See Michelangelo's La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican
4.94
(165)
2.5 h
Max 25 Guests
Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica and its dome on your own can mean dealing with crowds and waiting in line for hours. Our early-morning tour, led by a captivating local guide, ensures you skip the hassle with privileged access and insider knowledge, including the best times to climb for awe-inspiring views. Explore the stunning Basilica, take in breathtaking panoramas and take it all in. This is a a truly immersive experience.
You’ll meet your friendly local guide at Largo Del Colonnato, near St. Peter's Square. Then, you'll begin your journey to the top of the Dome. Taking the elevator to the first level to admire the elaborate mosaics, you can ascend the narrow, ancient stairway to the very top, where you’ll have an unbeatable view of Rome and the Vatican.
Afterwards, your guide will give you an in-depth tour inside the Basilica itself before entering, where you’ll learn its history and see the artistic mas...
Select participants and date
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
Travelers
Private, friendly guide
Climb St. Peter's Dome
St. Peter's Basilica
La Pieta
Panoramic views of Rome
Elevator access
Max 25 guests
Private, friendly guide
Climb St. Peter's Dome
St. Peter's Basilica
La Pieta
Panoramic views of Rome
Elevator access
Max 25 guests
Guide gratuity
Meals
Guide gratuity
Meals
Hotel pickup
Meet your guide at Largo Del Colonnato
Your tour begins with a warm welcome from your guide at Largo Del Colonnato Square, conveniently located in the heart of the Vatican City.
1st level of St. Peter's Dome
Step out of the elevator on the dome’s lower level to witness elaborate mosaics and architectural details, as dreamed up by Michelangelo.
Top of the St. Peter's Dome
Climb 320 steps to the very top of the dome, where you’ll be rewarded with a view of the Vatican that has inspired pilgrims and poets alike.
St. Peter's Basilica
Return to the ground level to discover its opulent decorations, stunning marble statues, and gold accents that reflect its sacred status.
La Pietá
Carved from a single block of Carrara marble, this masterpiece showcases Michelangelo's skill in capturing human emotion and divine beauty.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
Meet your guide at Largo Del Colonnato. This is the area just outside of the St. Peters Square colonnades, on the right side if you’re looking at St. Peter’s Basilica. You’ll see a friendly representative holding a “The Tour Guy” sign standing between the fountain and the green kiosk.
Comfortable shoes, a bottle of water, and a great camera!
4.94
165 Ratings
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Dome climb! With St Peter's Basilica tour!
Jason Anthony
Verified Review
May 04, 2025
Worth it! Tour was supposed to be 2.5 hours but was closer to 4 due to jubilee, and crowds. Marco kept us entertained and was so full of knowledge that there was never a boring minute. You could ask him anything and he knew the answer. Getting through everything was seamless. The papal crypts were unfortunately closed. Next time! Marco was also very respectful and kept everyone together as best he could even with certain stragglers kept leaving the group for photo ops. Definitely recommend and have booked more tours with the company and will in the future! Thank you Marco!
Herminia Mirphy
Verified Review
May 03, 2025
Very knowledgeable!
Paige Shreeve
Verified Review
April 30, 2025
Great guide—super knowledgeable, friendly, and funny!! Great views from every level of the basilica!
Taryn Marie Hynek
Verified Review
April 29, 2025
Heather brekke
Verified Review
April 25, 2025
A Must Do and See!
Barbara Inaba
Verified Review
April 24, 2025
Our tour guide (Bogden, if I correctly recall his name) was just great. Enthusiastic, well organized and knowledgeable, considerate, patient, respectful, very thorough, provided explicit info and directions, communicated very well, and truly made our tour a joy. He provided so much in-depth history and shared historical images/photos from his iPad/tablet. The Dome climb itself was not so difficult and was roomy , as compared to the Duomo Dome in Florence.
What a view and Experience!
Robert Cassulis
Verified Review
April 22, 2025
Early morning, rainy day but this didn't discourage any of the participants of this tour! Roberta was incredible and had us up and into the Dome with plenty of time to enjoy St Peter's and the crypts as well.
More than I Expected
Robert Johnston
Verified Review
April 19, 2025
Our guide went above and beyond. She took the time to really explain the little aspects of the basilica.
Nola Palmer
Verified Review
April 17, 2025
Great Tour
Joseph Galperin
Verified Review
April 16, 2025
We learned a lot, but we had to start at 7 a.m. to avoid the crowds. Is that worth it? You decide!
Mickie Kucinkas
Verified Review
April 15, 2025
George Gamboa
Verified Review
April 13, 2025
BEST PLACE TO BE
Harman Toor
Verified Review
April 12, 2025
We enjoyed our visit today and it was amazing. I have never seen something like this before. Dome climb was amazing too. Tour guide was very helpful and nice.
Christine Seifert
Verified Review
April 02, 2025
Highly informative
Ethan Salleh
Verified Review
April 01, 2025
Loved this tour ... loads of historical facts and information. Highly recommended.
Pamela - George Stenger
Verified Review
March 25, 2025
Our first time to Rome, and our experience with Julius as our tour guide was amazing. He was very patient, knowledgeable and so accommodating. We recommend The Tour Guy for your tours in Rome! And early appointments are your best option, will beat the large crowds!
Joshua Young
Verified Review
March 25, 2025
Ross Daniels
Verified Review
March 22, 2025
Amazing views!
michele burke
Verified Review
March 22, 2025
Worth the climb for the views. If you’re claustrophobic, suffer from vertigo or are not in good health, you may want to pick another tour. If you think you’re in great shape…trust me…this climb will make you rethink your physical assessments. Get cleared by the cardiologist before trying. Another fantastic tour with the company. We took 9. They were all excellent
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Tour
DAMIAN O'MAHONY
Verified Review
March 20, 2025
We enjoyed an excellent tour and appreciated the guidance received ! Full Marks !
Cynthia Smith
Verified Review
March 15, 2025
Great tour
Amanda DeMarni
Verified Review
March 11, 2025
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour with Alba. She had lots of great information to share and lots of recommendations of other places to visit.
Wonderful experience!
iwan gunawan
Verified Review
March 03, 2025
We had a wonderful experience with this tour. Our tour guide, Patricia, was very engaging and eager to share her wealth of knowledge about St Peter's Basilica, its history, and lots of tidbits information. We climbed up to the dome, it was quite a workout, but we were rewarded with the 360 degree view from the top. It was an awesome experience.
Highly tecommended
Alice Evans
Verified Review
February 20, 2025
This is the first time I have been to the dome and crypt, although I have been to St Peter’s before. The views are spectacular, inside and outside. I got so much more out of it with a guide and with time to appreciate the beauty of the Dome.