VIP Guided St. Peter’s Basilica Dome Climb Tour

St. Peter's Basilica Tickets for Dome Climb & Papal Tombs

Vatican Museums, Viale Vaticano, Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy

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Vatican Tours

Take in the breathtaking landscape while climbing at the top of St. Peter’s Dome. Get the most iconic viewpoint with all-access, only on VIP St. Peter’s Basilica tickets. You will be accompanied by a top-rated private local guide to know the history beneath the nearly 400-year-old complex.

Tour Details

Tour Itinerary

Tour Availability:

Every day, except Sunday & Wednesday

Tour Duration:

Flexible

Meeting Point:

Via Germanico, 40, 00192 Roma RM

Meeting Time:

25 minutes before the tour

Starting Time:

8:00 AM

Main Tour Attraction

Start by St. Peter’s Basilica

Get ready to dive into the immense history, architecture, & culture of St. Peter’s Basilica in this exclusive guided tour. With the small group, you can enjoy all the hidden places here quietly. It’s a fully guided tour where you will get VIP access at Basilican and Papal crypt.

Climb up the Dome

To reach the top of the dome you have to climb up to 320 steps. And the view is worth all the effort.

This guided tour includes full access to the Basilica from Bernini to Baldachin to Pietá. You won’t miss any single detail of history that is packed in every nook and corner.

Final destination: Papal Sarcophagi

It’s a rare visit as not many people get access to visit this site at St. Peter’s Basilica. But you will get VIP access.

End this tour by exploring and knowing all the masterpieces and ravishing interiors of the Sistine Chapel.

Tour Overview

In this VIP early access Vatican tour, you will be awestruck by the glance of the intense beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the holiest place, living in the world’s most smallest state Vatican city. If you are debating whether it’s a good idea to take a guided tour at St. Peter’s Dome. We suggest, don’t. If you miss the chance you will miss seeing the world’s largest church for Christians. No to mention the epic viewpoint from the top of the Dome. Thousands of travelers flock here every year just to experience the Dome Climb and Papal Tombs.



In this tour, you are getting special access to admire the shiniest armor of Christianity, not to worry about the long crowd. Your journey will be comfortable with the VIP tour. By taking the help of the elevator you will be at the Dome’s first terrace where you can see the beautiful artworks of the surrounding.

You have to climb up to 231 steps to reach the dome’s first level and 320 steps to reach the top, so travelers’ good health is mandatory here.

What to expect

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome or Cupola

To get the best view of Rome, you have to visit the top of the dome ends. While on the terrace you will get a chance to step outside to get up-close with the elaborate mosaics and detailed design of the dome. Visiting here gets you the best views of classical Vatican City.

St. Peter’s Tomb

In that arena where Saint Peter’s was crucified known as Caligula’s Circus. It was thought that St. Peter was buried near the place where he was martyred. Later many popes were buried in the grottoes.

Your tour will also include the rare visit to the Papal crypt to see the most significant view of the tombs. It’s forbidden to speak here, so will hear all the hidden stories from your guide beforehand.

Tour Highlights

  • Dedicated early morning admission entry to St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Explore every corner from floor to dome inside the Basilica.

  • See the stunning mosaics and embellishments inside the dome.

  • Explore every hidden crypts and side chapels.

  • Learn so much about art, architecture, and beautiful cathedrals.

  • Well educated tour guide to share the local history as well as the modern-day Pope’s residence.

  • Learn about the architecture of this historic cathedral.

  • Explore the inside of St. Peter’s Basilica at your own.

What is included

  • St. Peter’s Basilica tickets

  • Pre-reserved tickets to climb the dome

  • Experienced Tour Guide

What is not included

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Gratuities

See what people are saying

17 total reviews

Trip Advisor - Tours Rating and Reviews

Average customer rating

4.9/5 Based on 17 Reviews

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stephanie

08/24/2020

Climbing was a bit scary but in the end, the view took everything away!

