Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
4.8(1,818)RomeFree cancellation
About this activity
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.
Highlights
What's included
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
Not included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Itinerary
1
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.
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.
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.
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
The map shows Rome. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map
Pickup
Everyone meets at the start point
Drop-off
The tour concludes on St. Peter's Square beside St. Peter's Basilica.
Know before you go
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.
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.
Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control.
Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
One per booking
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 next to 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.
Follow this Google maps link for meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/vZvCNgmmozFLnzT3A
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour departs at 11:30 AM (meet 11:15 AM) from our office in Via Sebastiano Veniero 19 near the Vatican Museums entrance.
Need Help?
Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 833-482-5421
Email: [email protected]
Cancellation and refunds
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel
Refund
At least 1 days before
100%
Between 0 and 1 days before
0%
Cancelled and fully refunded if too few travellers book
Supplied by
ItaliaTours
Product code
5831P75
Customer reviews
4.8 · 1,818 reviews
4.8
1,818 reviews
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Ratings from Viator 4.7 (1018) · Tripadvisor 4.9 (800)
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