Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter Basilica Tour with Dome Lift
Overview
Available languages
4 hours
Mobile ticket
Skip the lines and experience the Vatican’s three greatest landmarks in one seamless visit, ending with a self-guided climb up St Peter’s Dome with an included audioguide and a rare perspective over Vatican City plus picture-perfect views of Rome. Follow a curated route through the Vatican Museums, from the Gallery of Maps to the Pio-Clementine Museum, home to the Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön. In the Sistine Chapel, stand beneath Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. Then enter St Peter’s Basilica via Bernini’s Royal Staircase, once reserved for popes and royalty, while avoiding the Basilica’s external entry system in St Peter’s Square. Inside, admire Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin. After the guided tour, take the elevator partway up the Dome, then climb to the Lantern viewpoint at the top.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Bring a valid photo ID (a photo is accepted); names and ages must match the booking and the selected ticket type.
Timed entry is strictly enforced; late arrival may be refused with no refund.
Skip-the-line access (if included) bypasses ticket lines only; all visitors must pass security screening.
Dress code is enforced; shoulders and knees must be covered or entry may be refused.
No animals allowed.
No cloakroom available; bring small bags only.
Strollers must be left outside (under the Basilica portico); strollers are not permitted inside.
Children aged 6 and under cannot use audio receivers (Museum rule).
Dome elevator: elevator access is to the rooftop terrace only, with an interior view from above.
Dome climb: 320 steps with narrow spiral staircases and long continuous stretches
Closures: the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, or sections of the Vatican Museums may close or restrict access without notice for events, security, or restoration; the itinerary may be adjusted and no refunds apply.
Expect a lot of walking and standing; comfortable shoes are recommended.
Not recommended for travelers with mobility impairments
Not recommended for travelers with vertigo/claustrophobia
Not recommended for travelers with poor physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Vatican Museums
Explore the Vatican Museums with a licensed guide, focusing on the must-see highlights you will actually visit. Walk through the Pio Clementino Museum and its classical masterpieces, then continue to the Gallery of Tapestries and the Gallery of Maps, where your guide brings the art, symbols, and history to life. End in the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment.
Sistine Chapel
Enter the Sistine Chapel and take time to admire one of the most extraordinary artistic achievements in history. Look up at Michelangelo’s ceiling and The Last Judgment as you absorb the scale, detail, and meaning of this remarkable space.
What‘s Included
Free WiFi at the meeting point
Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
Staff assistance at the meeting point for a smooth check-in
Audio headsets to clearly hear your guide
Self-guided Dome audioguide up to the Lantern viewpoint
Direct internal access to St. Peter’s Basilica via Bernini’s Royal Staircase
Licensed, professional expert guide
Transfer
Gratuities
Food and Drinks
Options
French Full Tour + Dome Lift
Service: Guided Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour + rooftop lift and audio-guided Dome visit
Access: Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica + pre-reserved Dome entry & rooftop terrace lift
Duration: 4 hours
Dome Lift Access Details: Elevator to the rooftop terrace, then continue on foot with approximately 300 steps to reach the Dome top.
German Full Tour + Dome Lift
Service: Guided Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour + rooftop lift and audio-guided Dome visit
Access: Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica + pre-reserved Dome entry & rooftop terrace lift
Duration: 4 hours
Dome Lift Access Details: Elevator to the rooftop terrace, then continue on foot with approximately 300 steps to reach the Dome top.
English Full Tour + Dome Lift
Service: Guided Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour + rooftop lift and audio-guided Dome visit
Access: Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica + pre-reserved Dome entry & rooftop terrace lift
Duration: 4 hours
Dome Lift Access Details: Elevator to the rooftop terrace, then continue on foot with approximately 300 steps to reach the Dome top.
Spanish Full Tour + Dome Lift
Service: Guided Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s Basilica Tour + rooftop lift and audio-guided Dome visit
Access: Skip-the-line entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica + pre-reserved Dome entry & rooftop terrace lift
Duration: 4 hours
Dome Lift Access Details: Elevator to the rooftop terrace, then continue on foot with approximately 300 steps to reach the Dome top.
Reviews
88 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Knowledgeable
debbiecV4097MP,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eugene did a fantastic job! We loved it!!😍
Enriching
soumias466,,Feb 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent EUGENIO audio guide circuit exciting and very interesting I recommend
Good
938jiaw,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eugenio was my tour guide, absolutely enjoyed the tour a lot. He was very friendly and explained things very clearly.
Simply stunning!
meganj219,,Nov 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We absolutely loved this tour of the Vatican and Sistine chapel. Very informative and so beautiful. A special collection of so much!
Fascinating and well organized tour. Yvonne our guide was excellent.
Pennie O,,Nov 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I appreciated the guide’s helpful commentary. The pace was enjoyable and liked small group of 12 people. There is so much to see, but the distillation was perfect. Sound system worked very well.
Fantastic
donnagW7707BL,,Nov 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a fantastic few hours touring with Ellen’s, plenty to & she was so informative, learnt so much and all our questions answered without hesitation, I would highly recommend
Amazing!
I803PScynthiag,,Nov 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour with Enri was amazing. He was very detailed on his tour. Enri made history very fun and entertaining for my friends and I. Even my baby enjoyed his tour. :)
Thorough, Well-Paced, and Imclusife Visit to Vatican museums
arieanad2025,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Eugene was increibly knowledge and clearly knew the museum and art very well. He was so attentive am to our small group and he didn't rush us which was a negative of a precious tour in Rome. Will definitely recommend this tour to others!
Eugene is Great
williamtQ6116LP,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent tour with Eugene he’s very knowledgeable of the Art in the museum. Great pace didn’t feel rushed. Would definitely recommend to friends.
Fantastic
kellyvG1618DP,,Oct 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have never been one to join tours but I am so happy I let my travel agent talk us into this tour. It was an amazing experience made better with the very knowledgeable tour guide. I e were able to enjoy the experience and learn things we otherwise would not have! I con not recommend this enough!
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Operated by Crown Tours