Semi-Private Early Morning Sistine Chapel & Vatican Tour allows you to be among the first to enter the storied halls of the Vatican Museums and see the Sistine Chapel, in all its glory.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Reserve now & pay later
- Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
- Duration 2 - 3.5 hours
- Check availability to see starting times
- Skip the line through a separate entrance
- Live tour guide
- English
- Small group available
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
Marty was fabulous! The tour was amazing — absolutely worth the early morning time slot.
Deborah, our guide, was phenomenal. She routed us around the crowds and through the lines with ease. She used the time we had in line to educate us on the Sistine Chapel and led a very interesting and efficient tour. She went out of her way to show people in her group where they needed to go in order to climb the dome, and how to walk through the Jubilee doors if interested. We saw a lot, yet never felt rushed. The check-in process was easy as well. The only thing I realized later that we had missed that I would have liked to see was the Bramante Staircase that is used to exit the Vatican Museums. We must have skipped that when using a side door to enter the Basilica.
Select participants and date
Meeting point
In front of Cafe Vaticano, right across the street from the Vatican Museum's Entrance. IMPORTANT: You must bring photo ID to guarantee entry.
Open in Google MapsImportant information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- Access to the Raphael Rooms depends on crowding, timing, and guard-regulated routes; inclusion is not guaranteed. The guide may adjust the itinerary to maintain quality.
- Due to the 2025 Jubilee, St. Peter’s Basilica may close unexpectedly.
- If closed, the guide will revise the tour to maintain its full value; no refunds apply.
- Modest dress required: shoulders and knees must be covered.
- The Sistine Chapel may open late for religious reasons; museum time will be extended accordingly.
- No photography in the Sistine Chapel; elsewhere, flash is prohibited.
- Silence is required inside the Sistine Chapel; the guide will brief you beforehand.
- St. Peter’s Basilica may close for liturgical events; the Museums portion will be extended with no compensation.
- Backpacks are not allowed in the Museum.
- Wheelchair users should book the private tour for accessible routing.
- All guests need government-issued ID for Vatican entry.
- Please inform us if a disability may grant you free Vatican access.