Fabulous and an absolute must. Second time we have undertaken this tour in 2 years - different host this time and she was amazing. Couldn't recommend this tour enough.Thank you.
Review by: Vergena C, July 2018
Our after hours and secret rooms tour of the Vatican was amazing. The three hours flew by, and our guide, Gigi, was so friendly and knowledgeable that we could have spent three more hours with him. He knew so much about all aspects of the Vatican and the history of Rome and Catholicism. Every aspect of the tour was exceptional, but the absolute pinnacle was spending nearly 15 to 20 minutes, uninterrupted, with only two other families, inside of the Sistene Chapel, marveling at the amazing frescas of Michelangelo and others, and soaking in the history of the Catholic church. Well worth the time and the money.
Review by: MARK K, July 2018
Just back last nite from Rome and Greek Island cruise. I was a bit hesitant to buy this due to the high cost $825 for 2 of us BUT.... so glad i did. There were only 15 people on the 2 hour tour and the guide was an amazing PhD which brought all the statues, art and history of each room visited to life. When we arrived at the Vatican meeting spot outside the Museum, there were still 1000 people in line and it was crazy and crowded. We were led straight thru all the lines and started out viewing the Vatican Museum while all the other groups were finishing up. Then we had the rest of the Museum and Sistine Chapel to ourselves for the last hour. I had heard that normally people are fighting for position as they are crammed into the Chapel , several hundred at a time. We had only 15 and got to stay around 30+ minutes... The guards treated us as VIPs and even let us take pictures. wow. we also got access to rooms the general public doesn't get to see. I highly recommend this... its that once in a lifetime event... so just do it!!
Review by: Kimberly W, July 2018
I am not Catholic and wasn't sure this was going to be worth the expense, but glad we decided to go for it. It was an amazing experience, the entire tour was great, we learned so much and saw so many areas that are not generally open to the public. The tour culminated in an unforgettable experience of being alone in the Sistine Chapel, save for our small tour group and at one point a sweet cleaning person. We were all quiet and in awe for a bit, and then our knowledgable tour guide pointed out things in the mural and chapel. It wasn't rushed and was truly amazing. Our children remember it well. Everyone we know talks about being pushed together like sardines and rushed through the Sistine Chapel but we had the chance to linger and really study the mural and aura of the place. This was probably the best tour we have been on with Viator.
Review by: leecollier29, June 2018
Expensive and worth every single penny!! Our tour guide call me Gigi he said, I hope thats how he spells it was knowledgeable, passionate and entertaining. Cannot imagine anyone better for this tour. Late afternoon time so Vatican museum was much less crowded. But the highlight was time ALONE in the Sistine Chapel. Just 15 of us on the tour plus Gigi and a Alessandro, the Vatican guard who was just the nicest guy. A definite WOW of a tour!!!
Review by: Irene B, June 2018
Words can not describe how happy we are that we purchased this amazing Tour. Our guide GG was beyond informative, he took such good care of us, his passion for history was obvious. With his stories and facts, he took us back in time, it was magical!!!. I highly recommend this tour and would purchase it again next time we visit. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you - you made our trip so much more special.
Review by: Wendy N, June 2018
This is one of the most amazing tours I have ever done! Our guide Geo was absolutely amazing. Encyclopedic knowledge of the art in the Vatican, truly loves art and art history, and really entertaining as well. It's a full three hour tour - you see many areas of the Vatican that are not available to the general public. Of course, the highlight of the tour was that we spent 30 minutes in the Sistine Chapel - with just 15 of us in the room. We were able to spend time to really look closely at the ceiling and our guide was able to talk us through much of what was seen. We were even allowed 5 minutes to take pictures of the paintings on the ceiling. Incredible experience and incredible guide. Highly, highly recommend - very costly - but absolutely worth it.
Review by: Russell H, June 2018
This is an experience that you want to sign up to go on. The private viewing is well worth it. There were no crowds to speak of at this point. The guide was awesome. The guard that assisted us was the best. If you only have one tour to take, do this tour while you are here.
Review by: WGW, June 2018
Worth the money - highly recommended. The secret rooms were fascinating, our guide was extremely knowledgeable, and the Sistine Chapel after hours was...well, not sure words can adequately express. Forget braving the crowds for a few seconds of viewing the Sistine Chapel and take advantage of the opportunity to just sit and look while hearing the nuanced stories of this magnificent accomplishment.
Review by: bkjones61888, June 2018
This tour was well worth the price we paid. Being the only 15 people besides our guide and a guard in the Sistine Chapel was priceless. All the extras that we were allowed to do was amazing!
Review by: Joanne H, April 2018
Totally breathtaking experience! Our small group of 14 had a full half hour alone in the Sistine Chapel with the guide, who had a degree in art history..She pointed out the techniques used to create this special place, and made the experience more fascinating by adding details of Michelangelo's personal life and times. Worth every penny!
Review by: Tony C, April 2018
While we were swept up with the madding crowd at times, we were also treated to some private spaces that enriched our understanding of vatican history. Theres no doubting that sharing the Sistine Chapel with just a dozen other people is the highlight and it was an unforgettable privilege to take in Michelangelos masterpiece in a peaceful setting.
Review by: Joann2210, March 2018
A must do! The Sistine Chapel after hours alone is worth the price.
Review by: John T, March 2018
The tour guide did not speak English well enough for us to clearly understand her. Did not know our group was going to be 12 people. Do not book this if you are expecting a personal tour. Very disappointing.
Review by: Jane A, March 2018
It is almost impossible to capture the sense of wonder standing in the Sistine chapel with just your group and having enough time to learn about the paintings and to see them clearly. The secret rooms were great too, but the chapel is a once in a lifetime experience
Review by: Deb and Chris, February 2018
Would do it again and recommend the evening tour. FAbulous
Review by: anisem2001, February 2018
There were only 10 of us on this tour. Our guide was so knowledgeable on the history of the Vatican and the art. Part of the tour was during the museum opening hours and the private viewing was after hours. The Vatican has such a rich history and your appreciation should only grow after this tour. The highlight was the private viewing of the Sistine Chapel. Only our group was there and to listen to our guide and then have quiet time to enjoy the Chapel. This is one of the most unique tours I have ever been on.
Review by: MARK S, January 2018
Excellent tour - no crowds able to view some of the hidden rooms not normally open to the public._br/_ Guide friendly and very knowledgeable great for all those interested in the art and its history.
Review by: Delilah, January 2018
Absolutely fantastic. This was so worth it and will treasure the memories! Wonderful guide, Laura was so knowledgeable, cant rate this high enough
Review by: David K, January 2018
Costly but worth every penny. Loved getting into the areas that we couldn't on our first tour through the cruise ship. Especially wonderful was the private tour of the Sistine Chapel with only 24 of us. We could talk, ask all the questions we wanted, take all the pictures we wanted and move all about the Chapel unimpeded. Also very impressed with our knowledgeable guide.
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