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Colosseum Arena Floor

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Villa d'EsteAttraction in Tivoli, Lazio, Italy

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Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Early Morning Tour

Top rated
4.8820963 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8820963 out of 5 stars
229 reviews
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Rome: Vatican, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter Early Morning Tour
Likely to sell out
Top rated
4.8820963 out of 5 stars
4.9
4.8820963 out of 5 stars
229 reviews

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

L
Lillie – United States

Marty was fabulous! The tour was amazing — absolutely worth the early morning time slot.

E
Erin – United States

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

Participants

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    2 starting location options:

    Caffè Vaticano, Viale Vaticano, 100

  • Timeline stop icon

    Vatican Museums

    Visit, Guided tour (75 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Raphael Rooms

    Visit, Guided tour (15 minutes)

  • Timeline stop icon

    Sistine Chapel

    Visit, Guided tour (30 minutes)

  • Finish at:

    Cortile della Pigna

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Enter the Vatican Museums in the early morning hours
  • Be amongst the first of the day to visit the Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms
  • Enjoy comprehensive tour of the Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Get a personalized semi-private tour in a small group of 6
  • Get an overview of hundreds of years of art history in just one tour

Full description

Your Semi-Private Early Morning Vatican Tour will begin near the Vatican Museums’ entrance. Here you will meet your professional and charismatic tour guide.

The tour will begin with the Pinecone Courtyard and Octagonal Courtyard. Learn about the greatest statues of antiquity. From the mysterious composition of the Greek statue of the Laocoon, to the Apollo Belvedere and the Belvedere Torso, which despite it’s ruined state, inspired generations of artists. Then, stop to admire the art and decoration of the Gallery of the Maps and the Gallery of the Tapestries.

Then, onto to the world-renowned Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Because this Chapel is the number one attraction inside the Vatican, LivTours believes it is important to give guests the time and space they need to fully appreciate it. Stand in amazement as you gaze onto Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes. Wonder over the breathtaking “The Last Judgement” before the major surge of crowds.

Your tour will continue by visiting the Raphael Rooms before the rush of tourists. Guests will be privy to some of the most important works of art in the museum – all without the rush of the usual crowds around them. With your tour guide by your side, you’ll learn about the intriguing stories and meaning behind the paintings that adorn the walls of the pope’s private apartments.

Once you’re done, you’ll head directly into St. Peter’s Basilica. This VIP access saves time and allows you to skip-the-line. Once inside, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking space, which is the largest Catholic church in the world. Two of the glorious works of art that you will get to see up close include Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Before you leave St. Peter’s Basilica, your guide will tell you about the Papal Tombs and share how to access the dome of St. Peter’s. Conclude your Early Morning Vatican Tour by walking around Piazza San Pietro Square and taking in the grandeur that is St. Peter’s.

Includes

  • Fully guided experience
  • Pinecone courtyard
  • Octagonal Courtyard & Belvedere Palace
  • Muses Room & Belvedere Torso
  • Lacoon statue
  • Apollo of the Belvedere statue
  • Gallery of Candelabra
  • Gallery of Maps
  • Gallery of Tapestries
  • Raphael Rooms
  • School of Athens painting
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Michelangelo's ceiling
  • St. Peter's Basilica*
  • Bernini's bronze altar canopy
  • St. Peter's square
  • Food and drinks

Not suitable for

  • Wheelchair users

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 Maps

Important 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.
Likely to sell out

From $229 per person

Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today
Reserve now & pay later to book your spot and pay nothing today

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.9 /5

based on 229 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    5/5
  • Value for money
    4.7/5

Customer photos

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L
Lillie – United StatesMay 22, 2025 – Verified booking
Marty was fabulous! The tour was amazing — absolutely worth the early morning time slot.
E
Erin – United StatesMay 19, 2025 – Verified booking
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.
D
Daniel – United StatesMay 17, 2025 – Verified booking
Sarah was fantastic. Best guide ever! Her knowledge, experience and enthusiasm was incredible. The tour was special since the Sistine Chapel only opened again the morning of our tour.

Product ID: 36484

Activity provider:LivTours - We craft tours, you live them
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