Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
Less than 1% of Vatican visitors ascend St. Peter's Dome, this is a remarkable statistic so for this reason we have decided to take it from the top! Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter's Square. Sacred stairs (and an elevator) will carry you up to St. Peter's Terrace from where you will see all of Rome and even the Tyrrhenian Sea! Back on terra firma you will tour the entirety of St. Peter's Basilica too. Take a break before making the short walk to our Vatican meeting point for your second tour of the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel! Get fast track access to the masterpieces which make the Vatican Museums absolutely must-see when in Rome.
Options
8:00 AM ENGLISH
8:00 AM ENGLISH
What's included in Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
St. Peter's Square
Meet your expert Vatican tour guide on the threshold of St. Peter's Square and make your way across marble paving to the steps which wind up and around the dome. There are 551 in total so of course this is too much exertion for most. We take the elevator part of the way which cuts the step count by a sizable 171, leaving 380.
St. Peter's Basilica
From St. Peter's Square, enter the passageways which lead up to the top of Michelangelo's magnificent dome for superb views of the Vatican City and Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica
A fully guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica follows your dome climb. It's one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it will leave a profound impression upon your soul.
Inclusions
- Full tour of entire St. Peter's Basilica covering all the major works of art and sculpture therein
- Get into the Vatican Museums fast with our no-line priority access ticket and a local expert guide
- St. Peter's Dome Climb to the top of Michelangelo's Cupola for truly amazing views of Rome!
- Immersive Sistine Chapel inside experience and a panel-by-panel tour of Michelangelo's ceiling
- Tour of little-known Papal Sarcophagi beneath St. Peter's Basilica which we call "Vatacombs"
- Catch all the classic and ancient sculptures inside world famous chambers, halls and galleries
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
- On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour. In the event that the Papal tombs beneath St. Peter's Basilica are closed, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended and no refunds made
- Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid.
- Due to events and ceremonies associated with the 2025 Jubilee, access to St. Peter's Basilica might be restricted. Such closures are beyond our control.
- The final ascent by foot requires climbing 320 somewhat steep steps in a confined area. People suffering from claustrophobia or any other health conditions are advised to remain on the terrace level.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- Meet at 7:45 AM for 8:00 AM departure by the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare), just beneath Largo del Colonnato and in front of the pillars which run around Saint Peter's Square. Your guide will be holding an ItaliaTours signboard. Google maps
End Points
- The tour concludes on St. Peter's Square beside St. Peter's Basilica.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Please note: This is a 2-part tour! Tour 1: 8:00 AM / 10:15 AM Tour 2: 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM Meet at 7:45 AM for a prompt 8:00 AM departure by the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare), just beneath Largo del Colonnato and in front of the pillars which run around Saint Peter's Square. Your guide will be holding a ItaliaTours signboard. If you are facing St. Peter's Basilica, follow the pillars to the right until you come to the fountain. Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/vZvCNgmmozFLnzT3A Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour departs at 11:30 AM (meet 11:15 AM) from Via Sebastiano Veniero 19 near the Vatican Museums entrance. Need Help? Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617 207 6611 Call from Italy: +39 06 967 41298 Email: [email protected]
