Complete Vatican Combo Tour with Sistine Chapel & Dome Climb

You'll meet your expert local guide early this morning in front St. Peter’s Basilica, and along with a small group, you'll take the elevator to the first floor of the inner dome for spectacular views of the mosaics here. Then ascend the final 320 steps that take you to the top of the dome where you'll have an unbeatable view of the Vatican and Rome. A guided tour of the Basilica and papal crypts is up next, so you can enjoy the incredible and massive art collection found here. Next, skip the line at the Vatican Museums for an in-depth guided tour of the famed artwork, historical sites, and Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel.

Complete Vatican Combo Tour Description

Your 5.5-hour tour includes:

• Skip-the-line early entry to St. Peter's Basilica

• Access to the elevator and stairs to the top of St. Peter's dome

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and papal crypts

• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums

• Guided tour of Vatican Museums

• See inside Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

• A professional, fun, English-speaking guide

• Small group size of 20 people max

Climb St. Peter’s Dome

Get ready for the best view in all of Rome! Once inside St. Peter's Basilica, you'll follow your guide up the elevator to lower level of the dome and skip past the first 231 steps. This first level is filled with incredibly elaborate mosaics that cover the inside of the dome, and you'll also get a chance to step outside onto the terrace and embrace an iconic view of the Vatican City and St. Peter's Square.

From the upper terrace, you’ll have the option to climb even higher, with 320 ancient stone steps leading you to very top of the dome. The stairway gets narrow and a little claustrophobic in parts, but the reward at the top will make it all worthwhile! This is a truly epic view of the Vatican and the historic center of Rome, and it's our favorite way to introduce travelers to the Eternal City.

Guided Tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Crypts

You'll return to ground level for a more in-depth look into the largest church in the world. Your expert guide will point out the most iconic artworks of the Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Among the most famous things you'll see in the Basilica are the spectacular throne and high altar of St. Peter—built directly above his final resting place.

From the top of St. Peter's Basilica, you'll descend to the bottom! Buried in beautiful caskets and effigies below the Basilica are the remains of many of the Catholic church's former popes. Your guide will tell you all about the men buried here and the part they played in Catholic history, and you'll be able to admire the intricate details of the tombs, many of which were designed by Michelangelo and Bernini.

There are times that the basilica closes the crypts to public access. If this happens, your guide will ensure you see other amazing places at the Basilica.

Highlights of the Vatican Museums

After your St. Peter's experience, you'll skip the line and begin your in-depth exploration of the rest of the Vatican City. You'll follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, admiring the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy. You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

Pio-Clementino Museum

This museum houses some of the world's most famous statues, including Laocoön and His Sons and the Belvedere Torso. Your guide will tell you all about the history and legends surrounding the art, as well as Emperor Nero’s bathtub—an opulent 25-foot tub made of rare red marble. And you'll see the incredible sarcophagus of St. Helen, the mother of Constantine.

The Raphael Rooms

After the Middle Ages, Europe saw a new age of amazing art, literature, and thought. Raphael is one of the most famous Renaissance artists and some of his most well-known works of art reside in the Vatican Museums. Your guide will show you the rooms he frescoed and one of his most famous works of art, The School of Athens.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the most famous chapel in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. Michelangelo’s collective masterpieces include over 600 figures, and words cannot do it justice. Take in the wonder of the chapel and examine the vivid depictions of biblical stories from Genesis to Revelations. You'll also see see the famous Creation of Man and the Last Judgement.

As the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, speaking inside is forbidden. Your guide will give you an overview before entering, and we'll also provide you a map/handout to identify each fresco you look at.

As a deeply religious site, everyone who enters the Sistine Chapel must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to this portion of your tour. A great option is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Want to See More of St. Peter's Basilica or the Vatican Museums?

After the Sistine Chapel, you'll have the option to re-enter St. Peter’s Basilica by following your guide through the passageway that leads back to the basilica, or stay in the Vatican Museums to continue exploring on your own.