About this experience
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.
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
- Private tour
- Guardanteed to skip the long lines
- Professional art historian guide
- Admission ticket
- Local taxes
Not included
- Private transportation
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Itinerary and highlights
Start your Vatican tour right away with your skip-the-line tickets. You’ll meet your guide just outside the Vatican Museums,and be escorted straight in to the breathtaking exhibits. Your first stop is the Gallery of Maps, the Gallery of Tapestries, and the Pinecone Courtyard. Next you’ll see highlights of the impressive collections of the Vatican Museums, including the stunning works of Raphael and Michelangelo, collected by various Popes throughout the centuries.
Next, you’ll enter the glorious Sistine Chapel, where you’ll see Michelangelo's famous frescoes "The Last Judgment," and "The Creation of Adam."
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.
When you return to ground level, you’ll explore St. Peter’s Basilica, and you’ll see Michelangelo's famous Pietà, the only piece of work he ever signed. You’ll learn how Michelangelo was chosen over his peers for the distinct honor to paint St. Peter’s heavenly arch. Then, you’ll visit the underground ecclesiastical tomb, where many Popes have been buried over the centuries. You will also explore the various houses of prayer, and shrouded graves.
Meeting and pickup information
- At the stairs outside the Vatican museums (street address is viale Vaticano ). Your tour guide will be holding a sign with your name.
Languages and tickets
- English — Guide
- Italian — Guide
- Mobile Only
Tour operator
- Best of Rome Tours
Meeting points and locations
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.
Cancellation policy
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
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