Rome , Italy

Night Hours Vatican Tour group tour

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About this experience

The Vatican Museums at night can be a very incredible experience especially in high season when you want to escape from the daily crowd.
Definitely visiting the Vatican galleries and the Sistine Chapel at night is more relaxing and your professional friendly guide will be able to bring art and historical facts back to life. You will access with priority tickets and visit the highlights such as the Pinecone and Octagonal Courtyard, where are the marble statues of “Apollo”, “Laocoon” & “Torso”, you will head to the Muses Room and the Round Room built as the roman pagan Pantheon. You will head to the Gallery of Candelabra, Tapestries and Maps, Raphael Rooms and Sistine Chapel. Appreciate Raphael's “School of Athens”, Pope Borgia's apartment & Michelangelo's frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Accompanied by passionate guide, discover the meaning of the frescoes and learn many stories and anecdotes about Michelangelo and Raphael who at that time were both working for the Pope Julius II.

Available options

English Tour

What's included

Headsets to hear the guide clearly

Local guide

Skip-the-line tickets

Professional guide for 2.5 hours

Detailed itinerary

The Cortile della Pigna is the first step of this tour. Here you can admire a sculpture of 4 meters; then, you will continue in the Octagonal Courtyard, where you can see the very famous Laocoon marble group.

Stop 2

After the Octagonal Courtyard, you will visit the Room of the Animals, with beautiful statues recreating a marble zoo, and the Room of the Muses, with the statue of Apollo playing a Lira and the Torso in the center.

Stop 3

The tour continues with the Round Hall, which was created by Michelangelo Simonetti in 1779. Many important sculptures encircle the hall and, at the center of the room, you can admire a big red porphyry basin, which is also called "Nero's Bathtub" because it came from Nero's Domus Aurea ("Golden House").

Stop 4

Then, you will visit the Upper Galleries of the Vatican Museums, which include one of the Maps, Tapestries, and Candelabra. The galleries are connecting the north section of the Vatican Palace with the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of St. Peter’s.

Stop 5

Then, you will enter the Raphael Rooms, which were part of the apartment of Pope Julius II. Here Raphael painted "The School of Athens" while Michelangelo was painting the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

Stop 6

After visiting the Raphael Rooms, you will admire the Borgia Rooms.

The Spanish Pope Alexander VI Borgia commissioned the work and Pinturicchio painted the apartment. These rooms are inside the oldest section of the Apostolic Palace. You will see its main rooms and the collection of modern and contemporary art.

Stop 7

Finally, you will admire Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel with the Frescoes painted in the 1500s for the Pope Julius II and Paul III. Michelangelo first painted the Ceiling where he represented "The Creation of the World", from the Genesis book, and stories of Noah’s life. When he was 61 years old Michelangelo came back to paint "The Last Judgement", in only five years, on the wall behind the altar.

What's not included

Gratuities

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT FR ES

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements

Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately

If your booking includes kids, please bring with you a copy of their ID to prove their age in case needed.

If you arrive late you might lose the entrance

Meeting point

Get off at "Ottaviano" Stop on Metro A line.From the station, walk on Via Ottaviano following the indication to St. Peter square.When you arrive across at Via Germanico, go to the right follow the street.After 100 mtr, Via Vespasiano will be on your left. At the number 28, you will find our office.

Important notes

Emergency Telephone Nr. +39063204914
• A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
• A copy of your kids' ID (if booked for the tour) is necessary to prove their age.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• If you arrive late you might lose the entrance
This tour is not wheelchair accessible but may be adapted to an accessible itinerary if you contact us.

Please note that, for disabled visitors with certified invalidity of more than 74%, the Vatican Museums offers free entry that is extended to a companion for visitors who are not self-sufficient. To benefit from this, make sure you mention it at the time of booking so that our staff may handle your request.
-Real Barcelona Tours is glad to inform you that all our “Small group tours” and “Private Tours” comply with the protocols and guidelines suitable to guarantee the performance of our service in safe conditions to prevent Covid-19.
-The safety and health of our clients and staff is our highest priority.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots