Rome: Turning the Lights on at the Vatican Museums

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Rome: Turning the Lights on at the Vatican Museums
Top rated
5  / 5119 reviews

Join the head Key Keeper as he unlocks the doors of the 500-year-old Vatican Museums. Marvel at the Sistine Chapel ceiling before the crowds arrive on this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

About this tour

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 1 Day and 12 Hours in advance for a full refund
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
Italian, English

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

B
Becky – United Kingdom

The most magical experience! It’s worth every penny (and the 6am start) to be almost alone in the Vatican Museums. Our guide was amazing: so engaging and happy to answer any question. The key master and his assistant were wonderful, pointing out all the little details and secrets. There were only 13 in our group so it was a really intimate experience and thankfully we didn’t have any of the jostling and shoving that other reviewers mention. A decent breakfast is provided at the end and you‘re free to stay in the museums as long as you like. Visiting in March was ideal as it was still dark when we entered so we got the full effect of the lights turning on. I was a little confused with the meeting point as the linked directions take you through the Vatican City. Luckily a friendly guard helped me find the correct place to meet. Ignore the directions and just head to the main entrance/exit on Viale Vaticano. An absolutely incredible experience. I fully recommend it!

F
Fiona – Ireland

Amazing from beginning to end. The most stunning way to experience the Vatican Museum. Highly recommend

The Original experience

Highlights

  • Join the Vatican’s Key Master in opening the Vatican Museums' galleries
  • Enjoy 2 hours inside the Vatican Museums free of crowds
  • Marvel at the Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes in the Sistine Chapel
  • End your tour with a delicious American breakfast in the Cortile della Pigna

Full description

Almost every morning for the past decade, Gianni has led the team with the massive task of opening up the 24 interconnected galleries, museums, and chapels that make up the Vatican Museums. With a small group, join him on his morning routine to open the doors to some of the world’s most renowned artworks. Hear the sounds of the ancient locks turning as you hold the keys, and see the historic rooms go from dark to light as you flick the switch. Discover the Vatican Museums and their treasures in a way no other visitor can. As you explore, listen to Gianni’s experiences and anecdotes of his time as head clavigero, as well as the stories behind some of the 20,000 pieces on display. In the calmness of dawn, you'll have the chance to see the most impressive spaces, as well as those not open to the public.

After your tour, head to the Cortile della Pigna to tuck into a delicious breakfast consisting of a croissant or pain au chocolat, pancakes with peanut butter or marmalade, an orange or apple juice, and a tea or coffee.

Includes

  • Exclusive early access to the Vatican Museums before opening hours
  • Vatican Museum entry ticket
  • Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Services of an interpreter
  • American-style breakfast
  • Tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Meeting point

Main entrance to the Vatican Museums

Open in Google Maps

Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes
  • Long-sleeved shirt
  • Long pants

Not allowed

  • Pets
  • Shorts
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Backpacks
  • Umbrellas

Know before you go

  • Gianni Crea will conduct the tour in Italian but there will be an interpreter to translate into English
  • You must cover your shoulders and knees to visit the Vatican, and may be refused entry if you do not adhere to the dress code
  • Late arrivals will not be accommodated
  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security
  • Tickets to the St. Peter's Basilica is not included in the tour. Entry is free, but it may be hard to enter due to the large volume of visitors
  • This tour utilizes multiple areas that are not wheelchair accessible
  • Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside the Vatican Museums

Customer reviews

Overall rating

5 /5

based on 119 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.8/5

Customer photos

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B
Becky – United KingdomMarch 9, 2025 – Verified booking
The most magical experience! It’s worth every penny (and the 6am start) to be almost alone in the Vatican Museums. Our guide was amazing: so engaging and happy to answer any question. The key master and his assistant were wonderful, pointing out all the little details and secrets. There were only 13 in our group so it was a really intimate experience and thankfully we didn’t have any of the jostling and shoving that other reviewers mention. A decent breakfast is provided at the end and you‘re free to stay in the museums as long as you like. Visiting in March was ideal as it was still dark when we entered so we got the full effect of the lights turning on. I was a little confused with the meeting point as the linked directions take you through the Vatican City. Luckily a friendly guard helped me find the correct place to meet. Ignore the directions and just head to the main entrance/exit on Viale Vaticano. An absolutely incredible experience. I fully recommend it!
F
Fiona – IrelandOctober 24, 2024 – Verified booking
Amazing from beginning to end. The most stunning way to experience the Vatican Museum. Highly recommend
J
Joel – United StatesOctober 12, 2024 – Verified booking
This was a splurge & worth every penny! On the Key Master's Tour, you see things up close in a way you aren't able to with a regular Vatican Museum admission. It's super cool! The guide was great! The tour whisks by quickly. You don't see all the rooms (e.g., Rafael rooms were not on the tour) but after the tour ends, you're allowed back into the museum, which still hasn't officially opened at that hour, to visit rooms that are relatively empty except for early access tours. If you want to milk every moment, skip the free breakfast at the end (which wasn't that great but the tour itself was AWESOME!) and head straight back into the museum. Another tip: because this is expensive and once in a lifetime, it brought out some "me first!" behavior in fellow tour participants. So rather than jockeying for a spot to glimpse a gallery that was just unlocked, instead allow others to push ahead and after you've crossed the gallery, look back and snap your photo of a totally empty room.

Product ID: 438033

Distributor:GetYourGuide Tours & Tickets GmbH

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