Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs
Description
Beat the crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica as it opens for the day. Take the lift partway up and make the final ascent on foot—the reward at the top is worth it. Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter’s Square and leave Rome behind you as you cross into Vatican City and enter St. Peter’s Basilica just as it opens to the public. At the terrace level you can decide whether to relax and take in the view or climb the remaining 320 steps up to the summit, where the breathtaking view of Rome and beyond is simply unforgettable. Your guide will point out all the most interesting historical landmarks in every direction, be they in Vatican City, the wider city of Rome, or further afield. As what goes up must come down, join us on a descent into the lower level of the basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” a series of grottoes containing papal crypts and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries.
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.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- 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.
- Dome climb is a moderate exertion activity undertaken in a short space of time. Please be aware of this before you book.
- Bring a small bottle of water with you for dome climb.
- 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.
- 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(173)
Anastasia was a wonderful guide, very knowledgeable and easy to understand. The incredible views from the top of the Dome make the climb worthwhile. The Basilica is huge and having a guide like Anastasia to point out all the details was so worthwhile. Going underground to the Vatacombs was also a highlight. Would definitely recommend this tour.
The tour was wonderful and Nadia was a great guide. She was very knowledgeable and fun.
Our tour guide was Paola with italia tours. She was fantastic! So engaging and knew lots of history. Enhanced our experience tremendously and was honored to be guided by her! Would totally recommend
Our guide Nadya was amazing! Very personable and knowledgeable. We enjoyed our time with her. The Basilica was awe inspiring!
Our guide was fantastic—informative, knowledgeable, and engaging throughout the entire experience. They explained everything clearly, answered all of our questions with confidence, and made the tour both enjoyable and memorable. You can tell they really know their stuff and care about giving a great experience. Highly recommend!
Spectacular! Great informative tour. Guide was very clear and helpful in presentation. All ticket and meeting point details were clearly provided.
This tour was one of the highlights of our recent family trip to Rome over the holidays. Nadiya was the best guide! We loved her enthusiasm and energy, especially first thing in the morning. As promised, we bypassed the long lines and enjoyed incredible views from the top of the dome. We learned so much as Nadiya shared the history and art of St Peter’s Basilica.
The starting point was well marked. The guide Maria was very cordial and friendly. She spoke to us directly personally what already created a bond. We waited until 8am, the start time, to leave on time. The amplifiers with earpieces were handed out and we left for Sint Pietersplein. We were given priority as a group of 9. Towards tower St Pieters baseliek we were given the choice between all stairs or first an elevator and then the rest of the stairs (+200 stairs). We did the latter. After a little waiting at the elevator (not many people so early in the morning). The view was superb (very sunny day). In the dome inside, we got explanations about the history of the basilica and the size of everything. So we had a good understanding of the size of the basilica. Also yerug some personal time. Coming down we were professionally guided through the basilica with the appropriate explanation. There we got some personal time again. After the tour of the basilica we met at the office of Italia Tours, close to the Vatican museum. Clear agreements were made about the hour and place of appointment. Some other guests joined the tour in the vaticas museum. Punctual start hours were respected. Maria guided us through the queues and ticket checks and then gave us an 'earpiece'. In the museum itself, we received the necessary explanations about the sixteenth chapel and other works of art and rooms. At the end of the tour we came to the Sistine Chapel. Lots of people, but worth seeing. There, after a 5h tour, our guide Maria was said goodbye. We were able to see rooms with art at our own pace.
After just booking a tour with the Vatican we knew that we needed to also see St Peter’s Basilica, not only see it but experience the Dome. We had the best experience first thing in the morning because of our wonderful tour guide Chiara Antonelli. She knew how to keep us laughing the entire time while being very knowledgeable. I am so happy we were able to have her as our guide and anyone would be lucky to experience Rome with Chiara! It was a wonderful last tour on our honeymoon!
The early tour was perfect to avoid the heat and crowds. Tour guide was very informative. Incredible history, climbing to the top of the dome was a a amazing experience.
