Vatican at Closing Time Tour with Sistine Chapel
Explore the Vatican with fewer crowds in the late afternoon
Want to explore the Vatican without worrying about the huge crowds? You need a tour that starts super early or later in the afternoon when you can visit the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums with a little more peace and quiet. Along with an expert local guide to bring the city’s history and artworks to life, this engaging afternoon tour will let you skip the line and get to know the famous home of the Catholic church without any stress.
- Explore the Vatican in the late afternoon
- Skip the line with your expert local guide
- See the great works of the Vatican Museums
- The Gallery of the Candelabras
- Gallery of the Tapestries
- Gallery of the Maps
- Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel
- The Creation of Man
- The Last Judgement
You’ll meet your friendly guide near to the Vatican Museums entrance, where your skip-the-line ticket means you won’t have to worry about any line to get in. At this time of day, crowds are much smaller anyway, since most tourists have already left for the day. Along with your small group, your guide will tell the stories behind the Vatican’s most important sites as you explore. You’ll see the Raphael Rooms, Vatican galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and more. Plus, you can get a closer view of the artistic masterpieces on display without having to fight through the huge morning crowds.
Vatican Closing Time Tour Description
Your 2-hour tour includes:
Skip-the-line afternoon Vatican Tickets
Visit the museum's three main galleries
See inside the Sistine Chapel at a quieter time
An engaging English-speaking guide
Maximum group size of 20
Pio-Clementino Museum and Nero’s Bathtub
Your tour begins with a visit to the Pio-Clementino Museum, where you'll see three of the most iconic statues in the world. Learn about the myths and legends associated with the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. You'll also visit one of the biggest and oldest bathtubs you'll ever see!
Highlights of the Vatican Galleries
Entering in the afternoon after the majority of the crowds have left, you'll follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries and Gallery of Maps. Admire the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy. You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.
Raphael Rooms
Next on this unforgettable walking tour are the Raphael Rooms. These four galleries are dedicated to one of the true masters of the Renaissance, and you'll find his most famous painting School of Athens displayed here. Take in the stunning frescoes and hear how Pope Julius II commissioned the art, as well as the complex techniques used to create them.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
After exploring the best of the Vatican, the highlight of your tour comes at the Sistine Chapel, where you'll be able to appreciate the beauty of this iconic chapel after most visitors have left. Take in the wonder of Michelangelo's masterpiece and examine the vivid depictions of biblical stories, from Genesis to Revelations. You'll see the famous Creation of Man and the Last Judgement, and look around for up to 20 minutes in the serenity of the world's most famous chapel.
The Sistine Chapel is a sacred place, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, otherwise, you may be refused entry to this portion of your Vatican tour. We understand the summers in Rome are hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/sweater to wrap around you when necessary.
What you get with this tour
See what people are saying
8 total reviews
Leave a reviewJanice Cosgrove
Great!
Russ Webb
Tour guide Stefano was fantastic. Highly recommend
Catharine Becker
Our guide, Alessandra, was great! She was friendly, knowledgeable & pointed out personal “favorites” during the tour. We were a small group too & it was perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where to meet?
Meet your guide in front of Caffé Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100. This is across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance. Our friendly welcome staff will be there holding The Tour Guy signs.
What to bring?
Please be sure to meet Vatican dress code requirements by covering your knees and shoulders in the most sacred religious areas like the Sistine Chapel. You'll also want to wear comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour.
Where to meet?
Meet your guide in front of Caffé Vaticano on Viale Vaticano, 100. This is across the street from the Vatican Museum entrance. Our friendly welcome staff will be there holding The Tour Guy signs.
What to bring?
Please be sure to meet Vatican dress code requirements by covering your knees and shoulders in the most sacred religious areas like the Sistine Chapel. You'll also want to wear comfortable shoes since this is a walking tour.
Does the Vatican ever experience sudden closures?
During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If an area normally visited during a tour is suddenly closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside. They will even show you another gallery to compensate for the lost time in the usual location.
Is there a way to see the Vatican without a guided tour?
Yes, you can purchase a ticket to see the Vatican Museums on your own. Click here for skip the line Vatican tickets.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any concerns about your mobility, we suggest taking a private Vatican tour so your needs can be better accommodated.
Does this tour go to St. Peter's Basilica?
This tour does not stop at St. Peter's Basilica since it closes before this tour ends.
You may also like
Skip the Line
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Explore the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
See the bucket-list Vatican attractions and St. Peter's Basilica with start times throughout the day
Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy early access to see the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man, St. Peter's Basilica, and more
Skip the Line
Complete Vatican Combo Tour with Sistine Chapel & Dome Climb
Climb St. Peter's Basilica, explore the Papal Crypts, and skip the line at the Vatican Museums
Skip the Line
Detailed Itinerary Vatican in a Day Tour with Sistine Chapel
Dive deep into the Pinacoteca, Cabinet of Masks, Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, and much more!
Transportation Included
Rome Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia
Book a private Rome tour and see the Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and more in just one day!
Skip the Line
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
See the wonders of the Vatican on a tailored private tour with expert guide and skip-the-line entry
Skip the Line
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour
Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with early entrance and a dedicated private guide
Skip the Line
Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy skip-the-line early access on an abridged tour of the Vatican Museums' top artwork
Skip the Line
Private Full Day Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Get the ultimate in-depth Vatican experience with an extended private tour and expert local guide
Skip the Line
Private Vatican Highlights Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Explore the Vatican before the crowds on an early morning private tour with your own expert guide
Skip the Line
Vatican Night Tour with Sistine Chapel
Enjoy a unique opportunity to visit the Vatican after hours without the crowds
Private Tour
Private Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Dome Climb Complete Tour
Enjoy an in-depth private Vatican experience and climb the iconic St. Peter's Basilica dome
Skip the Line
Private Family-Friendly Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour
Enjoy a boredom-free Vatican private tour that's perfect for kids, with treasure hunt and fun guide
Entry Ticket
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure
Skip the Line
History of Christianity Tour with Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and Catacombs
Step back into Catholic history at the Roman crypts and skip the line to see the Vatican treasures
Skip the Line
Sistine Chapel, Vatican Gardens & Castel Gandolfo Day Trip
Travel to the Pope’s summer residence by train after an in-depth Vatican Gardens and museums tour
Skip the Line
Private Early Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel
Get privileged access to the Vatican on a VIP early morning private tour with St. Peter’s Basilica
Skip the Line
Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums
See the best of Rome your way with a private guide, with Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Private Tour
Vatican Under the Stars Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without the crowds on an after-hours tour with a private guide
Skip the Line
VIP Vatican Museums After-Hours Private Tour with Sistine Chapel
Experience the Vatican all to yourself with exclusive after-hours access and an expert private guide
Skip the Line
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour with Papal Crypts
See St. Peter’s Basilica up close and climb the dome for the best views of Rome and the Vatican
Skip the Line
Vatican Highlights with Rome Walking Tour
Explore the Vatican, St. Peter's Basilica, then see Castel Sant'Angelo, the Pantheon, and more
Skip the Line
Skip the Line Vatican Tour with Local Trastevere Food Tour Combo
Save Money by Purchasing a Vatican Tour with our Trastevere Food Tour
Exclusive Access
First Entry Vatican Prime Tour with Breakfast Included
Enjoy VIP early entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel before the big crowds
