You will be met by your guide outside the Vatican Museums’ entrance and, avoiding the queues with your reserved tickets, the tour will start immediately; visiting the Belvedere Courtyard, the Pio-Clementino Museum and the significant collection of Ancient Roman and Greek Statues. The tour will move on through the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps, arguably the world’s most important collection of Renaissance maps! In the Sobiesky Room you’ll view one of the Vatican’s biggest paintings and see the stunning frescoes which decorate the room of the Immaculate Conception. Raphael’s Rooms are highly recommended for a visit during any tour of the Vatican. Formerly the private apartments of Pope Julius II, they display some of Raphael’s most famous works; the Parnassus and The School of Athens.

Prior to visiting the Sistine Chapel (no talking is allowed inside) your guide will inform you about the inspiring frescoes by Michelangelo, Botticelli and others that cover the walls and ceilings in the chapel. Your guide will also share interesting anecdotes about this ancient place which is still in use today - most notably as the venue for the papal election – Conclave.