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

131 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 131 reviews collected by City Sky Diving and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Rome, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

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.

What's Included

  • Visit to St. Peter's Basilica (Admission Ticket Free)
  • Incredible views of Rome and far beyond which most visitors to the Vatican never see
  • Marvel at astonishing works of art and architecture
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Necropolis (scavi)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Largo del Colonnato
1, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza Papa Pio XII
1, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

The tour concludes on St. Peter's Square beside St. Peter's Basilica.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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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.
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30 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Included

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.
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1 hour Admission Ticket Free

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-5831P86

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.93
131 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 131 traveler reviews collected by City Sky Diving and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
125
4 stars
3
3 stars
3
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 30 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Visit to St. Peter's Basilica (Admission Ticket Free)
  • 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
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Necropolis (scavi)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • 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
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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