Vatican Under the Stars Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel

Without the usual big daytime crowds, exploring the Vatican is easier, quicker, and much more peaceful. You'll also escape the daytime Roman heat, of course! Your private guide is a true Vatican expert, and their passion and knowledge will bring the art and architecture to life as you explore the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and other fascinating areas.

Vatican Private After-Hours Tour Description

Your private 2-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line after-hours access to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel

• A quieter experience without the crowds

• A guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Galleries

• Raphael Rooms and School of Athens

• Exclusive Sistine Chapel night tour

• A private English-speaking guide with expertise in art history

• Free time to explore on your own afterwards

As this is a private tour, your guide will have a well-planned itinerary but there's some flexibility too. Depending on what your interests are and the pace that you're comfortable with, the tour can be tailored to suit you. Just chat with your guide and they'll do what they can to make your Vatican experience just perfect!

Pinecone Courtyard

One of the first places you'll stroll through with your guide is the Pinecone Courtyard. Named for the giant pinecone statue that adorns one of the most beautiful outdoor spaces in the Vatican Museums, the Pinecone Courtyard was designed by Donato Bramante. From here, catch an amazing view of St. Peter’s Dome. The courtyard where the pinecone stands was originally part of the Cortile del Belvedere that connected the palace of Pope Innocent VIII with the Sistine Chapel.

Pio-Clementino Museum and Nero’s Bathtub

After welcoming you to the Vatican Museums, your guide will lead you inside where you'll begin with a visit to the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to 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!

The Best of the Vatican Galleries

Enjoying the peace and quiet 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.

The Raphael Rooms and The School of Athens

Raphael was one of Rome’s most famous Renaissance artists. In constant competition with Michelangelo, he designed and frescoed multiple rooms connected to the Vatican Museums. Among other masterpieces, visit one of Raphael’s most famous works of art, The School of Athens. A depiction of philosophy, the painting represents all the greatest mathematicians, philosophers and scientists sharing ideas. In an early version of a selfie, Raphael included himself into the painting! Greek philosophers Plato and Aristotle, engaged in dialogue, take center stage in the masterpiece.

Borgia Apartments

The Borgia Apartments are comprised of a suite of rooms in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. They were created for personal use by Pope Alexander VI (Rodrígo de Borgia, 1492-1503) and frescoed by early Renaissance artist Bernardino di Betto, nicknamed “Pinturicchio”. This apartment suite was closed off by Julius II, who refused to live in rooms formerly occupied by his despised predecessor. Until the rooms’ reopening at the end of the 19th century, the dynamic frescoes were obscured in black crepe.

The Sistine Chapel at Night

Your private 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.

The Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, so visitors are not allowed to speak inside the chapel. Your guide will explain what you'll see in advance and provide you with a map or handout for reference before you enter. Men and women must cover their knees and shoulders before entering, so it's recommended to bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater you can quickly put on.

Free Time to 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 to you for at least an hour after the guided tour concludes. Take your time and revisit your favorite works of art or simply wander around to enjoy the incredibly peaceful atmosphere of the city at night.