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.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Full tour of entire St. Peter's Basilica covering all the major works of art and sculpture therein
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
Get into the Vatican Museums fast with our no lines priority access ticket and a local expert guide
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
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
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
End point
The tour concludes on St. Peter's Square beside St. Peter's Basilica.
Good to know
Please note:
This is a 2-part tour!
Tour 1: 8:00 AM / 10:15 AM
Tour 2: 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM
Meet at 7:45 AM for a prompt 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 a ItaliaTours signboard. If you are facing St. Peter's Basilica, follow the pillars to the right until you come to the fountain.
Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/vZvCNgmmozFLnzT3A
Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour departs at 11:30 AM (meet 11:15 AM) from Via Sebastiano Veniero 19 near the Vatican Museums entrance.
Need Help?
Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617 207 6611
Call from Italy: +39 06 967 41298
Email: info@italiatours.com
What to expect
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St. Peter's Square
30 min
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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St. Peter's Basilica
1 hour
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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St. Peter's Basilica
1 hour
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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Vatican Museums
2 hours
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!
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Europe/Rome).
Additional Information
- Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Each booking must include at least one adult.
FAQs about Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
Can I cancel Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 4 hours 30 min.
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…
What's included?
- Full tour of entire St. Peter's Basilica covering all the major works of art and sculpture therein
- 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
- Get into the Vatican Museums fast with our no lines priority access ticket and a local expert guide
- 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
What's not included?
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Which places does it visit?
It visits St. Peter's Square, St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Operated by ItaliaTours
