The best of the Vatican Museums gives you a deep appreciation for the art, power, and politics of the Vatican City.
Start your tour by skipping the (always long) lines to get into the museums, diving right into the galleries holding some of the most famous works of art in the world. Your expert, English-speaking guide will offer eye-opening insight and context (along with some great stories) as you explore the Raphael Rooms, the Belvedere Courtyard with ‘Apollo Belvedere’ and ‘Laocoön and Sons’, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Gallery of the Candelabra, the Gallery of the Maps, and the Gallery of the Tapestries.
Before entering the Sistine Chapel, your guide will have told you all the stories behind the creation of these iconic frescoes as well as what they mean. When you enter, you will then be able to appreciate the full majesty of the room, spotting the little details and quirks that most visitors miss.
Your guide will give you 20 minutes to yourself in here, after which time you’ll have a choice. Choose to stay inside the Sistine Chapel for longer, doubling back through the Vatican Museums to see more of the collection; or follow your guide through a special door out of the chapel and directly into St. Peter’s Basilica for an independent visit.
While many tour operators fit 25 or more people into their Vatican tours we’ll never put you with a group of more than 15. We’re passionate about the Vatican and want to share that passion with you in intimate groups led by the most engaging, and knowledgeable guides in the Vatican.