Exclusive After Hours or Dawn Access Sistine Chapel Tour
Explore the Vatican Museums at their quietest with rare pre-opening or post-closing tickets
Of all Rome's tours, this is the rarest and most exclusive, with two ways to beat the crowds. Pick dawn to watch the Vatican's key keeper unlock the museums in a ceremony only a handful witness, or select after-hours to see St. Peter's glowing in evening light as the 20,000 daily visitors leave. Either time, you'll walk through empty galleries filled with Raphael's art and centuries-old tapestries before experiencing the Sistine Chapel in silence. This is the Vatican as it was meant to be seen.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Rome's most exclusive Vatican experience
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
After-hours or dawn museum entry
-
Sistine Chapel exclusive access
-
Guided tour of Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Gallery of Tapestries
-
Clavigero Unlocking Ceremony (dawn option only)
-
Guide tips
-
Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Meet your guide near the Vatican Museums entrance
Your journey begins outside the Vatican Museums. For morning visitors, a private vehicle brings you to a restricted entrance. If you’re visiting in the evening, you’ll head inside just as the last visitors exit. -
2
Witness the sacred unlocking ceremony (dawn option only)
Follow the Vatican’s key custodian through silent corridors as he unlocks door after door in a daily ritual few ever witness. It feels like watching a hidden world come to life before anyone else arrives. -
3
Admire St. Peter’s Basilica from the terrace (evening options only)
Step onto a terrace overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica just as the dome glows in the fading light. The city stretches out below, and for a moment, it feels like Rome is putting on a private show. -
4
Explore the Pio-Clementino Museum
Morning tours reveal galleries gradually, with ancient marble figures appearing as the lights come up. Guests on the 6:15 pm tour explore these spaces without the daytime crowds, standing face to face with legendary sculptures. Please note that the later evening option does not include the Pio-Clementino Museum. -
5
Walk through the Vatican Museum’s Galleries
Pass through vast, beautifully decorated halls filled with classical statues, rich textiles, and detailed maps of Renaissance Italy. The quiet makes every footstep echo and every detail feel more vivid. -
6
Marvel at the Raphael Rooms
In these celebrated rooms, Raphael’s frescoes unfold across the walls in scenes of philosophy, theology, and art. Whether lit by the first light of day or surrounded by evening calm, the experience feels personal and unhurried. -
7
Experience the Sistine Chapel in solitude
The final stop is the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s ceiling stretches above you in extraordinary detail. Without the usual noise and crowds, the moment feels still, powerful, and unforgettable. -
8
Your tour finishes in the Sistine Chapel
By the time you leave, you have seen the Vatican in a way few ever do. Morning guests are free to continue exploring, while evening guests step back into the Roman night with a story they will tell for years.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: As the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are deeply religious sites, everyone must cover their knees, shoulders, and toes. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry by security officials. No hats please.
Accessibility: The Vatican Museums & Sistine are wheelchair accessible on this tour. Please notify us in advance, so we can make proper accommodations.
Bag Policy: Camera tripods and large backpacks are not allowed in the museums.
Please Note: Photos are allowed inside the Vatican Museums, but photography is not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel. St. Peter's Basilica is not included in this tour itinerary.
Evening Time Slots: The 6:15pm tour slot enters just after the last public entrance; by 7pm, you'll enjoy near-total solitude. The 7:15pm tour slot is a completely private experience with two full hours to yourself.
Dawn Access Focus: This is an exclusive early morning experience that prioritizes witnessing the sacred unlocking ritual rather than in-depth art commentary. You'll have the opportunity to revisit the museums on your own after the tour if you wish to explore further.
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
After-hours or pre-opening entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Visit to the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and upper galleries
Access to Pio-Clementino Museum (6:15 pm and dawn options)
Exclusive access to witness the Clavigero Unlocking Ceremony (dawn option only)
Optional free time to revisit the museums after tour (dawn option only)
Maximum group size of 20
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Camera
You might also like...
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Alone at the Vatican: Private After Hours Tour
Experience the quiet of the Sistine Chapel without the crowds after your tailored tour
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man & Scala Regia passageway
Skip the Line Likely to Sell Out
Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
See the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Scala Regia, the exclusive passageway to the basilica
Guided Tour Skip the Line
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Skip the Line Likely to Sell Out
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
See Rome from above then go deeper into the Vatican’s highlights and Michelangelo’s masterpieces
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour
Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with a dedicated private guide
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation
Skip-the-line to explore the creepy underground world of Roman tombs then drive the Appian Way
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel
Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening
Family Friendly Private Tour
Private Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Dome Climb Complete Tour
Climb St. Peter's Dome then tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Private Tour Skip the Line
Vatican at Closing Time Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without less crowds on our tour with a private guide
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome
Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine
Customer Reviews
This was by the far the most impressive and informative tour we have taken. The atmosphere of a small group alone in the Vatican was truly awe inspiring. Our guide Marcia was the best.
Catherine was an outstanding tour guide! And to be in this location with a very small group viewing famous paintings and the Sistine Chapel - well worth it! The background and detailed information presented by our guide made for a wonderful evening! Thank you!
Lovely guide but I thought we would have 30 minutes inside the chapel in silence. We had neither. We should outside listening while trying to see pictures in the dark for far too long then she repeated some of those things inside the chapel. Of course it was wonderful to be without the crowds but overall we were disappointed.
Words cannot explain how beautiful and peaceful this tour was.. Our guide was amazing and extremely knowledgeable. Initially, we entered into our own private gate, visited one of the gardens, and learned about the sistine chapel. We continued our walk through different rooms with ancient greek statues, fresco's, on every wall and ceilings that were beyond belief. Painings by Leonardo and more. While admiring the sisting chapel with only fifteen people in the room was an experience I will never forget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and a respectful outfit, as this is a religious site.
What to bring?
Comfortable walking shoes and a respectful outfit, as this is a religious site.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the Vatican Museums are wheelchair accessible. Please notify us in advance so we can make accommodations.
Are photos allowed?
Yes, but photography is not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel.
What language is this available in?
This tour is immediately available in English. If you’re looking for another language, please book our Private After Hours Vatican Tour and we’ll work to accommodate you.
Is this tour truly crowd-free?
Yes! While there may be some lingering visitors in the Vatican at the start of your tour, since it closes to the publich at 6pm, you will have the Sistine Chapel completely to yourself!
What is the difference between the dawn and evening options?
Dawn access includes witnessing the sacred unlocking ceremony with the Vatican's key custodian and private vehicle transport to a restricted entrance. Evening options (6:15pm and 7:15pm) include terrace access overlooking St. Peter's Basilica. All options end in the Sistine Chapel with exclusive access.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, this tour is family friendly. Children must follow the same dress code as adults, covering knees and shoulders.
What should I wear?
Both men and women must cover their knees, shoulders, and toes for entry into the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Bring a light jacket for cool morning or evening temperatures.
