Afternoon Vatican Tour | Small Group

*A maximum of 8-10 participants are permitted for our Afternoon Vatican tour.  

Experience the beauty and history of the Vatican under Rome’s golden rays on our afternoon Vatican tour. Gaze at the works of Italy’s most famous artists without waiting in lines with a priority entrance tickets and one of our expert, English-speaking guide. Learn about the Vatican’s intricate art, architecture, and history on this 3.5-hour afternoon Vatican tour. 

Walk the same halls countless historic figures, both ancient and contemporary, have walked and explore the people and philosophies that makes the Vatican so special. 

Gaze at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel 

Few works of art are as memorable as Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Crane your neck to the heavens while your guide illuminates you about the 33 sections of the Sistine Chapel, giving religious and historic context for each one. From the Last Judgement to Michelangelo’s sneaky self-portrait atop St. Paul’s body, the stories behind one of the most beautiful chapels in the world will begin to reveal themselves. 

Explore the Vatican Museums’ artistic labyrinth. 

At a glance, the Vatican Museums can seem overwhelming and inordinate. Our licensed guide will walk you through each section, highlighting each time period, be it ancient Roman or Baroque. Your guide will also enlighten you with interesting historical tid bits, little-known anecdotes about the artists, and how the art came to live in the Holy See. Watch each painting, fresco, and sculpture spring to life as these famous artists’ secrets and inspirations are revealed to you. 

Stroll the Vatican’s many galleries 

Perhaps lesser known than its hallways of ancient and contemporary art, are the Vatican’s many galleries – each one holding a monolithic collection of different items. Make your way to the Gallery of the Candelabra and have your breath taken away from you by countless stunning statues. Step into the Gallery of Tapestries and learn how expensive and time-consuming these labors of loves once were. Follow your guide to the Raphael Rooms and experience his frescoed rooms often said to rival those of Michelangelo.  When you come face to face with Michelangelo’s Last Judgement, you’ll be the one who has the last say. 

Wrap up your afternoon in Saint Peter’s Basilica 

Once you’ve absorbed you fill of history and art, finish your tour in Saint Peter’s Basilica – the same basilica where the Pope holds his audience each week. Nestled in the shadow of the Vatican’s ancient Egyptian Obelisk of Jesus – brought to Rome by emperor Caligula in 37 AD –  this larger than life basilica is the perfect resting spot to reflect on the Vatican’d vast history and the people a part of it. 

Your guide will bid you farewell at St. Peter's Basilica, allowing you to muse on the world's grandest church in solitude.

*Kindly note that per the Vatican’s strict dress code, shoulders and knees must be covered during he tour. Individuals wearing revealing tops, shorts, or skirts that fall above the knee will be not be allowed inside the Vatican Museums and Saint Peter’s Basilica.*