Vatican Museums
Art museum · Città del Vaticano ·
Vast art collection including Renaissance masterpieces & Sistine Chapel
Vast art collection including Renaissance masterpieces & Sistine Chapel
"A winter visit means fewer lines, making it easier to see the collections at a calmer pace." - Paris Wilson
"A near after-hours experience that lets you glide through lavishly frescoed rooms and treasure-packed galleries at your own pace; highlights include immersive views of Raphael's Rooms, 360-degree panoramas of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Last Judgment, and lesser-seen spaces such as the Pio Clementino Museum and the Room of the Chiaroscuri." - Andrea Romano Andrea Romano Andrea Romano is a writer and editor in New York City. For the last eight years, she has been a lifestyle journalist for Mashable, Brit+Co, Reviewed, Bustle, and Travel + Leisure. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Offered as a limited, after-hours VIP experience on Sept. 8, this UNESCO World Heritage Site's public museums allow small groups to explore for two hours after closing, enjoying a serene, intimate visit away from the usual crowds. Guests can walk beneath the iconic Michelangelo-painted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, meander the museum grounds and courtyards, and take in the rich art, history, and architecture before concluding with an apericena — the Italian tradition of relaxed drinks and a light meal — in the museums' courtyard. The opportunity is available only to passengers who book one of three multi-day Railbookers itineraries (8–10 days) that include luxury hotels, private transfers, private and small-group sightseeing, and first-class rail travel; tickets start at $6,459 per person." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"For the Vatican Museums, which are a very popular attraction, it's best to book tickets in advance to avoid sellouts and higher last-minute costs." - Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz Laura Itzkowitz is a writer and editor based in Rome. She has been contributing to Travel + Leisure since 2014, when she started as a fact checker before becoming a contributing digital editor in 2015. She has also held positions as a contributing editor at The Points Guy and the NYC cities editor at DuJour Magazine. In addition to Travel + Leisure, her writing has appeared in Architectural Digest, Surface Magazine, Brooklyn Magazine, T Magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, GQ, Departures, Afar, Fodor's, Town & Country, Condé Nast Traveler, Robb Report, Hemispheres, and others. When she's not jetsetting around Italy and beyond, she can be found in Rome, enjoying some cacio e pepe or relaxing at home with her husband and two dogs. Originally from the Boston area, Laura moved to New York City in 2011 to pursue a master's degree in creative writing and translation at Columbia University. She also holds a bachelor's degree in French from Smith College. * 10+ years of experience writing and editing * Co-wrote "New York: Hidden Bars & Restaurants," an award-winning guide to New York City's speakeasy scene published by Jonglez Editions in 2015 * Contributed to "Fodor's Brooklyn," published by Penguin Random House in 2015, which won silver in the Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism competition * Contributed an essay to "Epic Hikes of Europe," published by Lonely Planet in 2021 * Updated the 2022 edition of "Fodor's Essential Italy" Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"On a trip to Rome, I naturally wanted to visit, along with the Sistine Chapel, and like thousands of others every day — especially during peak months — the crowds and waits can be intense; even skip-the-line groups often wait up to an hour, so I booked a morning tour that used a special no-wait entrance." - Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty Patricia Doherty is a writer who specializes in covering destinations, resorts, and cruises for Travel + Leisure and other publications. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines