Private access to the Sistine Chapel and several of the Vatican's special sites
Up until recently, private access to the Sistine Chapel and tours of other rooms not available for public viewing were offered only to celebs, dignitaries and other VIPs. While not everyone may be starring in the latest blockbuster or governing international powers, travellers can now experience several of the Vatican’s special sites – think private chambers, intimate rooms and rarely seen collections – escorted by a Vatican guard with one major key ring. Dark Rome, the largest tour operator in the Vatican, now exclusively offers unmatched access to such sites with its three-hour VIP Vatican and Private Sistine Chapel Tour. The tour includes access to restricted sites as well as 30 minutes alone inside the Sistine Chapel. The VIP Vatican and Private Sistine Chapel Tour is offered on Mondays and Saturdays at 3:15 p.m for 220€ (approximately $290USD) per person inclusive of a ‘skip-the-line’ entrance ticket. For more information, visit Dark Rome Tours and Walks.
We visited the Sistine Chapel when we were in Italy in 09 along with the Vatican and was a magnificent place. The place was quite crowded and loud. One funny thing about the Sistine Chapel was outside the entrance was a sign stating no picture were allowed and to be quiet but once inside there were people everywhere taking pictures and was so loud I felt like we were in a bar. We were in the chapel for about 30 minutes or so and about 20 minutes after we entered we heard over the PA system to be quiet and not to take pictures. This lasted for about 1 minute then it was back to a loud room with lots of pictures being taken.
I went there a few years ago. I did not manage to take pics because there were many controls. However it was an interesting experience :) really worthed to go there