Skip-the-line access means that there is no queuing, so after you meet you guide outside the entrance you can put your belongings into the Vatican cloakroom and go straight to explore the treasures of the Vatican. On this interactive tour, there are quizzes, scavenger hunts and lots of other games for the whole family to take part in; even some prizes to be won!The kids will love the colossal Greek and Roman statues and the sarcophagi of the Empresses Helena and Constantina, the mother and daughter of Constantine the Great. You explore some of the wonderful galleries and rooms, including the Gallery of the Candelabra and Gallery of Tapestries.  The kids will love the Gallery of Maps – the largest collection of Renaissance Maps in the World. The Sobieski Hall has one of the largest canvases in the Vatican – How was it painted?  Raphael’s Rooms are a riot of color.  Why were they painted and for whom?  The kids will love asking questions of the very knowledgeable guide and getting to know more about this magical place.

Of course, no tour is complete without a visit to the Sistine Chapel, still used today for the conclave to elect a new Pope.  Your guide will tell you all about the Bible stories, including the creation of Adam depicted in the wonderful frescoes that adorn the ceiling and walls. The kids will be amazed at how long it took Michelangelo to paint The Last Judgment.

Il est ensuite temps de visiter la basilique Saint-Pierre et d'explorer les nombreuses chapelles latérales et leurs cryptes cachées. Vous admirerez la Pietà de Michel-Ange et votre guide vous expliquera pourquoi il s'agit de la seule œuvre signée par lui. Vous apprécierez la maîtrise du retable du Bernin et découvrirez comment Michel-Ange a triomphé de ses contemporains pour l'honneur de peindre la magnifique coupole de Saint-Pierre. Mais il y a encore beaucoup à voir sous terre. Votre guide vous conduira jusqu'à la crypte papale où, au fil des siècles, de nombreux papes ont été enterrés. Ce lieu unique est un lieu de pèlerinage pour de nombreux catholiques.

The best way to learn is through play.  At the end of this tour both you and you children will have learnt a lot about the Vatican and its treasures.  Your guide can customize the tour for your particular gamily group – just ask! You will say goodbye to your guide in Saint Peter’s Square next to the taxi rank and bus station.  Then it is back to your hotel to share your memories of these wonderful 3-hours spent in the Vatican.