Commencing from the meeting point near the Vatican Museums, the LivTours Early Morning Vatican Tour ensures a captivating start to your day. Your guide, ready to unveil the treasures within, greets you 30 minutes prior to the 8:00 am entry into the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo's masterpieces come to life through visual aids and virtual reality.

With skip-the-line privileges, seize the opportunity to explore the Pinecone Courtyard and the Museo Clementino in tranquility, evading the impending tourist rush. Ascend the Simonetti staircase and traverse empty galleries to reach the splendid Raphael Rooms. The recently restored Julius II apartments await your exclusive exploration in the serene morning ambiance, offering a rare chance to appreciate Raphael's frescoes without the usual crowds.

Exiting the rooms, you'll enter the Sistine Chapel, where the morning light illuminates its colors and tranquility prevails. Following this awe-inspiring start, the tour continues with a loop back, allowing for a brief respite before delving into the galleries, courtyards, statues, and concealed chambers.

Highlights include the Belvedere Torso, an inspiration for Michelangelo's Last Judgment, a close encounter with the Apollo Belvedere, and the emotive Lacoon Priest of Troy. Exclusive access to the Cabinet of the Masks reveals mosaic floors from Hadrian’s Villa, housing statues like the Three Graces.

Your guide leads you through the Hall of Animals, Gallery of Statues, and Hall of Busts, revealing hidden masterpieces. Traverse the Gallery of Tapestries featuring works by Raphael's students, followed by the awe-inspiring Gallery of Maps showcasing intricate handcrafted maps.

A revisit to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel provides an opportunity to appreciate the artwork more deeply. Marvel at detailed depictions from the Book of Genesis, including The Flood, the Creation of Adam, and The Fall. The Sistine Chapel, covering over 8,000 square feet, transcends mere fresco, offering a profound glimpse into the Renaissance world.

Concluding the tour, your guide leads the semi-private group into St. Peter’s Basilica. Admire Michelangelo's La Pietà, a poignant masterpiece, and explore other works by Baldacchino and Bernini. Marvel at Michelangelo’s majestic dome from below, with an option for travelers to ascend to the top at their leisure post-tour.

3 hours and 30 minutes

Rome, Italy