Vatican Necropolis Scavi Tour
Focus
What makes this tour Special
What to Expect
PRIVATE TOUR
Enjoy your tour with your own private tour expert at your party's disposal only
DURATION
5 hours
START TIME
07:15 - 07:45
TRANSFER
Meet&Greet at your hotel/accomodation. Transfer to the tour site included
NOT AVAILABLE
Wednesday, Sunday
ENTRANCE TICKETS
Entrance tickets are included! Enjoy your tour!
GENERIC INFORMATION
Children below 15 years of age not allowed. Not recommended for people who suffer from claustrophobia.
- Blue badge certified private tour guide
- Vatican Museums Skip-the-Line Tickets
- Access to the Vatican Necropolis (small group tour)
- Pick-up from Centrally Located Hotels (within the Aurelian Walls)
- Drop off back to your hotel/accommodation after the tour
- Extras
Sites you’ll visit
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Vatican Museums
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Sistine Chapel
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Vatican Necropolis
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St. Peter's Basilica
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St. Peter's Square
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Famous throughout the world, the multiple galleries and rooms can take days to visit although only just over a third of the art that Popes throughout the centuries have collected is on show to the public. The museums house an immense collection that includes some of the most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world along with some of the most precious Ancient Rome and Egyptian statues.
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Definitely the most known work of art of all time, the frescoes by Michelangelo are considered the finest work of art ever created by Man. The iconic narration of the vault dedicaded to the Holy Creation and the Bible is a pendant of the huge wall scene (60 feet tall) just behind the altar: the “Last Judgment” with its 391 figures. The side walls welcomed Michelangelo’s creation with pre-existing stories of the Life of Jesus and Moses by Botticelli and the Renaissance masters. Despite the religious dedication, the meaning of the Sistine Chapel trascends the time and space of the Church and reveals its universal meaning for mankind.
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Hidden below the Vatican city is a Necropolis dating back to the Imperial age of Rome. This special site was only discovered in the mid 1940's due to the Pope of then wanting to be buried as close as possible to Peter the Apostle. More of the Necropolis was unearthed as recently as 2003, who knows what else is hidden below!
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The largest Basilica in the world is also home to worldwide masterpieces like the famous Pietà by Michelangelo! it even houses an underground crypt for Popes, of which can be visited. The Basilica has a big influence from Michelangelo and you can see his art work throughout. The Basilica was originally built above the tomb of the Prince of the Apostles, where the Pope visits every Christmas or Easter Time.
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Completely designed by the master of the Baroque Era Gian Lorenzo Bernini, this worldwide famous square is one of the most iconic places in the word! This is the place where the Popes offer their audiences and blessings, and where the Christians use to wait and see the “white smoke” coming out from the roof of the Sistine Chapel, when a new Pope is elected. 140 statues of Popes, Angels and Saints look down on us from the balaustrades of the colonnades and extend their embrace to the city and all mankind right in the heart of the sacred side of Rome.
Tour description
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Vatican with this private early morning tour, exploring its most treasured sites in the quietest hours of the day. Discover the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, the archaeological excavations of the Necropoli, and the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica, accompanied by an expert guide who brings history and art to life.
Begin your experience with early entry to the Vatican Museums, where you’ll walk through awe-inspiring galleries filled with masterpieces by Raphael, Michelangelo, and other Renaissance legends. Your private guide will reveal fascinating stories behind these works, offering deeper insights into their historical and cultural significance.
Next, admire the grandeur of the Sistine Chapel, surrounded by Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes. In the serenity of the early morning, immerse yourself in the profound beauty and details of this masterpiece, free from the usual crowds.
From here, descend into the depths of history with a visit to the Scavi Necropoli, the ancient burial grounds beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This remarkable site, accessible only to a select number of visitors, includes the believed tomb of St. Peter himself. Your guide will lead you through its chambers, uncovering the spiritual and archaeological significance of this sacred place.
Finally, conclude your tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most iconic churches in the world. Admire its breathtaking interior, from Michelangelo’s Pietà to Bernini’s majestic baldachin, while your guide highlights the art, architecture, and history that make this site unparalleled in its grandeur.
This private early morning tour combines art, history, and spirituality for an unforgettable exploration of the Vatican’s most iconic landmarks, offering a unique perspective on its timeless treasures.
Useful information
- Not available on Sunday.
- Not suggested on Wednesday morning due to the Papal Audience.
- Even with your ‘Skip the Line’ ticket you are NOT exempt from the line (queue) for the Security Check. As you enter in the Museums all visitors and their bags have to be screened under metal detectors and to be checked by the Vatican guards.
- It is not possible to bring large bags or backpacks, as well as bulky bags, big umbrellas and selfie-sticks. All weapons, hazardous or flammable objects are strictly forbidden.
- Food and beverages are permitted but must be checked.
- Appropriate clothing is recommended, especially in high season when visiting some important holy sites, such as Basilicas and Churches. Shoulders and knees have to be covered (Sistine Chapel included).
- Be advised: the underground paths are really narrow and may be problematic for people suffering from claustrophobia.
- Unfortunately this tour is not suitable to people under 15 years old.
- Please note that the Necropoli tour will be lead by an official Vatican City tour guide, in a small group format.
Full Refund Cancellation Policy
The policies are included and non-optional.
- Dolce Vita policy is applied on all Standard Bookings placed more than 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms up to 72 hours from the date of the event for any reason. To apply for a refund including where your tour is cancelled or changed by Eyes of Rome®, please contact our customer service team at info@eyesofrome.com.
- Peace of Mind policy is applied on Selected Bookings and on all Bookings placed within 72 hours from the date of the event. We provide all our customers with Refundable Terms so if you are unable to attend your booking due to unforeseen circumstances outside of your control you may be entitled to a refund - please see our full set of Refundable Terms and Conditions here. To apply for a refund, please find the instructions on how to apply in the booking confirmation email you received after payment.
