Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel

Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening

4.92 (630) ·

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· 2.00h · Vatican, Italy

Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel

A group of tourists inside the Hall of Tapestries with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists looking at the Belvedere Torso inside the Vatican Museums with their guide from The Tour Guy.

Tourists looking at Lacoon and His Sons inside the Vatican Museums.

An image of the Room of the Chariot inside the Vatican Museums.

An image of the inside of the Vatican Museums.

Tourists taking a selfie inside of the Hall of Tapestries.

A tourist inside the Vatican Museums with their guide from The Tour Guy.

A group of tourists looking at the School of Athens while on tour with The Tour Guy.

An image of The Creation of Adam inside the Sistine Chapel.

An image of the Round Hall inside the Vatican Museums.

Exploring the Vatican Museums in the evening alone means missing expert insights, hidden details, and the most immersive way to experience its masterpieces. Skip the lines and let an engaging, passionate guide bring the art to life as you admire Raphael’s School of Athens, the ancient sculpture of Laocoön and His Sons, and Michelangelo’s breathtaking Sistine Chapel frescoes. With a captivating storyteller leading the way, see the Vatican’s treasures in their most magical setting

What You Get With This Tour

Expert, English-speaking guide
Evening entry and guided tour of the Vatican Museums
Viewing of the Sistine Chapel
Guide tips

Tour Itinerary

1

Meet your guide outside Caffé Vaticano
Gather at the top of the steps outside Caffe Vaticano, where your expert guide sets the stage for your evening inside the Vatican. After a quick rundown of what you’re about to see, you’ll slip into the Vatican Museums just as they’re settling into their nighttime calm.
2

Pinecone Courtyard and evening view of St. Peter’s Basilica
Step into the tranquil Pinecone Courtyard, glowing in soft evening light. Your guide points out key artworks and shares how this outdoor space fits into the Vatican’s history. Enjoy a serene view of St. Peter’s Basilica before heading indoors.
3

Pio-Clementino Museum and iconic statues
Explore the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to masterpieces like the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. You’ll hear the fascinating myths tied to each statue and see Nero’s massive ancient bathtub up close.
4

Vatican Galleries
Walk through the Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps. Your guide highlights ancient sculptures, rich Flemish textiles, and Renaissance-era topographical maps of Italy, bringing each hallway to life with context and stories.
5

Raphael Rooms
Enter the famed Raphael Rooms, four galleries filled with extraordinary frescoes. Your guide explains how Raphael created these works for Pope Julius II, including the celebrated School of Athens, and how these rooms helped shape the High Renaissance.
6

The Sistine Chapel at night
Finally, you reach the Sistine Chapel, where your guide gives you the full story before you enter—since silence is required inside. It’s a rare chance to take it all in without the daytime crowds.
7

Your tour finishes at the Sistine Chapel
The guided portion of your tour concludes before you enter the chapel, and afterward you’re free to continue exploring the Vatican Museums on your own. Linger in your favorite galleries or wander through the quiet nighttime halls at your own pace.

Additional Information

Good to know:

Dress Code: As the Vatican Museums & 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: Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible. A foldable umbrella stroller can be utilized in the Vatican Museums, but a soft baby carrier is recommended.
Bag Policy: Camera tripods and large backpacks are not allowed in the museums, so please leave them at your hotel.
Please note: Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica is not included in this tour. 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.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.

Your 2-hour tour includes:

Expert English-speaking guide
Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Galleries
Raphael Rooms and School of Athens
Free time to explore on your own
Maximum group size of 20

What to bring:

Comfortable walking shoes
Government-issued ID
Water bottle
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Camera

Customer Reviews

4.92 (630)

Leave a review

Ginger Jakins, 05 November 2025

Best host ever!

Megan Gallagher, 04 November 2025

Our tour guide was amazing!! She was so funny and kind and knew so much. We experienced so many details thanks to her vast knowledge and would do this tour with her 100 more times!

Claudia De Lorenzo, 01 November 2025

Eleonora was a GREAT tour guide!

Tamara Schuller, 28 October 2025

the Closing Time tour was wonderful & our guide Eleonora was so fun, outgoing and knowledgeable! She really made the 2 hours worthwhile.

Perfect!

Amanda Gallegos, 25 October 2025

Our tour with Elenora was so informative and she was thorough. We definitely recommend!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Comfortable shoes are always recommended for walking tours.

Is there a way to see the Vatican without a guided tour?

Yes, it's possible, though you may find the experience lacking and only daytime access is available. But you can click here for skip the line Vatican tickets.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a private Vatican tour so we can better accommodate your needs.

Does the Vatican ever experience unexpected 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.

Does this tour include the Sistine Chapel?

Yes! The Sistine Chapel is attached to the Vatican Museums and your tickets include a visit to Michelangelo's masterpiece.

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.

Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?

e ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll 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.