Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb

4.8 (1721)
Duration
4.5 hours
Group Size
1 to 15 people
Ages
0 - 99 yrs
Languages
English

Tour Overview

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.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • 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
  • 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

Pickup

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 - Time zone: Europe/Rome

Please note: This is a 2-part tour! Tour 1: 8:00 AM / 10:15 AM Tour 2: 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM 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 Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour departs at 11:30 AM (meet 11:15 AM) from Via Sebastiano Veniero 19 near the Vatican Museums entrance. Need Help? Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 617 207 6611 Call from Italy: +39 06 967 41298 Email: info@italiatours.com

What's included

Full tour of entire St. Peter's Basilica covering all the major works of art and sculpture therein
St. Peter's Dome Climb to the top of Michelangelo's Cupola for truly amazing views of Rome!
Immersive Sistine Chapel inside experience and a panel-by-panel tour of Michelangelo's ceiling
Get into the Vatican Museums fast with our no lines priority access ticket and a local expert guide
Tour of little-known Papal Sarcophagi beneath St. Peter's Basilica which we call "Vatacombs"
Catch all the classic and ancient sculptures inside world famous chambers, halls and galleries
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Itinerary

Stop 1: 0.5 hours
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.
Stop 2: 1 hours
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.
Stop 3: 1 hours
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.
Stop 4: 1.5 hours
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!
Stop 5: 0.3 hours
Take in Michelangelo's masterpieces including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement.

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

  • Min 1 days: 100%
  • From 0 to 1 days: 0%
From
Tickets
Adult (18 - 99 years)
Minimum: 1, Maximum: 15
Children (6 - 17 years)
Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
Infant (0 - 5 years)
Minimum: 0, Maximum: 15
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