Since the Sistine Chapel is inside the Vatican Museums, it is included in your Vatican tour tickets.
The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, therefore, speaking inside is not allowed. Since our guide cannot explain the frescoes while you are inside, we explain the Chapel in advance and provide you with a map/handout for reference before you enter. Men and women must cover their knees and shoulders before entering. We understand the summers in Rome get hot, a good alternative is to bring a scarf or shawl to cover up with before you enter.
Take Your Time and Explore the Collections
If you want to stay inside the Vatican Museums after the conclusion of your evening tour, go right ahead! The museums remain open for another two hours after the guided tour concludes. Take your time and revisit your favorite works of art or simple wander around taking in the intense beauty of your surroundings. And don’t forget to ask your local Vatican Guide where to eat dinner near Vatican City. After all that culture, you definitely deserve a pizza.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
In front of Caffe Vaticano, directly across the street from the Vatican Museums Entrance on Viale Vaticano. A representative will be there holding a sign with our company name on it.
What to bring?
Cover your knees and shoulders, there's no need to dress like the people who live in Vatican City, just avoid short pants, dresses and tank tops. If you're a woman and you are wearing something that bares your shoulders, bring a long a shall or sweater. Comfortable shoes are always recommended for walking tours.
Q: Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
A: We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry to religious sites and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
Q: Does this tour include St. Peter's Basilica?
A: This tour does not include a visit to St. Peter's Basilica because it is closed at night.
Q: Does this tour include the Sistine Chapel?
A: Yes! The Sistine Chapel is attached to the Vatican Museums. Your tickets include a visit to Michelangelo's masterpiece. You will have about twenty minutes to enjoy Michelangelo's incredible frescoes.
Q: Does the Vatican close for special religious events? What if I book a tour during one?
A: During State visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may close unexpectedly. If an area normally covered on a tour is closed, our guide still provides explanations of the closed areas from outside and they will show you an extra area inside the Vatican Museums.
Q: What if I have doubts about my mobility?
A: If you have any doubts about your mobility, this is your best bet is a private Vatican tour. Private tours are more easily customized to the needs of people with reduced mobility.
See what people are saying
17 total reviews
Leave a reviewMilo W.
Best way to see the Vatican!
My friend and I absolutely loved our Vatican at Night tour. It was less crowded than during the day and it felt like such a cool, exclusive experience. If you have the chance, definitely take this tour!
Georgia W.
Magical Vatican experience!
This tour was so fantastic. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and the Vatican seemed much less crowded than it would have been during the day. We got to see the amazing Sistine Chapel and our guide gave us so many details about everything. I can't recommend this tour enough!
Christina C
Well worth the cost
I would highly recommend this tour. We were lucky enough to have Ami as our guide and she was fantastic. She did a great job of explaining everything and giving us interesting tidbits without being too overwhelming with the information. She also did a wonderful job of moving the group through the crowds quickly and easily. We also had a teenager on our tour and Ami did a great job of engaging her and making sure she understood what Ami was explaining. Way less crowded then the daytime crowds. Would 100% recommend.
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