Experience Rome from the Heights: St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs Tour

Duration

2.5 hrs

About

Begin your day at the Vatican with an ascent to the top of St. Peter's Dome where you’ll take in the most unforgettable view of Rome before entering the Basilica to marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini.

Highlights

• Tour St. Peter’s Basilica literally from top to bottom with this exclusive guided tour
• Experience a view of Rome like no other from Michaelangelo’s majestic dome—the tallest on earth!
• Visit the “Vatacombs,” the eerie resting place of former popes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica

Itinerary

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.

Includes

• Unique experience at the summit of the world's tallest dome with an expert Vatican tour guide
• Incredible views of Rome and far beyond which most visitors to the Vatican never see
• Marvel at astonishing works of art and architecture

Excludes

• Hotel pickup and dropoff
• Gratuities
• Necropolis (scavi)

Know before you book

• 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.
• 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.
• Prefer to book a private tour instead? Contact us for details.

Know before you go

• Max group size 20 people.
• Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
• 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.