by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 11:31 AM ET, Wed April 11, 2018
The lines to get into the museums at the Vatican are legendary, often snaking down the road and around the block.
And once inside, the crushing crowds often continue, particularly in the famed Sistine Chapel.
But in a bit of good news for those interested in seeing the Vatican Museums when in Rome, there are now exclusive, private and semi-private "Good Morning Vatican Museums" tours for visitors seeking to beat the crowds.
According to information recently posted on the Vatican Museums' website, the new tour offering starts bright and early, at 6 a.m.
The experience will involve "exclusive entry… to perform with the 'clavigero' or key keeper of the museums the solemn rite of opening the doors and switching on the lights," states the website. "The ancient iron keys will solemnly open, one after the other, the countless doors, from the monumental entrance to the sacred door to the Sistine Chapel."
Participants will follow the key keeper through the Atrium of the Four Gates, Simonetti Staircase, Pio Clementino Museum (opening of the doors), Gallery of the Candelabra, Gallery of the Tapestries (switching on of the lights), Gallery of the Geographical Maps, Raphael Rooms (opening of the doors to the first room), Saint Pius V Staircase, and finally into the Sistine Chapel to open the doors, switch on of the lights and have a moment of contemplation and reflection.
The visit concludes with a hearty breakfast in the bistro of the Courtyard of the Pinecone, which seems only right, given the early hour.
The entire experience will last about one hour and is limited to a maximum of 20 people.
Normally open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Italy's Vatican Museums see as many as 20,000 to 25,000 visitors a day, according to the Associated Press.
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