The Key Master's Tour: Open the Sistine Chapel

268

2 h

Morning

20 max

Recommended by

Overview

This once in a lifetime tour offers the most incredible Vatican experience imaginable. Enter the Vatican museums before dawn, with the Museums’ Key Master. Join him as he opens the still and silent galleries and breeze through Italy’s most prized gem in luxurious seclusion. For two unique and memorable hours, you’ll glide through the deserted Museums, seeing the most awe-inspiring spaces including the Raphael Rooms and – the height of exclusivity - an empty Sistine Chapel.

Join the Vatican’s Key Master to open the Sistine Chapel.
Take part in the opening of the Vatican Galleries.
Spend 2 hours inside the Vatican Museums completely alone.
Explore alongside an Official Vatican Museums Guide.
Explore the Vatican free of crowds.

Key Master Tour Itinerary

Travel with the Vatican’s Key Master as he opens up the Museums, unlocking doors and lighting long, empty galleries for you to explore. On this unprecedented tour, the most exclusive ever offered by the Vatican, your small group enjoy 2 hours inside the Vatican Museums completely alone. The highlight of your tour will be the opening of the Sistine Chapel, where you’ll enter completely alone and watch Michelangelo’s frescoes flicker to life. On this tour, you’ll have the whole Museum to yourself for a full two hours -- an experience usually re...

Price

$820

Free Cancellation

A Sustainability Message from Walks Tours

Walks Tours is dedicated to exploring the world’s most iconic attractions responsibly. Since 2009, we've guided over 3 million travelers, in small groups, to minimize impact and create genuine connection with each destination. By working with the best local guides and designing special access to crowded sites, we ensure a high-quality experience that supports sustainable tourism and preserves remarkable cultural heritage.

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Meeting Point

Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Vatican Museums Entrance. Your guide will be waiting on the short flight of stairs in front of the entrance door. These doors are surrounded by white marble and have "Mvsei Vaticani" engraved above the door in the stone.

Total Customer Reviews: 268

Verified Ratings

4.8 /5

based on 268 Devour customer ratings

Rating Summary by Category

Guide

4.5/5

Guest Support

4.6/5

Latest Reviews

Excellent

This is a unique tour, it was sensational being only a few to wander through the Vatican museums with the Key Masters unlocking doors then turning on the lights to witness their unsurpassed glory without the crowds. Worth every cent and highly recommended!

Verified · Susan · Feb 28, 2025 · USA · Female · 55 to 64 years

Excellent

This is one of the best experiences we have had. It was fantastic to be the first ones in the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Wonderful experience!!

Verified · Jacque · Nov 01, 2024 · USA · Female · 55 to 64 years

Great

It would have been nice to sit down on the benches in the Sistine Chapel to look at the frescoes while the guide talked.

Verified · Mary · Nov 01, 2024 · USA · Female · 65 to 74 years

Excellent

The best way to see the sistine chaple. Turn lights on,open doors with the keys. It's early but do not miss this tour!

Verified · Robert · Oct 28, 2024 · USA · Male · 65 to 74 years

Excellent

It was so wonderful to see the Vatican Museums without all the crowds. Being the only people in there and helping unlock the doors was an awesome experience.

Verified · Leonie · Oct 26, 2024 · Australia · Female · 65 to 74 years

Know Before You Book

What is the dress code for the Vatican?

Access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is permitted only to visitors dressed modestly (no sleeveless blouses, no miniskirts, no shorts, no hats allowed). All guests regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees.

Is this tour accessible to guests with mobility impairments?

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at info@takewalks.com to make alternative arrangements.