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St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica and Vatacombs Tour

From $68.99
$51.74 /person
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About the activity

Begin your day at the Vatican with an ascent to the top of St. Peter’s Dome and take in views of Rome before entering the Basilica to marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini on a guided tour.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    2.5 hours
  • Includes
    • Vatican tour guide
    • Early start inside St. Peter’s Basilica
    • Entrance fees
    • Lift part of the way to the summit
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities
    • Necropolis
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Experience a view of Rome like no other from Michelangelo's majestic dome
  • Tour St. Peter’s Basilica literally from top to bottom with this exclusive guide
  • Visit the “Vatacombs,” the resting place of former popes beneath St. Peter's
  • Relax at the terrace level and take in the view or climb 320 steps to the summit
  • See as your guide points out the most interesting landmarks in every direction

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. Feast your eyes on Vatican City and greater Rome from the tallest dome in the world! Back on terra firma we enter the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. Fully experience this triumph of art and architecture that’s unmatched anywhere else on earth, where Bernini’s brilliance and Michelangelo’s genius rise above papal tombs and the necropolis of St. Peter himself.

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. Once inside, get ready to take in the most spectacular views of Rome as the elevator carries you up to the terrace level of the basilica (or walk if you prefer and earn yourself a gelato later)!

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. At this point, take as many photographs as you can; you’re a very long way up and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime climb, so don’t hold back!

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. Next on this adventure will be an in-depth tour of St. Peter’s Basilica—an absolute triumph of art and architecture unmatched anywhere else on earth. This is where Bernini’s brilliance and Michelangelo’s genius rise above holy papal tombs and the necropolis of St. Peter himself.

Good to know before you go
  • Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
  • On the days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican alterations to tours may be necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour. The tour of the Basilica itself will be extended if the Papal Tombs underneath St. Peter's Basilica are closed.
  • 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.
  • Due to events and ceremonies associated with the 2025 Jubilee, access to St. Peter's Basilica might be restricted. Such closures are beyond our control.
  • The final ascent by foot requires climbing 320 somewhat steep steps in a confined area. People suffering from claustrophobia or any other health conditions are advised to remain on the terrace level.
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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    18-99 years
  • Children
    7-17 years
  • Infants
    0-6 years
August 2025
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