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VIP Key Master's Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum

Vatican City, IT
93% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (74 reviews)
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We don't know when or if this item will become available again
We don't know when or if this item will become available again

    Highlights

    • Exclusive early access to Vatican Museums
    • Private tour with the Vatican's Key Master
    • Empty Sistine Chapel experience
    • Explore the magnificent Raphael Rooms
    • Enter the Pinecone Courtyard
    • Exclusive early access
    • Guided by Vatican Key Master
    • Small group of 15 travelers
    • Fully guided Sistine Chapel tour
    • Duration 2 hours

    Embark on a truly extraordinary adventure with the VIP Key Master's Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel. This exclusive and once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to enter the Vatican Museums before dawn, accompanied by the Museums' Key Master. As he unlocks doors and illuminates the magnificent galleries, you'll have the rare opportunity to explore the Vatican in utter seclusion. Glide through the deserted Museums, marvel at the breathtaking Raphael Rooms, and bask in the sheer exclusivity of an empty Sistine Chapel. Witness Michelangelo's masterpieces come to life as you enter the chapel completely alone. Feel the weight of history and artistry as you pass by crowds still waiting their turn. This 2-hour tour guarantees an unforgettable journey through Italy's most treasured gem.

    At a Glance

    • Free cancellation
    • 2 hours
    • Instant Confirmation
    • Available in English
    • Mobile voucher
    • Small Group tour
    • Guided
    • Adults only

    Featured Reviews

    Excellent (74 reviews)
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    Viator
    doried733
    Jul 24
    We did the Key Master's Tour of the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with Walks Tour in July 2024 and it was FANTASTIC! Being there before the Museum is open and going through the entire space to unlock it all with only 20 visitors was a magical time that we will not forget! I can't imagine visiting it any other way now. There is so much amazing art to see and learn about. Of course, seeing Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings in person is surreal. Our tour guide, whose name I think was Juliana (and I feel like a fool for not remembering it) was the star of the tour. She was so knowledgeable and friendly and warm. I can't recommend this tour enough!
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    Viator
    N1852PLhelenam
    Jul 24
    Paolo was amazing and the tour of the crypts was incredible! Best day of our trip in Rome. Can not say enough good things about this guide or this tour!
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    Viator
    wtklemp
    Jun 24
    This review is being given 3 stars as a heads-up more than a reflection of the experience. The tour is very expensive and before you spend this kind of money you should be aware of potential difficulties. The chance to tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine chapel virtually alone, no crowds, with a knowledgeable guide is nothing short of spectacular. As others have said,once-in-a-life-time experience. If you can afford it, DO IT! Th reason for only 3 stars: By luck of the draw we had a guide that was knowledgeable, passionate, and energetic. But he wasn’t proficient at guiding a tour. Very hard to hear and understand. As if he was having a conversation with himself and he’d wander off to the next room, still talking. At these prices, only the absolute BEST guides should be used. So, note to self, if you get the small Italian man with the thick accent, stay in his hip pocket if you want to hear. I mean right on top of him. Note to Walks, I saw another review suggesting audio devices. Excellent suggestion! One of those would have made all the difference in the world. Not all your guides may need that assistance, but it would have made all the difference on 17 June.
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    Viator
    ck334
    Jun 24
    This tour is a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity ; not to be missed. As other reviewers stated - being almost 'alone' in these incredible places... seeing them first 'in the dark' and then come to light - with NO ONE ELSE in there... again, second to none experience. You can see the amazing art, floors, sculptures, etc... without dodging 100's of people trying to get a photo or two. Yes, it is a little pricey...as my husband put it ...'best spent money of the entire trip'... do it.. you won't regret it!
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    Viator
    cmlellmom
    Jun 24
    If you are really interested in the Vatican Museums, this is a must! It seems expensive, but it is worth every penny!! We arrived at 5:45 AM, in a group of only 20, with a fabulous guide, and had close to four hours alone in the Museums, literally unlocking doors and opening up shutters. It was such a privilege! We saw many areas of the Museums and apartments that others do not get to see, like the exercise area for the Italian Guard. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable! The best part was walking into the Sistine Chapel, through the back door, while the lights were off. When they flip the switch, it is truly overwhelming. I had seen it before, but never like this! They get 35,000 visitors a day, so seeing this without the crowds was truly a privilege! Note that this tour does not help you skip the line to St. Peter's, and you will have to walk around the wall from he Vatican Museums entrance to St. Peter's Square. But, we only waited about 15 minutes to get through security there (10 AM), and then went right in. In all - highly recommend!! Worth every penny!
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    0 / 0
    VIP Key Master's Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museum

    Experience the Vatican's beauty in exclusive silence with the VIP Key Master's Tour, featuring the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums before dawn.

    Included

    • inclusion
      Exclusive entrance to the vatican museums 2 hours before opening
    • inclusion
      Fully guided tour of the sistine chapel
    • inclusion
      Fully guided tour of the vatican museums with official vatican tour guide
    • inclusion
      Option to stay in the vatican for further exploration
    • inclusion
      Open the sistine chapel with the vatican key master
    • inclusion
      Small group of 15 travelers

    Excluded

    • exclusion
      Gratuities
    • exclusion
      Hotel pick-up/drop-off

    Meeting Point

    Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Vatican Museums Entrance. Your guide will be waiting on the short flight of stairs in front of the entrance door.

    Meeting point

    00120 Vatican City , Holy See

    End point

    End Point

    Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Vatican Museums Entrance. Your guide will be waiting on the short flight of stairs in front of the entrance door.

