The Key Master's Tour: Open the Sistine Chapel

The group was much larger than I anticipated. There were actually 2 groups, each one with maybe 20 people so 40 people total. Each group had their own tour guide but we were really all together for most of it. I think our group opened 4 doors? Was hoping for more people to get an opportunity. The best benefit of this tour is the early private access.

The review is not a reflection of our tour guide, Rose, who was excellent - very knowledgeable, amenable and clearly loves her job and the museums that she guides you round. A 5* guide. The positives - getting to see the museums with no crowds and areas that are normally not open to the public and being in the Sistine Chapel with so few other visitors and being able to take it all in. The two hours of the tour flies by, there is just so much to see and take in (but see the negative below). Rose's knowledge of the Vatican, the museums and the history is a real asset. The negatives - we booked this once in lifetime tour in January for a visit in June when at the time of booking the website stated that there would be a maximum of 20 people on the tour. Since our booking the company has doubled the number to 2 tours of 20 people, which means it loses its exclusivity and rather smacks of cashing in. The two groups had to keep swapping places which took the shine off the experience and meant that it all felt a little rushed. With the two groups and with guides having to talk over each other it wasn't as intimate as it should have been and not everyone was able to open a door as a result of the increase in numbers. We had the impression that other members of our tour party and the other group felt the same way about the increase in numbers and its impact on their experience. It was certainly an experience and the sights will live long in the memory, but would we book now at the price we paid, knowing that there will be 40 people on the two tours - definitely not. It's a pity as the initial premise of our booking was the exclusivity, which seemingly has been watered down in pursuit of profit. Walks are investigating, but we've had no feedback since our return

Wonderful experience. The early admittance, ability to unlock a Vatican door, access to areas off limits to the regular public and the small group is great.

This review is not a reflection of the Tour Guide. Rose was fabulous with lots of knowledge to impart and with just the right amount of humour. The super early start is worth the lack of lines and crowding and we did enjoy the tour. The downside: we purchased this expensive and ‘exclusive’ MAX 20 people tour. There was almost double that. Couldn’t hear our tour guide at times over the other group. Tour advertised as participants opening the doors. We thought all would get a turn but only a handful did. Company cashing in, so not an exclusive experience. Walks have apologised but after the fact leaves a bitter taste to what should have been excellent instead of just good.