• Vatican Museums - Situated within Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are a collection of art and historical museums that display a vast array of artwork and artifacts collected by the Catholic Church over the centuries. Established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, the museums feature over 50 galleries and halls, covering approximately 7 kilometers of exhibition space. Highlights include Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael’s “School of Athens,” and the Gallery of Maps, which showcases 16th-century topographical maps of Italy. The collections boast sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and archaeological finds from ancient civilizations, offering visitors a rich journey through art history.
• Cortile della Pigna - Known as the Pinecone Courtyard, the Cortile della Pigna is a charming open area within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. This courtyard is named after the large bronze pinecone sculpture at its center, which is believed to have originally decorated a Roman fountain.

Encircled by Renaissance architecture and adorned with ancient statues and fragments, the Pinecone Courtyard provides a peaceful retreat within the lively museum complex. Visitors can appreciate the detailed craftsmanship of the pinecone sculpture while enjoying the calm ambiance of this outdoor space. The courtyard often serves as a place for reflection and relaxation for museum visitors, offering a break amidst the extensive art and history of the Vatican Museums.

• Gallery Of The Maps - The Gallery of Maps, or Galleria delle Carte Geografiche, is a notable feature within the Vatican Museums in Vatican City. This impressive gallery is decorated with a series of large frescoes depicting maps of Italy and its regions, created in the 16th century.

Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII and executed by Ignazio Danti, the maps display intricate details of Italy’s geography, towns, and landscapes as understood during the Renaissance. The Gallery of Maps provides visitors with a unique chance to explore both cartography and artistic expression from centuries ago.

The grandeur of the frescoes, along with the historical importance of the maps, makes the Gallery of Maps a fascinating and educational experience within the Vatican Museums.

• Stanze di Raffaello - The Raphael Rooms, or Stanze di Raffaello, are a series of four connected chambers within the Vatican Palace in Vatican City. Commissioned by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, these rooms were adorned by the celebrated Italian Renaissance artist Raphael and his workshop.

Each room features stunning frescoes that blend religious and secular themes, highlighting Raphael’s expertise in composition, color, and perspective. The most renowned of these frescoes is “The School of Athens,” located in the Room of the Segnatura, which depicts a gathering of ancient philosophers and intellectuals.

The Raphael Rooms stand as a testament to the artistic brilliance of the High Renaissance and remain a highlight of the Vatican Museums. Visitors are captivated by the beauty and intricacy of Raphael’s work, making the rooms a must-visit for art lovers and tourists alike.

• Sistine Chapel - The Sistine Chapel is one of the most iconic and esteemed spaces within Vatican City. Constructed in the late 15th century under Pope Sixtus IV, the chapel is celebrated for its magnificent Renaissance art, particularly Michelangelo’s extraordinary ceiling frescoes.

Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes, completed between 1508 and 1512, illustrate scenes from the Book of Genesis, including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgment on the altar wall. The intricate details, vibrant colors, and profound symbolism of these frescoes have made them some of the most renowned artworks globally.

In addition to Michelangelo’s masterpieces, the Sistine Chapel also features frescoes by other Renaissance greats such as Botticelli, Perugino, and Ghirlandaio.

Beyond its artistic significance, the Sistine Chapel holds great importance for the Catholic Church, serving as the venue for papal elections (conclaves) and other significant ceremonies.

• Entrance Fees to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Skip-the-Line Entrance to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica introduction before entering these iconic sites
• Headsets to ensure clear communication with your guide during the tour
• Access to key areas including the Belvedere Courtyard, Raphael’s Rooms, and Pinecone Courtyard
• Guided Tour with an expert local guide, sharing detailed history and insights

• Hotel pick-up and drop off
• Guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica
• Access to the dome at St. Peter’s Basilica
• Food and Drinks
• Access to restricted areas

Avoid the long queues and embark on an enchanting journey through the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Raphael’s Rooms, all with the assistance of a knowledgeable local guide. Bypass the crowds and immerse yourself in the breathtaking art, ancient history, and extraordinary architecture as your guide unveils the secrets of these iconic locations. Explore the Belvedere Courtyard, the Pinecone Courtyard, and the Sistine Chapel, each offering intriguing insights into the legends that shaped them.

Discover Michelangelo’s masterpieces and uncover the hidden stories of Raphael and his peers. Your guide will also point out the unique chimney used during papal elections, where the traditional black and white smoke is released.

Ideal for those seeking a rich historical experience, this tour will leave you with a profound understanding of the Vatican’s remarkable legacy. Delve into the tales of renowned artists and secret traditions, departing with unforgettable memories.

• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers to ensure the direct access
• Only small bags are allowed
• Please note that on the day of your visit certain areas of the monument/attraction can be closed due to either religious events and national holidays
• Wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted in the shared group tour due to space limitations

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.