See The Sistine Chapel Sans Crowds On The Vatican’s New Early Morning Tour

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Everyone wants to see the Sistine Chapel. It’s truly awe-inspiring. But there’s just one problem with everyone wanting to see Michaelangelo’s masterpiece: The lines to get in are rough.

However, the Vatican museums recently announced a brand-new tour that gets art aficionados up close to the priceless sculptures, paintings and murals. At 6 a.m., 20 visitors will get to enter the museums while the rest of the tourists are likely still sleeping.

It’s actually much more special than an ordinary early bird deal. The 20 guests get to go along with the museums’ key keeper, or “clavigero” in Italian, as the staffer opens the building for the day. That means that if you’re on the morning tour, you’re one of the first people to see the art on that day.

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Wondering what that looks like? Visitors will go along with the clavigero to open the doors of the Sistine Chapel, turn on the lights and a take a private moment of reflection with the artwork.

The hour-long tour also includes the Atrium of the Four Fates, the Simonetti Staircase, the Pio Clementino Museum, the Gallery of Tapestries and the Raphael Rooms, ending with breakfast in the Courtyard of the Pinecone.

And if that’s not enough art for ya, you can choose to continue your experience with an extensive guided tour (for an added fee). The tour isn’t bookable yet (and prices aren’t listed), but we’re watching the website carefully to see when travelers can seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

[h/t Lonely Planet]

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