Private Early Morning Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

Get Exclusive Early access into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo's amazing frescoes one whole hour before the general public, in the luxury and intimacy of your very own private tour!

They say the early bird catches the worm and you will see why on this Early Morning Vatican Tour with entry into the museum before the rush of tourists with visits to both the museum’s highlights and the Sistine Chapel.

Discover the incredible collection of Roman & Greek Statues that are housed within the museum. Walk through to the heavily decorated Gallery of the Candelabra, enjoy the trompe l’oeil in the Gallery of the Tapestries and learn about the impressive Gallery of the Maps. With your private LivTours guide, you can tailor your visit to include the highlights that interest you the most. You will not only learn the vibrant history of Christianity’s most powerful Popes, but will also hear a bit of gossip about the daily lives and lesser-known stories of the men and women behind the Vatican history.

Now, enter into the Sistine Chapel and look up and see one of the most replicated depictions in modern history – the divine hand of God reaching for that of Adam’s, in the ever famous depiction of the Creation of Adam. Look straight ahead and you will see Michelangelo’s famous fresco of the Last Judgment, as Christ decides the fate of both the damned and blessed. Let yourself be transported back in time or stay ever-present in the splendor that is within these silent walls.

This Private Morning Vatican Tour also features the impressive Raphael Rooms*. The Raphael Rooms, which are made up of 4 rooms, are some of the most precious treasures of the Vatican Palaces. They contain a stunning collection of frescoes painted by the famous painter and his students between 1508 and 1524 for Pope Julius II. Visit the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, two of the most important Vatican highlights, before the museum even opens!

Your Early Morning Vatican Tour concludes with VIP entrance directly into St. Peter’s Basilica*, the largest Catholic church in the world. As you walk around the Basilica, you will learn the secrets of the magnificent and ornate decorations from your private guide. Visit Michelangelo’s “La Pieta” and admire the magnificence of the building. Since your tour ends here, please feel free to stay inside and continue to explore on your own. LivTours recommends exploring the Papal tombs and climbing up to Michelangelo’s dome.

Please note

Wheelchair accessible
Stroller / pram accessible
Public transportation nearby

*Access to the Raphael Rooms is contingent upon crowd conditions, timing constraints, and guard-regulated routes. Including them may not always be feasible. In these cases, your tour guide will exercise discretion to adjust the itinerary, ensuring a high-quality experience
*Saint Peter’s Basilica is closed on most Wednesdays mornings due to the weekly Papal Audience. If you book this tour for a Wednesday the time inside the Vatican Museums will be extended.
Important Notice Jubilee Year 2025: As part of the 2025 Jubilee celebrations, from December 24th, 2024 to January 6th, 2026, St. Peter’s Basilica may experience unexpected partial or complete closures. In the rare event that the Basilica cannot be visited, rest assured that your tour experience will remain exceptional. Your guide will seamlessly adapt the itinerary to include alternative highlights, ensuring the full duration and quality of your tour. Please note that, in accordance with our Terms & Conditions agreed upon at the time of booking, partial or full refunds cannot be issued due to Basilica closures.
Offered in: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and Italian. Please specify under “Additional notes” if you wish to book the tour in a language other than English.
Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
There is no photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel, but allowed without flash in other areas of the museum.
Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking during your visit inside is strictly forbidden. This tour will begin with the first 30 minutes of the tour held outside of the Vatican Museums in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.
*St. Peter’s Basilica is an active church and can be closed unexpectedly for liturgical ceremonies. If closed, your guide will provide a revised itinerary including more of the Vatican Museums. No compensation is granted in these circumstances.
Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
Guests with mobility concerns should contact us at booking@livtours.com as soon as possible, as the itinerary may need to be adjusted to accommodate specific needs.
IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican