Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel Tour

Tour Description

Accompanied by your expert art historian guide, you will be immersed into a thrilling adventure of history, masterpieces, and secrets that for millennia have been secured within the fortified walls of Vatican City. Learn about its ancient origins, how archaic pagan rituals were practiced on the Vatican Hill, and how later in Roman times the Apostle Peter was crucified by order of the Emperor Nero. In the Vatican Museum you will see highlights of the immense art collection including classical sculptures, Renaissance tapestries, and the spectacular Gallery of the Maps. Deep inside the ancient papal palace you may be shocked to learn how two magnificent apartments bore witness to the worst pope and darkest moments of the Catholic church, but you will also be astounded by the beauty of Raphael’s legendary paintings which adorn some of those very walls. At the Sistine Chapel you will be awestruck as you gaze at Michelangelo’s Ceiling and Last Judgement. Absolute silence is required inside this place of worship, so your guide will have already explained what these masterpieces mean and why they are so celebrated. You will have also learnt about the papal conclave and the fabled moment when white smoke rises from a chimney on the Sistine Chapel roof, the sign that the cardinals have elected the new pope. Next, is a short walk to your final stop, St. Peter’s Square. On the way you will marvel at the imposing fortified wall which surrounds the world’s smallest country and see the Swiss Guards on duty at the Vatican’s main gate. From the magnificent square you will also be able to admire the imposing St Peter’s Basilica, it will be closed by this time, but your guide will give you an introduction about its origins, history and what there is to see within. Sites Visited ● Vatican Museums ● Sistine Chapel ● Raphael Rooms ● Courtyard of the Pinecone ● View of St. Peter's dome and Vatican Gardens from Museum terrace ● Greek and Roman sculptures including Apollo Belvedere and Laocoön ● Gallery of the Candelabra ● Gallery of the Tapestries ● Gallery of the Maps ● St. Peter's Square ● St. Peter's Basilica (viewed from outside only) Meeting Point ● Viale Vaticano 100 (top of steps directly across road from museum entrance) Included ● Entrance ticket to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel ● Local mother tongue English-speaking guide ● Expertly guided walking tour ● Headset (for groups of 6 people or more)