Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
Overview
Available languages
4 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
What To Expect
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.
Options
8:00 AM ENGLISH
8:00 AM ENGLISH
Reviews
1,752 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing experience
Maria R,
Sep 2, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was an exceptional experience, meeting all our expectations. It commenced punctually and was meticulously organized. Our guide, Rosella, possessed an impressive knowledge base and effectively captivated our attention throughout the journey. The tour encompassed the most remarkable sites within the Vatican, affording us ample time to delve deeper into their significance. We highly recommend visiting the Sistine Chapel and the Duomo, as they offer an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the paintings from a close proximity. However, the Map Room and the Grotto remain our personal favorites.
Solid tour - worth the trip
Collin B,
Aug 30, 2025
- Viator
5.00The tour was a very cool experience that showed a lot of the Vatican. Nadya was our guide and she was great. If you want to know about the history, the architecture, the stories - I would highly recommend.
Excellent comprehensive tour!!
Ashley P,
Aug 29, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a fantastic comprehensive tour of St. Peter’s Basilica & The Vatican Museums!! Doing the early tour made all the difference in climbing the dome, as it wasn’t so hot! Also going early in the day, we got fantastic pictures with minimal people!! Our guide was wonderful!! He went above and beyond!! Excellent tour!!
Excellent Excursion not be missed.
Katy B,
Aug 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was an early start but it was worth it. We met at the office meeting point where we were welcomed at reception. We were informed that Paulo would be our guide and he was brilliant. Throughout the whole trip he was a great communicator and very knowledgeable. We started in the Vatican Museum and worked our way through the Vatican garden, halls and rooms and entered the Sistine Chapel - what a sight this was and unbelievable how the ceiling was painted. We went into St Peters which all you can do is stand and take in the beautiful structure and history it holds. We crossed the through the holy doors and learnt of more mischief Michelangelo caused. We then took the elevator up to the first floor of St Peters dome, their Paulo left us and we could either climb the rest of the way to the top of St Peters or make our way down - we climbed the rest of the way and the sights were amazing. You can see the whole Vatican City and the rest of Rome. Well organised and great communication from Viator.
Compact way to see a lot
Anne P,
Aug 22, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was a great tour! Our guide Nadia was funny, very informative, and catered to our group. It was definitely a long tour but a great way to see it all. The break after the climb and Basilica tour was much needed. The Vatican museum tour was quick, but we were getting tired by then and were ready to see the Chapel and be done. It was also warm which made us tire quicker. But Nadia was very in tune to when we needed breaks and water. Highly recommend this company and Nadia for the tour!
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