This splendid tour takes in the Galleries of Maps, Tapestries and Candelabra. In the latter you will see the famous sculpture of Lacoon and his sons. As well as these wonderful galleries you will spend time in the Raphael Rooms, and of course visit the Sistine Chapel. As you wend your way through the Vatican Museums your guide will point out the most important works of art and in particular give you an insight into Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel so that you can gain a much better appreciation of this magnificent chapel and its decorations.On this extended tour you have the opportunity to see much more of the wonders that are housed in the Vatican City including its numerous sculptures, some very famous and some equally stunning but almost unknown.

From the Sistine Chapel to Raphael’s Rooms, on this tour we ensure that in addition to the Vatican Museum’s highlights we show you a few surprises as well – things you didn’t know were housed within its walls.Something not on the normal tourist itinerary is a visit to the Borgia Apartments. Adorned with family portraits these apartments were occupied in the 15th century by the notorious Borgia Family. Cardinal Rodrigo Borgia of Spain, Pope Alexander VI, lived here with his beautiful daughter Lucretia and charismatic son Cesare. Your guide will explain the history hidden within the family portrait’s religious content and tell you some family secrets – a glimpse into the lives of this extraordinary family! Before you arrive at the next stop on the tour, the Sistine Chapel, your guide will explain something of the history of Michelangelo’s magnificent frescoes; what to look for and why they are so renowned. It took eight years to complete this amazing ceiling, a real labour of love!

The tour ends in Saint Peter’s Square where your guide will give you some information about the magnificent statues by Bernini that surround the square. A perfect end to a wonderful tour!