Begin your 2-hour after-hours tour at the Vatican Museums, part of the Papal Palaces. As you walk along the elaborate halls and galleries, your expert Vatican guide will bring the Church’s fascinating history to life, from the martyrdom of St. Peter to modern Vatican City. As your group has a maximum of just 15 people, there will be plenty of opportunity to have all your questions answered. You’ll also see some of the finest ancient sculptures and Renaissance art in the world, including Raphael’s School of Athens, the Hellenistic Laocoön, and the Apollo Belvedere. The highlight of the tour is, of course, the Sistine Chapel, the private chapel of the Pope. In the evening light, and without the tourist hordes, you’ll be able to get a sense of the intimate atmosphere the Pope would have enjoyed here. As you admire Michelangelo’s famous frescoes, your Vatican expert will tell you about their creation, secrets behind them, and what it is that makes them so special.