Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb Guided Tour
Overview
Available languages
5 hours
Mobile ticket
If you're looking for a Vatican tour that goes beyond the usual offerings, our combination tour has got you covered. With this tour, you'll bypass the line at St. Peter's, climb to the top of the dome for a stunning panoramic view of the Vatican and Rome, enjoy free time in the Basilica, and then skip the line at the Vatican to see the Sistine Chapel.
Your tour begins with an exciting elevator ride to the top of St. Peter's iconic dome, where you'll take in an unforgettable view of the city. From there, you'll join your expert Vatican guide for a comprehensive exploration of the art, history, and famous landmarks of this sacred city concluding in the Sistine Chapel. The tour is designed to provide a deep dive into the Vatican's rich cultural heritage, allowing you to fully appreciate the art and architecture that make this place so special.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia and/or vertigo
Please note there is no skip the line service at the St Peter's Basilica, though due to our early start we are able to avoid most of the day time crowds.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Early Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and free time to explore
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour to the Vatican Museums & Entry to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Group size of 20 people max
Headsets (from 6+ participants)
A professional, fun, English-speaking guide
Access to the elevator and stairs to the top of St. Peter's Dome
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food & Beverages
Gratuities
What To Expect
St. Peter's Square
Ready for the ultimate Vatican exploration? Your day will start meeting our staff just outside of St Peter's Square at an indicated meeting point. From there we'll pass over iconic St. Peter's Square home to the Sunday Mass, on our way in to the Basilica.
Cupola di San Pietro
To kick start your top to bottom experience, we’ll take your Vatican discovery to new heights climbing the Dome of St Peter's alongside your expert guide. A combo of elevator and stairs (231 steps) a medium level of fitness is required for the dome climb, but the panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican State, will stay with you for a long time.
Options
ST. PETER'S BASILICA ONLY
Duration: 1 hour: NO VATICAN MUSEUMS AND NO DOME CLIMB INCLUDED!
Basilica Express Guided Tour: Explore St. Peter's Basilica, descend to the Vatican Grottoes and admire Michelangelo's Pietà, under the iconic Cupola
Vatican Museums Tour with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb
Reviews
149 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unfortunately didn't work out that way
Claudia M,
Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00We were not on the list of participants, even though we had a valid ticket. Although we were able to participate in the guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica nevertheless, and our guide was very nice, but the Sistine Chapel and the dome were not integrated in the ticket (as actually stated at the time of booking)
Worth every penny
L9132DDrosemaries,
Oct 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Dome climb was exciting. The Vatican was beyond expectations. Too crowded though but I guess that's to be expected. Tour guide was knowledgeable.
Exceptional guide
Loretta L,
Sep 16, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was the best. I wish I could remember his name, but he was so knowledgeable. It would not have been the same experience on our own.
Full Vatican experience with dome climb
P7551JVshannond,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enza Broccoli was our tour guide and she was so great! Very knowledgeable and kind! Would highly recommend booking a tour with her! Such an amazing experience for our first time to the Vatican!
Wonderful!
G6470UZjosepht,
Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Enza was amazing. Her knowledge and narrating was spectacular. She made it both interesting and fun all at the same time.
Beauty Exist in the Details
Jesus P,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00Visiting Vatican City was an unforgettable experience. Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and of course, the Sistine Chapel were nothing short of breathtaking. The sheer beauty and history left me lost for words at times—it’s almost overwhelming to take in so much richness in one place. One of the highlights for me was climbing to the top of the dome and seeing a bird’s-eye view of St. Peter’s Basilica. The climb was strenuous, with many steps and a lot of walking involved, but the reward at the top was absolutely worth it. We also had the honor and privilege of walking through the holy door. As for the guided portion of the tour, I would consider it average. While the guide was knowledgeable, I often struggled to understand him, and at times it felt as though more time was spent talking than giving us the chance to truly absorb the surroundings. Given the crowds during this Jubilee year, I also felt that the guide didn’t handle the atmosphere as smoothly as I would have hoped. That said, the experience of the Vatican itself far outweighed these challenges. The art, architecture, and atmosphere are truly once-in-a-lifetime, and I would absolutely recommend visiting—just be prepared for a lot of walking, climbing, and crowds.
Busy tour with a lot to...
Randall O,
Sep 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Busy tour with a lot to see. Our guide Alba was amazing. She had great knowledge to share with a lot of detail. She greatly cared about the subject material.
539samt,
Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This tour was as advertised. Our tour guide did a great job explaining everything to us. We started on time, climbed the dome, had a tour of the basilica, the crypt, and then to the Vatican museums. I would give it 5 stars but it did run a little long which left us scrambling to make our lunch reservation.
Very Disappointed with Viator's Customer Service – No Flexibility or Support
David S,
Jul 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00I am extremely disappointed with my recent experience with Viator. I accidentally booked a tour for the wrong date and realised the mistake just ten minutes later. I immediately contacted Viator to amend the booking, but was shocked to find they refused to help in any way – no option to change the date, no refund, and not even a willingness to contact the tour operator, The Tour Guy, on my behalf. The tour cost $330, which is not a small amount, and I find it incredibly frustrating that there is absolutely no flexibility or grace period for honest mistakes made within minutes. This experience shows a complete lack of customer care and support. I expected far better from a company like Viator. I would strongly caution others to double-check every detail before booking, because if anything goes wrong – even a simple error made within minutes – you're completely on your own.
Extremely disappointed
Joanna B,
Jun 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Unfortunately we had one of the worst guides we’ve ever experienced. He would not wait for guests struggling to catch up to the group, spoke too quickly (often mumbling) and became frustrated if anyone asked him to repeat or explain anything. A great deal of time seemed to be wasted by him leaving guests to wander by themselves and then wait around for him to rejoin us. Absolutely rushed through the Vatican part of tour, took our headphones away and abandoned us at the Sistine Chapel before end of tour. Would not recommended
From $29.95
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