About this experience
Climb the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome. At the top, your guide will point out notable points of interest from one of the best views of the entire city of Rome.
At a glance
- Duration: 4 hr
- Private experience
Plan your experience
Set aside 4 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.
Before you go
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
What is included
- Local guide
- Private tour
- Professional art historian guide
- Guaranteed to skip the long lines
- Local taxes
Not included
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
- St Peter's Basilica
Itinerary and highlights
Skip the long lines and get your tour started right away. Meet your guide outside the Vatican Museums and go straight to the luxurious exhibitions and rooms such as the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Pinecone Courtyard. Highlights of the vast collection on display at the Vatican Museums include the stunning works of Raphael and Michelangelo that were collected by various Popes throughout the centuries.
Next, you’ll enter the glorious Sistine Chapel and behold Michelangelo's famous frescoes "The Last Judgment," and "The Creation of Adam."
Next, you will see the Dome of St. Peter's Basilica from an up close perspective. A lift ride will take you to the main level inside the vault, offering a fantastic view of the staggering mosaics and embellishments. From this view you really can admire the artisans’ effort and technique used for such intricate work.
When you return to ground level, explore St. Peter’s square
Meeting and pickup information
- Vatican Museum entrance, under the white monumental door topped with statues, on the stairs.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Sistine Chapel Tours
Accessibility and practical details
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- 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 that due to Jubilee restrictions, access to the Basilica is not accessible
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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