K
Claudia was the best guide ever!
Claudia is knowledgeable and funny! It was such a great experience! The climb is narrow, but definitely worth every step!
Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
At a glance
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Price from
- $347 / person
- Location
- Vatican City, Italy
- Rating
- 5.0 / 5 · 3 reviews
- Languages
- EN, IT
- Group
- Private
- Cancellation
- See policy below
- Confirmation
- Within 24h
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Vatican Private Tour Guide
- Meeting point
- At the obelisk in St Peter's Square.Your guide will have a sign with your name.
Description
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
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 10 times a day, 8:00 AM–3:00 PM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 15
- Adult (ages 18+)
- $347
- Child (ages 5–17)
- $67
- Infant (ages 0–4)
- Free
Larger groups pay less per person.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 14.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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.
The Holy Door
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.
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.
What's included
Included
Local guide
Local Taxes
Private tour
Professional art Historian guide
Guaranteed to skip the long lines
Not included
Private transportation
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
5.0
3 reviews
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Cancellation
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
0+ days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour take?
Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 3 stops.
How much does Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour cost?
Prices start at $347 per person for this Vatican City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with 10 departures a day between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
How much does Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour cost for children?
Children aged 5–17 pay from $67, adults from $347. Infants go free.
Can I cancel Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour for free?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is At the obelisk in St Peter's Square. Your guide will have a sign with your name. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, IT.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 12 travellers can book together.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Specialized infant seats are available Children must be accompanied by an adult
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
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.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Confirmation is sent by the operator within 24 hours of booking.
Reviews(3)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
M
Thanks Massimiliano for a great experience!
Our tour guide, Massimiliano (Max) met us promptly at 8:30 AM. He was friendly throughout the tour, very informative and allowed ample time for us to take pictures. Max even took some group pictures for us on his phone and sent them to us. He made sure we were on schedule for everything including the climb to the top of St. Peter's Basilica. I would highly recommend him to friends and family not just touring the Vatican, but other parts of Rome as well.
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| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour | 2 hours | 5.0 (3) | $347 | |
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 St Peter’s Basilica Tour, Dome Climb & Papal Tombs I Max 6 People | 2h 30min | 5.0 (204) | $181 | View |
 Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs | 2h 30min | 4.8 (176) | $69 | View |
 Rome: The Original Entire Vatican Tour & St. Peter's Dome Climb | 4h 30min | 4.8 (1,823) | $159 | View |
 Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb Guided Tour | 5 hours | 4.6 (215) | $115 | View |
 Private St. Peter’s Basilica Tour Dome Climb and Papal Tombs | 2h 30min | 5.0 (25) | $239 | View |
from$347
5.0(3)