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

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.

Meeting and Pickup

End Point

Redemption Instructions

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 next to 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. Follow this Google maps link for meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/vZvCNgmmozFLnzT3A Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel tour departs at 11:30 AM (meet 11:15 AM) from our office in Via Sebastiano Veniero 19 near the Vatican Museums entrance. Need Help? Call/Text/WhatsApp: +1 833-482-5421 Email: info@italiatours.com

Language Offered

English-GUIDE

Itinerary

Inclusion

Full tour of entire St. Peter's Basilica covering all the major works of art and sculpture therein

Get into the Vatican Museums fast with our no-line priority access ticket and a local expert guide

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

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

Exclusion

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Gratuities

Cancellation Policy

Refundable tickets

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

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.

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

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.

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.

Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control.

Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.

Please note that the Vatican Museums will be conducting a preservation project on the "Last Judgment" fresco in the Sistine Chapel between January 12 and March 31, 2026. During this period, scaffolding will obstruct the view of this specific wall. All other areas of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums remain fully accessible.