The tour was great, very informative, and thrilling. The climb wasn't rushed but climbing the too high tomb was a bit scary for me. We took an elevator for the first half, and the stairs were quite narrow but the ceiling was higher than other domes. After the climb, we went into the Basilica and our guide described what we would see in the crypt as we aren't allowed to talk down there. His knowledge of the renaissance times was effective and educational. One of the most immeasurable tours I have been on.

wildertalbot

07/16/2020

What a view! Unbelievable!

This was a great tour. We learned to such an extent. The guide was so learned, accommodating, and aware of our needs. The views from the dome were mind-blowing. The climb to the dome was incredible. It can be a little scary at times if you don't love heights. It was more than worth it once we saw the view from the top. I highly recommend making this tour. This was a marvelous experience.

breckenlow

12/31/2019

Don’t miss it!

The tour was unquestionably phenomenal and surpassed all expectations. Entering the basilica was breathtaking, and climbing was a dome offered once in a lifetime view. The great architecture, renaissance, and baroque art all are mind-blowing. Seeing Rome spread out all around from the top of the dome was amazing. We met a delightful lady called Laura who was our guide. Excellent personality and enthusiastic about history. Great tour.

dianafuller

12/28/2019

Unforgettable tour!

Laura was a wonderful guide. She was very knowledgeable and continuously responded to everyone’s inquiries with as much detail as possible. She had a great sense of humor. The small group with early access was the only perfect way to see the Basilica with her. This tour was worth every cent and we relished every minute. Book this tour and you’ll have a great time indeed!

Kellan

12/07/2019

Perfect Basilica Tour

Once again splendid arrangement from this tour agent. This was my 2nd tour with them. Every tour has had experienced guides and the fulfillment of the tour was even more than expected. They splash all of their enthusiasm and hard work into ensuring that each one of our members has an outstanding experience with them. We were thrilled that we had some excellent times at St. Peter's Basilica with our guide.

Tomas Glaser

11/20/2019

Great company for a guided tour

The tour was astounding. We were greeted by a professional guide. He was absolutely the best I have experienced. His style of conducting a tour was more like that of talking to friends. The landscapes from the dome were breathtaking and well worth the steps to get there. Unquestionably a marvelous experience.

Marcel Harris

11/09/2019

The view was everything. Just do this tour!

Climbing up the Dome was a great attraction and one of the best things to do on this tour. We climbed the complete 551 steps, although we used the elevator for the first ones. The view was a justification for every drop of sweat we produced. We also had the opportunity to see some Swiss guards in their interesting uniforms. A really great tour and definitely recommendable.

Daleyza

08/26/2019

The view will take your breath away!

Simple to find the meeting place. Early morning access to St Peter’s and the dome. It was definitely quicker and easier with a guide to making this visit. A very difficult climb to the top of the dome but the view was marvelous.

Alden Bell

07/26/2019

The best view in Rome

The best way to see the Basilica is to climb the top of the dome and enjoy a panoramic view of the Vatican. The meeting place was easy to find. It was not so crowded as the tour started early in the morning. We got early access to the Vatican. The chance to climb to the very top of the dome was breathtaking and well worth the burning bum. Walking through the Basilica with a professional guide was astounding. He was so fabulous and so wise. There was no doubt he loved his job. Overall we very enjoyed the tour.

Kingsley

07/21/2019

Basilica guided tour was excellent

We really enjoyed our tour with a brilliant tour guide, Valentina. The group was under 10 people, which made the way toward exploring St Peter's significantly simpler. The small size of the group also made the tour very private and Valentina did an outstanding job of giving tit-bits of info that brought the tour to life. Through our tour to the Basilica, we visited the Papal Tombs that are the official resting place of the Popes. Near the tomb, we read information about the famous Pope. Climbing up the tomb was also a mesmerizing experience. Worth everything!
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Frequently Asked Questions

The dome inside the St. Peter’s Basilica was created by Michelangelo and is one of the largest domes in the world. When you stand on top of it, you'll be able to enjoy sweeping views of the Vatican City skyline. Aside from having a stunning façade, the inside of this tall dome is also stunning. This is a must-take tour while you visit Vatican City.

