Exclusive After Hours Sistine Chapel Tour with Aperitivo

Sistine Chapel with Aperitivo Tour Description

Your 3.5-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line entrance to the Vatican

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums main galleries

• An uncrowded visit in the Sistine Chapel

• Aperitivo in the Pinecone Courtyard

• Fun, English-speaking guide

• Maximum group size of 10

Pio Clementino Museum and Nero’s Bathtub

After a view from the terrace to see St. Peter's Basilica, you'll head to the courtyard designed by Donato Bramante where your guide explains why the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso are so beloved. Learn about the myths and legends associated with these iconic sculptures before visiting the oldest and largest bathtub in existence. The 25-foot bathtub was created for Emperor Nero from the rarest red marble at the time. So rare, that none exists today!

Popular Vatican Galleries

Next follow your guide through the Vatican Museums, visiting 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.

At the height of the Roman Empire, pontiffs rarely left Rome. In order to understand the Italian peninsula without endangering his life, Pope Gregory XIII commissioned 40 giant meticulous maps so he could accurately understand his country better.

Most of these maps measure more than 15 by 16 feet, and the detail will fascinate you as you wander through this hall beneath a glittering gold ceiling. You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

Raphael Rooms and The School of Athens

Raphael is the epitome of a Renaissance artist. In the period of European civilization immediately following the Middle Ages, a great period of revival in art, literature, and thought occurred. Raphael became one of the most recognized artists of this era, though his life was short lived.

Pope Julius II commissioned Raphael to fresco multiple rooms inside of the Vatican Museums and you’ll see that art for yourself. Among other masterpieces, you'll stand beneath one of Raphael’s most famous works of art: The School of Athens. As large as this fresco is, it might grow larger than life as your guide shares the fascinating stories behind it's creation and who was represented in it.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the Vatican’s crowning jewel, and on this tour, you’ll step inside with no more than 100 other people, compared to the average of 2,000 people! It’s an after-hours Sistine Chapel experience that can’t be missed. This famous ceiling is housed in a truly non-descript building from the outside that belies the stunning works of art found inside.

Only when standing beneath it after hearing funny and fascinating stories of its creation, it's clear why the Sistine Chapel is one of the most celebrated works of art in western civilization. Michelangelo painted more than 600 figures in all (in addition to what other artists created), and the sheer magnitude of his endeavor is mind-blowing, especially after your guide's detailed explanations behind it all.

To enter the Sistine Chapel, both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders, otherwise, the Vatican might refuse entry to religious sites and you’ll miss out on a portion of your tour. An option is to bring a shawl or sweater.

Pinecone Courtyard Aperitivo

The perfect end to your Vatican and Sistine Chapel tour is with a refreshing spritz or glass of wine, of course! So head to the Pinecone Courtyard where your guide will make sure you’re all set to enjoy your aperitivo while soaking in the ambiance of an evening at the Vatican. As your guide for recommendations of delicious places to enjoy an authentic Roman dinner too!