Complete St. Peter's Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Rome Views

Mosaics overhead, a terrace above Vatican City, then the interior at your pace

Climb the dome of St. Peter's Basilica on this guided tour, riding up to the lower dome, stepping onto the terrace, and, if you're up for it, the final 320 stairs to a panorama over Rome. Afterwards you explore the basilica's interior in Vatican City at your own pace.

Step-by-step itinerary

St. Peter's Basilica and Dome Climb

• Meet guide and group
• Walk through St. Peter's Square
• Elevator to lower dome
• View from dome terrace
• Climb final stairs to dome top
• Explore St. Peter's Basilica interior

Stops and time spent at each 4 stops

1. Vatican City 10m
2. St. Peter's Square 10m
3. St. Peter's Basilica Entry included 1h
4. St. Peter's Basilica Entry included 1h

What’s included

• Elevator access to the first level.
• Free time to explore the basilica.
• Guided explanation before entering.
• Expert guide.
• Entry to St. Peter's Basilica.
• Climb to the top of the dome.

Times

Looking for another day or time? ›

• Every day except Wednesday and Sunday 07:15

Information

You ride up to St. Peter's Basilica's dome with an expert guide, then climb to a panorama over Rome and explore the interior at your own pace.

Group Up to 25

Live guide English Another language? ›

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts. See the exact address

Book up to 1h before

Ages Adult (18 and older) · Youth (7 to 17 years) · Child (under 7)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Good to know

Physically demanding Pets welcome Public transport nearby Not recommended during pregnancy Not recommended with heart problems Not recommended with back problems

More information The exact meeting point address, the operator’s instructions and every other detail are in the full listing. See the full listing

Traveler reviews

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The experience

You meet in Vatican City and walk across St. Peter's Square with your guide. Before you go in, your guide explains the basilica, then the elevator carries you up to the lower dome, where mosaics catch the light overhead. Step onto the terrace and the whole of Vatican City spreads out below you.

If you're up for it, the final 320 stairs take you to the very top through narrow, winding stairways. Along the way the guide shares stories and little-known details, and Michelangelo's architectural vision starts to unfold around you. At the top, the panorama reaches across the Eternal City.

Back on the ground floor, you have free time to wander the interior at your own pace. Michelangelo's Pietà is close enough to see up close, Bernini's towering Baldacchino rises above the high altar, and beneath it lies the spot believed to be St. Peter's tomb, all surrounded by centuries of art and history.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 17 years); Child (under 7).

Can I skip the final climb to the top?

Yes, the final 320 stairs are optional, taken only if you're up for it. The elevator still takes you up to the lower dome and out onto the terrace above Vatican City.

Does the tour include Michelangelo's Pietà?

Yes, after the dome you step into the basilica for an up-close look at the Pietà, then Bernini's Baldacchino and the high altar.

Is there an elevator for the dome climb?

Yes, an elevator takes you up to the lower dome. The final climb to the very top is 320 stairs.

What does the guide explain before going inside?

Your guide explains St. Peter's Basilica before you enter, then shares stories and little-known details as you climb the dome.

Operated by The Tour Guy. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago