A standout stop on this tour is the Borgia Apartments. In the 15th century these rooms were home to the infamous former cardinal Rodrigo Borgia (then Pope Alexander VI). You’ll see some of the family portraits and hear from your guide some of the secrets of one of the most renowned and most controversial papal families. There is a lot of history hidden within the paintings’ religious content. You will also have a peek into the scandalous life of the Pope’s beautiful daughter Lucretia and also his son Cesare.

You will then head into Michelangelo’s world-famous Sistine Chapel. Before entering, you’ll hear the stories behind the frescoes from your guide, their meaning and their significance. Michelangelo spent eight years of his life painting these wonderful frescoes – an incredible undertaking!

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome. There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics.

Finally, it is out into St. Peter’s Square to visit Bernini’s magnificent statues that surround this wonderful square.