• St. Peter’s Square - Meet your expert Vatican tour guide on the threshold of St. Peter’s Square and make your way across marble paving to the steps which wind up and around the dome. There are 551 in total so of course this is too much exertion for most. We take the elevator part of the way which cuts the step count by a sizable 171, leaving 380.
• St. Peter’s Basilica - From St. Peter’s Square, enter the passageways which lead up to the top of Michelangelo’s magnificent dome for superb views of the Vatican City and Rome.
• St. Peter’s Basilica - A fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica follows your dome climb. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it will leave a profound impression upon your soul.

• Exclusive early access to St. Peter’s, avoiding the crowds
• Expert Vatican tour guidance to the peak of St. Peter’s Dome
• Breathtaking panoramic views of Rome from the summit
• Exploration of remarkable art and architecture

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities
• Necropolis (scavi)

Avoid the crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica by arriving as it opens. Take the elevator partway and then walk the rest—the view from the top is truly rewarding.

Meet an expert Vatican guide at St. Peter’s Square and leave Rome behind as you enter Vatican City and access St. Peter’s Basilica right as it opens to the public.

At the terrace level, choose to relax and enjoy the view or climb the remaining 320 steps to the summit, where the stunning view of Rome and beyond is unforgettable. The guide will highlight all the fascinating historical landmarks in every direction, whether in Vatican City, the broader city of Rome, or further afield.

As the ascent concludes, join the descent into the lower level of the basilica to explore the “Vatacombs,” a series of grottoes housing papal crypts and effigies created by the most renowned artists of the centuries.

• 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.
• Dome climb is a moderate exertion activity undertaken in a short space of time. Please be aware of this before you book.
• Bring a small bottle of water with you for dome climb.
• 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.
• 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.

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