Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb

Overview

Available languages

English

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.

Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

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.

1 hour • Admission Included

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

Options

8:00 AM ENGLISH

Reviews

4.79

1,773 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

1549

128

A day in Rome … on our Honeymoon!
EricM424,,Dec 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had an amazing tour with Sandra! She was very knowledgeable, passionate about the history and art, and she made us feel like we were the only people on the tour! The entire time, she engaged the group, and the time passed so fast with her detailed explanations with each phase of the tour. Even though we did not purchase the tickets for the walk to the top of the dome, Sandra was quick to assist us with making the additional purchase so we could enjoy the breathtaking views from the top of the dome! I highly recommend ItaliaTours, and especially Sandra for this tour!!
Amazing Vatican experience
patriciarN6308JI,,Dec 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
excellent! organized and with a lot of knowledge. Very complete tour with quality. The guide was nice and professional
Awesome Vatican combo tour. Highly recommend.
Adrian K,,Dec 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Great half day tour incl Vatican museum, Sistine Chapel, Papal grotto, St Peter’s Basilica ending with the Dome climb. Maria was a great guide: engaging and interesting to listen to, knowledgeable and caring of each person’s needs. She needs to be acknowledged as one of the stand out tour guides on our holiday (and we have had a few!). Just the right amount of time and detail for our family of 4’a intro to the Vatican. Highly recommend.
Great Tour with Maria!
Caroline P,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Maria was phenomenal! She was knowledgeable about all the art and the history, she was engaging and fun to listen to. I could have listened to her talk about the basilica and museum all day. It was an early morning, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Amazing Chiara!
Sharolyn P,,Nov 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Chiara was amazing today. She had so much knowledge to share and Made the time fly! Would absolutely book another tour with her! Thank you so
Definitely something to witness in person!
Trip49384294332,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We had a great time going on our tour with Maria. She was very knowledgeable on her facts and being from Italy herself was able to give us personal perspectives from locals. You definitely need to be in shape to climb the Dome. If you can’t she accommodates well.
Sabrina was a fantastic...
Anna C,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Sabrina was a fantastic tour guide- very easy to understand. She did a great job of finding places for us to pull over and enjoy each space without feeling rushed yet she kept the tour moving - hitting highlights without getting bogged down. Gave plenty of time for great photo ops and explained things well. Loved getting to see all parts of the basilica- tomb, main level and the dome climb was a highlight!! Earpiece at Vatican museums a little difficult for small kid ears. Earpieces for both places are only on one ear.
It is a long tour, with...
Lisa T,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It is a long tour, with so much information - especially in the Vatican museums. But it is definitely worth it! The tour guide was very good - extremely knowledgeable. It is well worth doing a tour with a guide because there is so much to see and learn about. The Dome Climb is a hike, but the view from the top is worth it.
Avoid, ripoff merchants that don't fulfill itinerary
iain a,,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00
Whistle stop tour through the Vatican. Says you visit the catacombs in the itinerary but you don't. Trying to get a part refund and it's instantly rejected without a response as to why we've paid for something on the itinerary that hasn't been met. Seriously, go elsewhere. Get fast pass entry and pay for the dome access separately for 15 euro as these are ripoff merchants
The Amazing Vatican City
Robert S,,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. Enjoyed all her historical commentary on the museum and the cathedral. Worked her magic and we skipped the lines.