Itinerary
Meet your guide at Viale Vaticano near the entrance of the Vatican Museum by 6:00pm
Guided tour of the vast corridors of impressive art of the Vatican Museums
Visit the Sistine Chapel - marvel at Michelangelo's impressive frescoes and many other stunning artworks
Across 54 separate galleries, the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are one of the must-visit destinations for any traveller who takes a trip to the Vatican. But while the daytime is usually packed with visitors, arriving after-dark can be a peaceful affair as you explore this world-famous collection of masterpieces.
Throughout 1400 rooms, chapels and galleries, the Vatican Museums’ art collection is possibly the largest and most expensive in the world. Featuring many enduring examples of Renaissance sculptures and paintings, this collection has been put together over the last 500 years by the Popes who commissioned and admired the religiously inspired art.
Led by your expert guide, spend the evening exploring the Vatican Museums as we dive into its wealth of galleries, including the Pius Clementinus Museum, which features striking sculptures like the ‘Apollo del Belvedere’ and the ‘Laocoön Group’. To name just a few of the other exceptional spaces we’ll explore, there’s time to visit the Octagonal Courtyard, the Gallery of the Tapestries, the Gallery of the Candelabra, and the Gallery of Maps.
Meanwhile, don’t miss the Raphael Rooms, which present visitors with a collection of outstanding frescoes painted across four ornate spaces. Almost every inch of the Vatican and its museums has a remarkable corresponding story to go with it. Listen closely as your guide recounts many of these fascinating tales, which provide in-depth context to the beautiful artwork and galleries that we’ll visit during this three-hour tour.
No visit to the Vatican is complete without first exploring the Sistine Chapel. As one of the most significant structures within the Catholic Church, this place is where the College of Cardinals has gathered to elect their newest Pope since 1492. We’ll head inside and admire Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring frescoes, as well as the lavish paintings and sculptures that fill the rest of the chapel.
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are always stunning places to visit. But consider making your time here even more serene than usual, as this night-time tour has you avoiding the clamour that’s expected with one of the world’s most popular art collections. Running every Friday night from May to October, join us as we explore this wonderful place by darkness.
Related article: What are some of the most important artworks in the Vatican?
