If you want to really appreciate the wonderful artworks of the Vatican this tour is for you.
On this special extended tour , our expert English-Speaking guide will ensure you see the highlights that this treasure chest has to offer; the Vatican Art Gallery, the Sistine Chapel, St’ Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
Not only will you see the highlights; all on the normal tour itinerary, you will see so much more besides!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Local guide
✔ Private tour
✔ Professional art historian guide
✔ Guaranteed to skip the long lines
✔ Local taxes
✖ Gratuities
✖ Hotel pick up and drop off
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Vatican Museums Entrance, below the white gate topped by the statues of Michelangelo and Raphael. Street address: viale Vaticano.
Your tour guide will have a sign with your name on it.
Itinerary
1
Vatican Museums
With over nine miles of galleries, it is difficult to see everything in the Vatican on a fleeting visit. The Gallery of Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries hold fantastic treasures as does the Gallery of the Candelabra where you can see the sculpture of Lacoon and his sons.
Duration: 2 hours
2
Stanze di Raffaello
Raphael’s Rooms alone are spectacular and worthy of a prolonged visit, and of course you could spend a half day in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with its wonderful frescoes and still not see everything this magnificent chapel has to offer.
On this special extended tour however we shall ensure you have time for a more in-depth appreciation of the Vatican and its wonderful artworks. You will see amazing sculptures, some very famous and some virtually unknown. We will ensure you see all of the “must see” sights but also some very special treasures that you we not aware existed.
The Borgia Apartments are one of the gems not on the usual tourist itinerary. In the 15th century the Spanish cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI lived here with his family. There are some stunning family portraits and your guide will let you in on some of the secrets of this infamous family. Your guide will explain some of the religious symbolism behind the portraits themselves and give you an insight into the lives of the Pope and his enigmatic daughter Lucretia and son Cesare.
Duration: 2 hours
3
Sistine Chapel
You guide will take you to the see the highlight of any Vatican tour, the Sistine Chapel.
There is no talking inside so your guide will explain what to look for when you see Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes that adorn the chapel; the artist spent eight years of his life painting this spectacular ceiling. How did he do it? Ask your guide!
Duration: 30 minutes
4
St. Peter's Basilica
Following the visit to the chapel you proceed to Saint Peter’s Basilica. This is one of the premier religious buildings for those of catholic persuasion and was build over the tomb of Saint Peter himself. It took 120 years to complete and many of the Renaissance artists of the period were involved in some way in the building and decoration of this magnificent edifice. Michelangelo painted his “Pietà” that is displayed inside the church and you can see Bernini’s splendid altarpiece as well as the chair of Saint Peter. There is something wonderful to see everywhere you look!
Duration: 60 minutes
5
St. Peter's Square
Finally you are taken to Saint Peters Square where your guide will wish you goodbye but not before telling you about Bernini’s statues that surround the square and pointing out other interesting sights.
Duration: 30 minutes
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Additional info
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