    Meeting point

    00120 Vatican City , Holy See

    End point

    What to expect

    1

    Vatican Museums

    Vatican Museums

    Travel with the Vatican’s Key Master as he opens up the Museums, unlocking doors and lighting long, empty galleries for you to explore

    Duration 65 minutes
    Admission Admission Included
    2

    Sphere within a Sphere

    Sphere within a Sphere

    This spectacular bronze globe is the center piece of the Pinecone Courtyard. It was designed for the Vatican by well-known Italian artist Arnaldo Pomodoro and copies of it can now be found all over the world, including Dublin, Tel Aviv and New York City.

    3

    Cortile della Pigna

    Cortile della Pigna

    Enter the still-closed Pinecone Courtyard passing the crowds who are only now getting inside the doors.

    Duration 15 minutes
    Admission Admission Included
    4

    Octagonal Courtyard

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    Guided tour & Photo Stop

    5

    Stanze di Raffaello

    The Raphael Rooms are a particular highlight. Often more crowded than the Sistine Chapel, they’re home to a collection of frescoes just as revered by art historians. Visiting alone, you’ll have the space to appreciate them in all their majesty.

    Duration 15 minutes
    Admission Admission Included
    6

    Sistine Chapel

    Sistine Chapel

    The highlight of your tour will be the opening of the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll enter completely alone and watch Michelangelo’s frescoes flicker to life.

    Duration 20 minutes
    Admission Admission Included
    7

    Vatican City

    This tour is in the Vatican City, the center of the Roman Catholic Church and home to the Pope.

    Duration 5 minutes

    The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

    Additional Information

    • Additional information
      Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Additional information
      Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Additional information
      The tour is in English.
    • Additional information
      This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
    • Additional information
      Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
    • Additional information
      All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
    • Additional information
      Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
    • Additional information
      Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
    Provided by Walks - Italy & Spain

    What our experts say

    • icon
      Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
    • icon
      Bring an ID, it's mandatory for entry.
    • icon
      Plan to stay longer after the tour.
    • icon
      Visit nearby Trattoria da Enzo for lunch.
    • icon
      Dress modestly for the Vatican's guidelines.

    Why Book with Evendo?

    More About this Experience

    Introduction

    Indulge in a once-in-a-lifetime experience with the VIP Key Master's Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel. This exclusive tour grants you access to the Vatican Museums before dawn, alongside the Museums' Key Master. Imagine strolling through the galleries, unlocking doors, and witnessing Italy's most treasured gem in complete seclusion. For a remarkable two hours, immerse yourself in the silence and stillness of the Museums, as you explore renowned spaces like the Raphael Rooms. However, the pinnacle of this extraordinary journey lies in the rare opportunity to marvel at an empty Sistine Chapel.

    What to expect?

    During the 120-minute duration of this tour, prepare to be captivated by the wonders that await you. You will begin your enchanting expedition in front of the Vatican Museums, where the guide will greet you and lead you through the marble door surrounded by elegance. Accompanied by the Vatican’s Key Master, you will traverse long, dimly lit corridors and unlock the secrets hidden within the Museums. Delight in a leisurely 75-minute exploration of the Vatican Museums, marveling at the masterpieces adorning the walls. Then, lose yourself in the grandeur of the Raphael Rooms for 15 minutes, having the privilege to appreciate the revered frescoes undisturbed. Finally, the culmination of your tour will be a 20-minute immersion in the divine ambiance of the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's breathtaking frescoes will enrapture your senses.

    Who is this for?

    This unparalleled experience is designed for anyone longing to discover the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in an intimate and exclusive manner. Whether you are a history aficionado, an art enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler seeking a truly unique adventure, this tour is tailored to immerse you in the depths of Vatican City's rich cultural heritage. It is a journey for those who want to escape the usual crowds and experience the wonders of the Vatican in a tranquil and private setting.

    Why book this?

    This meticulously crafted tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel in a truly remarkable way. By joining the VIP Key Master's Tour, you will be able to witness the beauty and grandeur of these iconic landmarks without the usual hustle and bustle of crowds. Imagine walking through the empty galleries, infused with an air of mystery and serenity. With the expert guidance of the Museums' Key Master, you will gain unique insights and knowledge about the art, history, and culture that reside within these hallowed walls. This exclusive experience will leave you with cherished memories and a profound appreciation for the masterpieces that define the Vatican.

    Good to know

    Please note that this VIP Key Master's Tour is a highly sought-after experience and availability is extremely limited. It is advised to book in advance to secure your place on this exclusive journey through Vatican City's treasures. The meeting point for this tour is the entrance to the Vatican Museums, where the guide will be waiting for you at the stairs surrounded by elegant white marble. It is recommended to arrive punctually to ensure a smooth and timely start to your adventure. Prepare to be captivated as you embark on this extraordinary exploration of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

    Reviews

    Those who have embarked on the VIP Key Master's Tour express overwhelming awe and astonishment at their unforgettable experiences. Travelers consistently commend the tranquility and intimacy allowed by the absence of crowds, enabling them to fully immerse themselves in the rich history and artistic grandeur. Former visitors laud the knowledgeable guidance of the Museums' Key Master, who provides captivating insights into each marvel encountered along the way. With many rating this tour as the highlight of their visit to Rome, it is evident that the VIP Key Master's Tour: Open The Sistine Chapel is an unparalleled opportunity not to be missed.

    Journals from our explorers at this location

    Card
    A Day of Divine Art and Culinary Heights in Rome

    Discover Rome's Vatican City, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Indulge in authentic Roman cuisine and charming Trastevere nights.

    author
    16 Sep 2025 By Andrew Taylor
    Card
    A Day of Divine Art and Inspiration in Vatican City

    Discover the Vatican's treasures: museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. A family journey through art, history, and divine inspiration.

    author
    21 Feb 2025 By Andreea Albu
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