First up on the tour will be an array of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures from excavations across Rome. The Vatican held the rights to all archaeological discoveries when the Popes ruled Central Italy. This part of the tour will focus on the most important of these, including the Belvedere Apollo, the Torso, the busts of Claudius and Hadrian and the sarcophagi of Helen and Constance, the mother and daughter of Emperor Constantine. Next you’ll enter the Room of Animals followed by the Gallery of the Candelabra where you can view the inspiring statues of Diana of Ephesus, the Muses and many Greek philosophers. After the Gallery of the Candelabra, you’ll view the Gallery of Tapestries, the Sobieski Hall and Raphael’s Rooms. The latter were decorated by Raphael for Pope Julius II, who used the rooms as his private apartments. These rooms are home to two of Raphael’s greatest works: the Parnassus and The School of Athens.

Italy’s most visited attraction, and the Vatican’s most talked about place, is the Sistine Chapel. Your guide will share information about Michelangelo’s frescoes - The Last Judgment, the Creation of Adam and the Genesis - and details on the Stories of Moses and Jesus painted by Botticelli, Perugino and other masters of the Renaissance. The Sistine Chapel is still used today, most notably for papal elections. From your guide you’ll hear fascinating anecdotes and little-known facts about this renowned place.

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honor to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome. The tour will end in Saint Peter’s Square, where you can view Bernini’s statues and the famous chimney which announces the election of a new Pope. A couple of final anecdotes and it will be time for your guide will say goodbye, leaving you to enjoy the square under your own steam. A wonderful end to a tour of the Vatican!