Experience the Vatican at night, when the atmosphere in the Vatican Museums is the most tranquil. With an expert guide, you’ll be able to enjoy some of the top art treasures in the collections, as well as Michelangelo’s frescoes in the Sistine Chapel.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
- COVID-19 precautions
- Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
- Mobile ticketing
- Use your phone or print your voucher
- Duration 2.5 hours
- Starting time 7:30 PM
- Skip the ticket line
- Instant confirmation
- Live tour guide
- English
Experience
Highlights
- Enjoy an after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
- Explore the collections of the Museums without the massive crowds
- Have all your questions answered by your entertaining, expert tour guide
Full description
Begin your 2-hour after-hours tour at the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Palaces. As you walk along the elaborate halls and galleries, your expert Vatican guide will bring the Church’s fascinating history to life, from the martyrdom of St. Peter to modern Vatican City.
As your group has a maximum of just 15 people, there will be plenty of opportunity to have all your questions answered.
You’ll also see some of the finest ancient sculptures and Renaissance art in the world, including Raphael’s School of Athens, the Hellenistic Laocoön, and the Apollo Belvedere.
The highlight of the tour is, of course, the Sistine Chapel, the private chapel of the Pope. In the evening light, and without the tourist hordes, you’ll be able to get a sense of the intimate atmosphere the Pope would have enjoyed here.
As you admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, your Vatican expert will tell you about their creation, secrets behind them, and what it is that makes them so special.
Includes
- Admission tickets and reservation fees to enter the Vatican Museums after hours
- Skip-the-line access
- Headsets
- Expert English-speaking tour guide
- Hotel pick-up/drop off
- St. Peter’s Basilica (closed at that hour)
- Gratuities
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
COVID-19 precautions
Safety measures in place
- All required protective equipment is provided
- All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
- The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds
Select participants and date
Participants
Date
Prepare for the activity
Meeting point
At the green bar (called l'Ottagono) in Piazza del Risorgimento. Meeting Point Directions: We meet just outside the green bar in the middle of Piazza del Risorgimento Square. This is the only bar/cafè located on the square. The bar is on the side of the square towards via Crescensio - close to Tram stop number 19. The closest Metro/Underground stop is Ottaviano.
Open in Google Maps ⟶Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
Not allowed
- Shorts
- Luggage or large bags
- Short skirts
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- Galleries of the Vatican Museums can sometimes be closed without prior notice and pieces removed for restoration or loan. In the case of a gallery being closed, your guide will take you to another section of the Museums
- St. Peter’s Basilica is closed at the time of this tour and therefore cannot be visited, nor can access be provided from the Sistine Chapel, as it can on other tours
- While the Vatican Museums are equipped with elevators for wheelchair access, they are not conveniently located on the group tour route and only give access to specific sections of the Museums
- Please ensure that all members of your party have a valid ID on them on the day of the visit. This is particularly important for guests who have qualified for child reduction.
- Please note that guests may only carry small handbags inside the Vatican Museums. Larger backpacks and other items must be left at the cloakroom. It is the responsibility of the guest to collect their belongings at the end.
