Vatican at Closing Time Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel
Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without less crowds on our tour with a private guide
The best way to experience the Vatican is in the evening, when the atmosphere is at its most magical. With a private guide, skip the lines and explore the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel as the day winds down. Dive into the stories behind Raphael’s frescoes and Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling, with expert storytelling tailored to your interests. This unique evening visit offers a more intimate way to connect with the Vatican’s greatest treasures.
- The Vatican by night
- Pinecone Courtyard
- Pio-Clementine Collection
- Gallery of the Candelabra
- Gallery of Tapestries
- Gallery of Maps
- Raphael Rooms
- Immaculate Conception
- Borgia Apartments
- Sistine Chapel
- Michelangelo's masterpiece
- Free time to explore after the tour
A Rome experience with a difference, this private Vatican tour is a truly unique way to see the wonders of the Vatican. Meet your expert guide near to the Vatican Museums entrance in the early evening for skip-the-line access and a enjoy a private Vatican tour at closing time.
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 access to the Vatican and Sistine Chapel
A guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Galleries
Raphael Rooms and School of Athens
Sistine Chapel
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 with Fewer Crowds
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.
What you get with this tour

See what people are saying
88 total reviews
Leave a reviewWorst tour ever.
Janice Lombardo
We saved this tour for the last night of our visit to Rome. Thought the night time tour would be magical like described. It was anything but magical. To start with there was no skip the line. Had to wait in line with many people. Even our tour guide said he never saw an evening tour so crowded. We didn't get to see a lot because he had to constantly dodge other tour groups and wait for the the large crowds to clear. We never saw Borgia apartments nor the Raphael rooms, The School of Athens. He also said on several occasions we would get back to revisit places wear it was too crowded, and we never did. As far as the Sistine Chapel, we were left in a line and no hand out as described. We finally entered and stood shoulder to shoulder with everyone else for 5 minutes then told to leave. They had everyone leave the building with no time to roam around afterwards as described. They even closed the restrooms so no one could use them on the way out. Very disappointed visit and tour. We only got to see half of what your literature described. We paid for a private tour and at BEST got a general admission experience with the masses. Based on our experience I think we deserve a refund. I look forward to hearing from you. Janice Lombardo
Batican
Rudolf W Kruse
Eleanora was so exuberant and was able to convey not only her knowledge of every inch of the Vatican but she also expressed her deep appreciation for what the Vatican represents. Eleanora gave us insightful perspectives and really helped us to see the art and artifacts in a way I would not achieved on my own! Great tour!
Anita Rodriguez Hennessey
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months, even in the evening.
What are the chances my tour will be canceled or the Vatican will close something?
Although it is rare, sometimes part of the Vatican closes with little notice. If an area normally covered on a tour is closed, your guide will be sure to make up the time in other areas.
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle as it can get hot inside the Vatican during the summer months, even in the evening.
I have some doubts about my mobility. Is this tour right for me?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, this is your best bet for a Vatican tour. Private Vatican tours are more easily customized to the needs of people with reduced mobility.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
Inside the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica, you'll need to cover your knees and shoulders. Please bring a shawl or sweater with you if you're dressed for those hot Rome summers.
Does the tour go directly inside without waiting in any line?
As an accredited tour operator we do not have to wait in the general ticket line, but we still may have to wait in a short security line.
Does this tour include St. Peter's Basilica?
This tour does not include a visit to St. Peter's Basilica because it is closed at night, although you'll get a wonderful view of the exterior from the terrace in the Vatican Museums.
Is photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel?
No, the Vatican requests that no photos or videos be taken inside the Sistine Chapel.