Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs

Why choose this Rome tour ?

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.

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What makes Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs a unique experience ?

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.

Tour Description & Additional Info:

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
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Options To Choose for Your Trip:

  • 8:00 AM SPANISH
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    8:00 AM SPANISH
  • 8:00 AM
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    8:00 AM
  • 8:00 AM FRENCH
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    8:00 AM FRENCH

Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs Inclusions:

Included with Your Ticket

  • Incredible views of Rome and far beyond which most visitors to the Vatican never see
  • Marvel at astonishing works of art and architecture
  • Beat the crowds by getting an early start inside St. Peter’s
  • Unique experience at the summit of St. Peter’s Dome with an expert Vatican tour guide

Not Included

  • Food and drink
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Necropolis (scavi)

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Special Instructions:

    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

    Need Help?
    Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617 207 6611
    Call from Italy: +39 06 967 41298
    Email: info@italiatours.com

    Please be advised..

  • This Tour is Provided by ItaliaTours.
  • Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
  • Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
  • This Tour is Rated 4.5 Stars based on 158 valid reviews on VIATOR.
  • Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
  • Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.