Express Early Morning Sistine Chapel Tour with Max 6 People

Rome , Italy

Express Early Morning Sistine Chapel Tour with Max 6 People

Active

(348 reviews)

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

The Express Access to Sistine Chapel in Rome, in a small group of 6 participants is a perfect 2 hours tour that will allow you to visit the Sistine Chapel and Raphael rooms in the early morning. With your expert local guide, you will have direct access into the Sistine Chapel with no waiting in lines to fully absorb the beauty of Michelangelo's masterpiece prior to large tourist groups arriving! Your guide will then take you to the Raphael rooms for an intimate experience with these fresco masterpieces. Our small group size of maximum 6 people creates a friendly environment where you can interact with your knowledgeable guide, and enjoy the peace of an almost-empty museum. Your guide will then lead you back to the Museums' galleries, where you will be given information on how to enjoy the rest of your time inside the wonderful Vatican Museums.

Available options

Semi Private Tour Option

Small Group of 6 people max

Private Tour Option

Private Tour

What's included

Guided visit to the Raphael Rooms and Sistine Chapel

Tour in a Safe and Semi Private Group of 6 participants

Enjoy early skip the line access

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Have a truly intimate experience in a near-empty museum.

Stop 2

Make the most of your time in Rome with the early access to the Sistine Chapel in a small group Tour. Limited to just 6 people per group, you will have direct access to the Sistine Chapel prior to the arrival of public tourists. Enjoy the incredible beauty of Michelangelo's masterpiece with your expert local guide and learn the history, techniques and secrets behind one of the most visited sites in Italy. With over 25,000 tourists visiting per day, you will be thankful to enjoy it prior to the regular opening times!

From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

Stop 3

Enjoy the gorgeous frescoes of Raphael as your expert guide explains these masterpieces in detail with historic anecdotes.

What's not included

Food and drinks

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

15 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

333 reviews

5★

330

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

A dress code is required in places of worship. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered by both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress codes

Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking inside is strictly forbidden. In the Express Access to the Sistine Chapel Tour the first 30 minutes of the tour are held outside of the Museums in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.

Vatican management maintains the right to delay the opening of the Sistine Chapel for religious reasons, in this case the guide will modify the itinerary and extend your visit of the museums to ensure you make the most of your time before access to the Sistine Chapel is permitted.

IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican

Meeting point

In front of Café Vaticano across the street from the Museums's Entrance. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign.

Important notes

From January 12 through March 31, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

*Please be aware that the Sistine Chapel is a Holy Place and talking inside is strictly forbidden. LivTours' Small Group Express Access to the Sistine Chapel Tour begins at 7.30AM, however the first 30 minutes of the tour are held outside of the Museums in order to give you a comprehensive explanation before entering the chapel.

OUR 6 PEOPLE SMALL GROUP POLICY
When you book a LivTours Small Group Tour, you are guaranteed one tour guide per group of 6 people. Please bear in mind though that in order to accommodate traveling families and friends, we do on rare occasion make the exception of adding an additional one to two guests in order not to split groups who are traveling together. On that same note, you may find yourself on tour with less than six people. As we accept bookings in multiples of six, math doesn’t always work in our favor to help accommodate individual travelers and their families when on the same tour, so we hope you understand and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Angelo Carotenuto
Founder and Co-Owner,
LivTours

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