Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
Port schedule
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour

3 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Vatican City, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 1 more
Italian

Overview

Enjoy the visit of some of the world’s most significant works of art and hear something of the history and stories surrounding the magnificent locations where they are housed.
Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the
best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you
landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
Enjoy this superb private 2-hour walking tour

What's Included

  • Local Taxes
  • Private tour
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Private transportation
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
See 2 moreSee 3 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Show on Google Maps

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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

St. Peter's Basilica

The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is best seen from an up-close perspective. A short lift ride will take you to the main level inside the vault. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of the staggering mosaics and stunning elaborate embellishments. This view affords the best perspective to appreciate the artisans’ skills and techniques used to create such intricate work.Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

Porta Santa

is traditionally an entrance portal located within the Papal major basilicas in Rome. The doors are normally sealed by mortar and cement from the inside so that they cannot be opened. They are ceremoniously opened during Jubilee years designated by the Pope, for pilgrims who enter through those doors may piously gain the plenary indulgences attached with the Jubilee year celebrations.
Read more

30 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.
Read more

1 hour Admission Ticket Included

Show 2 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • 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
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If the Dome is closed due to poor weather, you will be given the option for an alternative path inside the Museums, but no refunds if one of the areas is closed will be given.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Dome Climb & St. Peter’s Basilica Private Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-109626P12

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.00
3 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
3
4 stars
0
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 26 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Civitavechia Port Trasfers. Private Tour in Ancient City of Rome

Have your private driver, waiting for your party at the bottom of your ship gangaway, is the best option to maximize your short time in …More

Have your private driver, waiting for your party at the bottom of your ship gangaway, is the best option to maximize your short time in...

8 hours Free Cancellation
5.0 (1)
from
$1,263

Skip the Line Wheelchair Accessible Private Vatican & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

This tour has been designed specifically for those in wheelchairs.  You can enjoy the wonders of this wonderful building and with skip-the-line access there is …More

This tour has been designed specifically for those in wheelchairs.  You can enjoy the wonders of this wonderful building and with skip-the-line access there is...

3 hours
5.0 (7)
from
$307

Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Guided Group Tour and tickets

See the magnificent highlights of Vatican City during this guided tour. The skip-the-line entrace to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and our official professional …More

See the magnificent highlights of Vatican City during this guided tour. The skip-the-line entrace to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel and our official professional...

3 hours
3.7 (21)
from
$148

Skip the line Tickets to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Make the most of your time in Rome and avoid wasting time in long lines with skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museums. Navigate your way …More

Make the most of your time in Rome and avoid wasting time in long lines with skip-the-line ticket to the Vatican Museums. Navigate your way...

1 to 480 minutes
4.6 (216)
from
$85

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Skip-The-Line Vatican Museums,Sistine Chapel & Optional Basilica

Skip the long lines and discover the treasures of the Vatican with an expert guide. Explore the Vatican Museums' world-renowned collections, including masterpieces such as …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Skip the long lines and discover the treasures of the Vatican with an expert guide. Explore the Vatican Museums' world-renowned collections, including masterpieces such as...

1 to 3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (1,419)
from
$27

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peters Basilica Guided Tour

Skip the lines to the the Vatican Museums, discover history, artifacts and papal treasures at the galleries and you will arrive at the Sistine Chapel, …More

Skip the lines to the the Vatican Museums, discover history, artifacts and papal treasures at the galleries and you will arrive at the Sistine Chapel,...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.7 (534)
from
$121

Skip the Line Vatican and Sistine Chapel Ticket with Audio Guide

This self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is ideal for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace while avoiding …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

This self-guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel is ideal for independent travelers who want to explore at their own pace while avoiding...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.5 (2,652)
from
$43

St. Peter’s Basilica & Optional: Vatican Museums or Breakfast

Step into the spiritual and artistic heart of Vatican City with an unforgettable visit to St. Peter’s Basilica — one of the most iconic and …More

Step into the spiritual and artistic heart of Vatican City with an unforgettable visit to St. Peter’s Basilica — one of the most iconic and...

1 to 5 hours Free Cancellation
4.6 (127)
from
$15

What's Included

Activity name

  • Local Taxes
  • Private tour
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional art Historian guide
  • Local guide
  • Private transportation
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • 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
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If the Dome is closed due to poor weather, you will be given the option for an alternative path inside the Museums, but no refunds if one of the areas is closed will be given.
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.

Report Product Issue

Activity name