Yes, you have to purchase an entry ticket to go inside the St. Peter’s Basilica and climb on top of the Dome. Well, our guided tour includes that and more. In this tour, you will be able to enjoy the awe-inspiring views over St. Peter's Square. This tour is available with a skip-the-line entrance ticket.

Yes, without a doubt. Strictly speaking, the availability of both general admission tickets and tours is always limited. So, we recommend having a pre-reserved ticket to climb the dome. To reserve your seat, visit our ticket booking page now.

The following rules and regulations need to be maintained as a tour guide

  • It is prohibited to talk inside the crypt
  • You can’t take picture inside
  • You can’t carry large bags
  • You need to wear clothes that cover your shoulders, arms, and lower legs. Shorts, short pants, short skirts, sleeveless tops, and exposed shoulders are not permitted. Advisable for both men and women.

You can bring a small bag with you that has the necessary items, like an umbrella. During the visit, you have to leave your large bags at the checking point near the entrance, as it is not permissible to enter carrying the large bags.

If you have any issue with mobility, you have to contact us for private access. But one thing should be noted, the sites are not wheelchair accessible. So if you use one unfortunately you can’t visit this place.

Actually, no.


Please note that St. Peter's Basilica is closed on Easter, December 24 and 31, and during other religious holidays.


The Basilica is a place of worship that may be closed for religious activities without warning; in this case, you’ll be offered another date.


Normally, the St. Peter's Basilica has another door that allows visitors to walk straight from the Sistine Chapel to the Basilica, however that door has been blocked for the time being since Covid19 Pandemic. As a result, no group tour or any tour may now enter the basilica from the interior. All visitors must depart the Vatican and proceed to the Saint Peter's Basilica, which has a separate entrance. As a result, St. Peter's Basilica is not included in a group tour at this time.

This tour falls under ‘All Sales final’ status. That means, this tour is non-refundable and cannot be canceled once booked.

It is best to be at the tour meeting spot 25 minutes early. It is the customer's duty to arrive on time. If you arrive late or don’t show up, we are sorry but we cannot accommodate you because we are already at the tour destination with other participants. Furthermore, the Vatican tour ticket price is non-refundable. A refund or cancellation of the Vatican ticket is not possible. As a result, if you miss it, you will not be refunded your ticket money.

Yes a discount is available for students under 26 years. To avail this discount, students must bring valid student ID during the time of tour.

This tour is not suitable for children under the age of 6.

Children between the ages of 6 and 18 who are going to take this tour must be accompanied by an adult.

Yes, we offer hotel transportation service which you have to book during the tour booking process. But keep in mind that this is an optional service. You have to pay extra fees for the transportation.

Call us at +39 06 2757630 to cancel any trip; we're available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 4 pm. Please review other cancellation-related FAQ of this tour and the Cancellation & Refund Policy of Rome Tour Tickets before canceling this tour.

At Rome Tour Tickets, we are acutely aware of the current circumstances resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. We are solely responsible for keeping you up to date with the most correct information.


After the post-COVID-19, reserving your ticket online is required in order to avoid unnecessary gathering in the ticket office.


There is no longer a requirement for a Green Pass, vaccination certificate, or test certificate to access the Vatican. Furthermore, there is no certificate needed to enter restaurants, museums, historical sites, etc. When traveling to Vatican City, there is no need for quarantine.


You need to take the following measures while on the tour:

  • You are required to wear a mask that covers your mouth and nose the entire time you are here. Wearing a mask is still required in some locations.
  • Maintain a social distance while on the tour.
  • While entering the venues, the visitor's temperature could be checked. A body temperature of 37.5° C or above may prevent entry to the location.
  • Due to social distance, guided tours now only allow a certain number of participants, including the guides.

Visit Covid-19 Travel Notice for the most up-to-date travel information during this epidemic.

Trip Advisor - Tour Ratings & Reviews
4.9/5
Flexible
10
Vatican Tours
Price:

from €64.00

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