Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb
Description
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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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!
Take in Michelangelo's masterpieces including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- 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.
Reviews(1,799)
Nadya is an amazing guide. She is highly informative. When she speaks, she looks at each person to draw them in. Her presentation is vivid. She really brought the Vatican to life.
We took our grandchildren 18 and 20 to Rome. Sign them up for this tour as we have been to the Vatican numerous times. When they came back, they said the guide was exceptional and they really really enjoyed the tour.
Our Vatican tour was amazing, and a huge part of that experience was thanks to our incredible guide Marianna. Her knowledge, warmth, and attention to detail made the entire journey truly unforgettable. She brought Vatican to life with its history and her insights. I had injured my foot just before my two-week trip to Italy and was traveling on crutches. Although it was Marianna’s first time guiding someone with physical limitations, she went above and beyond to ensure my comfort throughout the tour. She proactively coordinated with officials, remained incredibly attentive to my needs, and made sure I could fully enjoy the experience at every step. While others went for the dome climb, she thoughtfully returned to check on me and even assisted me in navigating a few stairs. Her care, dedication, and kindness made a significant difference—this tour would not have been nearly as memorable without her support.
Nadia was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable, well organized. She was also very considerate of everyone needs.
This was a tour of a life time. A lot of history was mentioned. Our tour guide ( Nadya) done a very good job .
This was a great tour & we really enjoyed our tour guide since she knew all the hidden ways around Vatican City to get us through the crowd as quickly as possible. I highly recommend doing the 2 part tour so that you have time to rest between the basilica & the Vatican!
Nadia was amazing! She was so knowledgeable and entertaining. I definitely recommend the first tour of the day. The lines were not long at all. I also recommend this extended tour. We got to see everything!
Wonderful experience. Good time had by all. Thank you very much. Everything was great. We would come back
Sandra was our guide on 23 April 2026 all around St Peter's and the Vatican Museums. She was knowledgeable, friendly and quite funny. It is a tribute to her patience that she maintained professionalism all through, from 0800hrs to 1400hrs (with a welcome break for an hour when we all needed a rest). I thought the price was excessive when I booked this tour, but regard it now as full value for money. If you book it and get Sandra, you will not regret it. Grazie Sandra, you were brilliant. Come to Ireland sometime and we will buy you a few Guinness beers! You've earned them
Tour is worth going on, covers a lot of ground and different sites. Our guide Sandra is amazing, very thorough, great information and knows how to navigate the crowds giving us great spots to see everything. If you have a choice, go early morning to miss some of the crowds.
