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.
Expert, English-speaking guide
Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and 1st level access
Climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome
Guide tips
Your tour begins at Largo Del Colonnato
You'll meet your friendly local guide near St. Peter's Square at Largo Del Colonnato, ready to start your journey to one of Rome's most iconic landmarks.
Elevator ride to the first level of the dome
Take the elevator up to the first level, where elaborate mosaics cover the interior. Step outside onto the terrace for an iconic view of Vatican City stretching before you.
Climb to the top of St. Peter's Dome
From here, you'll have the option to climb 320 ancient stone steps to reach the summit. The stairway gets narrow and a bit claustrophobic, but the reward is worth it—an epic panoramic view of the Vatican and Rome's historic center.
Guided explanation of St. Peter's Basilica
Back at ground level, your guide will share the fascinating history of the world's largest church before you step inside, setting the stage for what you're about to see.
Explore the interior of St. Peter's Basilica
You'll witness legendary artworks including Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino. Your guide will show you the spectacular throne and high altar built directly above St. Peter's final resting place.
For Reference Only. Itineraries are subject to change
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!
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GREAT TOUR!
LIM J.
Verified Review
December 05, 2025
WE HAD A GREAT TIME WITH BRIDGET WHO HAD THE TOUGH TASK OF TRYING TO GET SO MUCH IN WITHIN THE TIME! GRATEFUL THAT SHE STAYED LONGER WITH US TO COMPLETE WHAT SHE FELT WE SHOULD KNOW. VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Jamie P.
Verified Review
November 16, 2025
Easy to find the group. Our guide was very good and kind. We had fun and even enjoyed a cup of coffee on top of the dome.. Beautiful views. Thank you !!
Rebecca K.
Verified Review
November 15, 2025
Amazing Experience
Richard S.
Verified Review
November 04, 2025
My wife and I did this tour and enjoyed the guide, her knowledge and explanation for all the sights. We went to the very top of St Peter’s Dome, the views were amazing. Definitely recommend using this company and doing this tour. As a matter of fact, we love this company so much, we scheduled two more tours with them this week that we hadn’t planned to do.
St. Peter’s and Dome - 10/27/2025
Pedro P.
Verified Review
November 03, 2025
Really good tour even with the amount of people visiting the Vatican on that day. Our tour guide, Volodymyr, was great. Very knowledgeable on the Vatican and its surroundings. The Dome climb was amazing and highly recommend… just make sure that you are physically able to do the climb.
Michael G.
Verified Review
October 30, 2025
Karen F.
Verified Review
October 21, 2025
Kenneth B.
Verified Review
October 20, 2025
Kim P.
Verified Review
October 19, 2025
St Peter’s Basilica tour
Michael B.
Verified Review
October 18, 2025
Great tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and patient with the group. Kept us moving and was very insightful of what we were seeing. We bailed on the dome climb though. These old knees said NO way! Gave us more time to explore the most amazing house of the Lord!
Worth the wait...
Miriam N.
Verified Review
October 18, 2025
The tour was definitely worth the wait. Due to various events happening at the Vatican my schedule was rescheduled but the company was always prompt and responsible in giving me notice and rescheduling. The guide was incredible, well prepared, and helpful. I would definitely recommend for people to get an incredible view inside and outside of St. Peter's.
Bethany H.
Verified Review
October 17, 2025
Mikael J.
Verified Review
October 14, 2025
Very enjoyable tour of St. Peter's Basilica!!
Lennart L.
Verified Review
October 12, 2025
We had a delightful experience on this tour!!
Dr. N.
Verified Review
October 11, 2025
David N.
Verified Review
October 10, 2025
Amazing Tour
Alejandra M.
Verified Review
October 09, 2025
Our tour guide Philip was very knowledgeable and the Basilica was beautiful. The tour ran over the expected time due to the lines but our tour guide did his best to make sure we were able to see everything. My only suggestion would be to have the Dome climb first and then the Basilica. Overall the tour was amazing.
Great Communication
Garrett O.
Verified Review
October 06, 2025
Excellent tour and tour guide!
Was a little uncertain about where to go and when to meet. The people at the Tour Guy were quick to respond and reassuring!
bryan B.
Verified Review
October 06, 2025
Fantastic
Robert D.
Verified Review
October 01, 2025
Awesome experience. Views from top were out of this world. Got to have a donut and coffee on roof of Saint Peter's (who knew there would be a little cafe) Tour of Saint Peter's was great as well
Kirsty H.
Verified Review
October 01, 2025
Donald F.
Verified Review
September 29, 2025
Tracy L.
Verified Review
September 29, 2025
Joanna M.
Verified Review
September 28, 2025
Wonderful Journey to to the top of the Dome
Clifford P.
Verified Review
September 28, 2025
We had a wonderful time! Our guide Bridgette was great and gave us great history of The Vatican, surroundings, St Peter’s Basilica & the Duomo climb was awesome! Not as Claustrophobic as I thought it might be.
I would highly recommend this tour!
