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Vatican Tour: St. Peter's Dome, Basilica, and Sistine Chapel
4.8
1,723 Ratings
Città metropolitana di Roma Capitale
Experience an exclusive full tour of the Vatican, including a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for a panoramic view of Rome. Fast track access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel included.
Experience an exclusive full tour of the Vatican, including a climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for a panoramic view of Rome. Fast track access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel included.
Duration:
4 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
24 hours
Highlights
- 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….
- 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.
- 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.
- St. Peter’s Basilica - 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.
- Vatican Museums - 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!
- Sistine Chapel - Take in Michelangelo’s masterpieces including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement.
What's Included
- Comprehensive tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and its masterpieces
- Exclusive St. Peter’s Dome climb with panoramic views of Rome
- In-depth Sistine Chapel visit, exploring Michelangelo’s frescoes
- Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums with an expert guide
- Access to the rarely-seen Papal Sarcophagi, known as ‘Vatacombs’
- Explore renowned sculptures in the famous halls of the Vatican
- Comprehensive tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and its masterpieces
- Exclusive St. Peter’s Dome climb with panoramic views of Rome
- In-depth Sistine Chapel visit, exploring Michelangelo’s frescoes
- Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums with an expert guide
- Access to the rarely-seen Papal Sarcophagi, known as ‘Vatacombs’
- Explore renowned sculptures in the famous halls of the Vatican
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
Additional Information
A surprisingly small number, less than 1%, of guests visiting the Vatican, make the climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. Recognizing this unique spectacle, we offer an exclusive tour, starting with a meeting with our experienced Vatican guide at St. Peter’s Square. Holy stairways, along with a lift, transport you to St. Peter’s Terrace, presenting a…
A surprisingly small number, less than 1%, of guests visiting the Vatican, make the climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. Recognizing this unique spectacle, we offer an exclusive tour, starting with a meeting with our experienced Vatican guide at St. Peter’s Square. Holy stairways, along with a lift, transport you to St. Peter’s Terrace, presenting a captivating view of the entire Rome and even extending to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once back on ground level, we will take you around the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. After a leisure time, we regroup for the second segment of your immersion into Vatican City, including a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Experience swift entry to view the awe-inspiring works on display in the Vatican Museums, a not-to-be-missed attraction while in Rome.
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- 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
- Maximum 20 travelers on this tour
- 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
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments might be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes to the itinerary or the activity.
Location
Largo del Colonnato, 1
Largo del Colonnato
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(1723 Ratings)
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Jennifer_h
Dec 16, 2024
Exceptional experience - This was a wonderful and educational experience. I will say if you are not in shape, this is not your best choice. We walk alot and this was hard but oh so worth every step. The view from the top is exceptional. Our guide was knowledgeable and answered all the questions. She was very attentive to everyone's needs.
Review provided by Viator
Quinten_s
Dec 13, 2024
Great experience! - My wife and I had a great time! Our guide, Paolo, was amazing and very i informative. He kept the tour moving at a perfect pace all while allowing you to take pictures and tell you about everything you were seeing. Highly recommend this tour and Paulo for your guide.
Review provided by Viator
53tjm
Dec 7, 2024
Great Tour - Excellent Tour very well organised Dome Climb well worth it. Lot to see very good guide. It was the best time if year to visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Catalin_c
Dec 5, 2024
St. Peter - Amazing experience!!!Best experience so far...Definitely the climb was worth it to see a majestic view of the church and the buildings surrounding it. The guide was very knowledgeable and kept everyone entertained and curious. Great job!!!!
Review provided by Viator
Terry_r
Dec 1, 2024
Breathtaking with a side of learning and humor. - Terry, the engineer, and Lorie, the candy lady, saying thank you to Chiara(Claire) for the wonderful experience. She was so very knowledgeable about everything. We tried many times to stump her, but she had an answer to every question, and sometimes a picture. Her delivery was very entertaining and she kept us laughing the whole day.
Review provided by Viator
Terry_m
Dec 1, 2024
CHIARA MUST BE YOUR GUIDE - Chiara kept a long and intense day very lighthearted and funny. There is sooo much information and so much to see, that it would be difficult for some to keep their focus. I'm one of them. I kept my focus because I was afraid I'd miss her doing or saying something off the wall funny. But, you'll remember all that she tells you. I climbed the stairs to the top of St Peters Basilica. What a rush! If you can walk, you need to do this. It's a 10 to 15 minute climb, but every step is worth it. Chiara tells you the story of the Sistine Chapel walls, the hidden self portrait, and who did the old and new testament walls; where the white/black smoke Chimney is; The Pope's crypts; the 3 deceased Pope's in St Peters that are still open for viewing; and the 4 hidden treasures at the 4 corners as well as St Peters Tomb. Pay attention because there is a ton of information and Chiara made this tour a very favorite of mine.
Review provided by Viator
Damon_r
Nov 30, 2024
Amazing tour - Absolutely amazing tour, Chiara was a hilarious guide and kept the tour extremely entertaining, she spoke great English and was clearly extremely passionate about the art in the Vatican/ Italy in general. Best guide of our trip and would 100% book with this company again. The tour was detailed but not overwhelming with dry history and I would 100% recommend the climbing of the dome option with the “vatacombs”.
Review provided by Viator
Michael_w
Nov 26, 2024
Great tour guide! - Chiara Antonelli was a great tour guide! She was informative and a lot of fun! Would highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Bryan_r
Nov 21, 2024
i would not miss this best hands down! - Hands down the best tour we have taken. Our guide Chiara Antonelli was funny passionate and beyond knowledgeable. She had a way of making something that could be consider boring and make it fun and exciting. we could not ask for a better guide. we hope that italiatours knows what a great ambassador they have working for them. FIVE STARS all the way
thank you Chiara Antonelli
Bryan and Rachel Reese
aka orangeman/ superman
Review provided by Viator
832michaels
Dec 15, 2024
Vatican - must see, but maybe skip the museum - The dome climb and tour of the Vatican were spectacular! Our tour guide was amazingly knowledgeable of the history, art, etc. We did not enjoy the Vatican museum. We felt like cattle who were just being moved along. It was so crowded (even though we got there early) that you didn't get to stop and really look at the exhibits or read about them. The tour description also did not accurately describe the amount of stairs or walking without stopping involved. My wife has some mobility issues and this experience was very tiring for her. The Sistine Chapel was beautiful, but also so crowded. The Vatican security folks pushed you into the middle of the mob where you had to stand and crane your neck straight up to admire the beautiful ceiling. There were so many people and so much noise that it really distracted from the beauty of the artwork. I would love to tour the Vatican and the catacombs again. I would also love to have a more peaceful time to admire the Sistine Chapel. I'll skip the Vatican museum.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
