With over nine miles of galleries, it is difficult to see everything in the Vatican on a fleeting visit.  The Gallery of Maps and the Gallery of Tapestries hold fantastic treasures as does the Gallery of the Candelabra where you can see the sculpture of Lacoon and his sons.

Raphael’s Rooms alone are spectacular and worthy of a prolonged visit,  and of course you could spend a half day in Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel with its wonderful frescoes and still not see everything this magnificent chapel has to offer.   On this special extended tour however we shall ensure you have time for a more in-depth appreciation of the Vatican and its wonderful artworks.   The Borgia Apartments are one of the gems not on the usual tourist itinerary.  In the 15th century the Spanish cardinal Rodrigo Borgia, Pope Alexander VI lived here with his family.  There are some stunning family portraits and your guide will let you in on some of the  secrets of this infamous family.  Your guide will explain some of the religious symbolism behind the portraits themselves and give you an insight into the lives of the Pope and his enigmatic daughter Lucretia and son Cesare.

You guide will take you to the see the highlight of any Vatican tour, the Sistine Chapel.  There is no talking inside so your guide will explain what to look for when you see Michelangelo’s breathtaking frescoes that adorn the chapel; the artist spent eight years of his life painting this spectacular ceiling.  How did he do it?  Ask your guide!

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 honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.

The tour will end in Saint peters square