Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
At a glance
Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb is a 4h 30m small-group experience in Rome, Italy, operated by ItaliaTours. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 1,821 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $159 per person, and free cancellation is available. 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!.
Highlights
- Rated 4.8/5 by 1,821 travellers
- Skip-the-line entry saves time at busy sights
- Small group of up to 20 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 5 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Group
- Small group, up to 20 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
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.
What's 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
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 30m
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.
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Stop 2 · 1h
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.
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Stop 3 · 1h
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.
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Stop 4 · 1h 30m
Vast museums inside the Vatican City which house many thousands of ancient works of art and sculpture. The most important museum complex in the world!
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Stop 5 · 20m
Take in Michelangelo's masterpieces including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement.
Meeting point
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
Good to know
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb take?
The experience lasts about 4h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $159 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
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.
Where does it start?
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
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 1,821 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Rome.
