Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour

Free CancellationSkip the Line

See Michelangelo's La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican

Free CancellationSkip the Line

4.94

( 212 reviews )


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!

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

212 Ratings

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Angela Carli

Verified Review

June 10, 2025

Anandkumar Panchal

Verified Review

June 10, 2025

Shanna Riches

Verified Review

June 09, 2025

Love Tour Guy Tours!

Natalie Fu

Verified Review

June 09, 2025

I had originally booked my tours through another company but they kept changing the times making it hard for me to plan. So I decided to book through Tour Guy. They kept my original time selection and our guide was very knowledgeable! We enjoyed our tour of St Peter’s & Dome Climb - I highly recommend.

The Ultimate St Peter’s Basilica Dome Clinb and Tour

Teresa Grosvalet

Verified Review

June 07, 2025

I enjoyed the tour very much!

Kannan Jayaraman

Verified Review

June 07, 2025

Enjoyed the tour,.. Guide was knowledgeable, witty and concise in sharing all info related to St Peter’s Basilica

An Enriching experience at St Peter’s Basilica with Maria

Ruel Solmerin

Verified Review

June 07, 2025

I recently participated in the Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour, guided by Maria. While the experience was enriching, we unfortunately had to cut our visit short due to my daughter not feeling well, which meant we couldn’t spend as much time exploring the basilica and missed out on the crypt. From the moment we started, it was clear that Maria’s knowledge of the basilica’s history and architecture was extensive. She provided fascinating insights that brought the rich history of this iconic landmark to life. Maria’s English was excellent, making it easy for everyone in the group to follow along and engage with her. She expertly navigated us through the intricate details of the basilica, sharing stories that were both informative and captivating. The climb to the dome was a highlight, offering stunning views of the city. Maria ensured that we had plenty of time to take in the scenery and capture photos, adding to the overall enjoyment of the tour. Despite the brief visit, I appreciated Maria’s efforts to ensure we had a meaningful experience. I do wish we could have explored more, especially the crypt, as I’ve heard it is a fascinating part of the basilica. I’ll definitely make sure we go back again, perhaps without the kids, so we can fully enjoy everything this incredible landmark has to offer. I highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Rome!

BKW Rome June 2025

Brian Wade

Verified Review

June 07, 2025

The tour was very good, tour guide was very good, 3 people were in our party, only 1 climbed to the top of the Cupola at the top of the dome.

Maria AAA+++

Michael Donor

Verified Review

June 06, 2025

Maria was very knowledgeable, courteous and funny. We had a great time and we learned a lot from her.

Carlie Christensen

Verified Review

June 05, 2025

We loved our tour guide and loved this amazing tour!

Jill Manit

Verified Review

June 04, 2025

LaMonte E Auch

Verified Review

June 04, 2025

Nicole Oxford

Verified Review

June 04, 2025

Great experience

Paul Swenson

Verified Review

June 03, 2025

Great tour, guide was very good. He pointed out many sites we may have otherwise missed .Highly recommend this tour.

Not much substance

James Somerville

Verified Review

June 02, 2025

Met for earliest tour in morning. By the time the group was ready had to wait in a longer line for entrance. Tour guide had pretty surficial knowledge. Could have learned as much from Wikipedia page. Guide didn’t accompany to top of Dome or into Basilica, which technically might not have been allowed, but plenty of other guides were doing it. By the time Dome climb was done the Basilica was packed. Wish we had got there at same time on our own, done the Basilica, then the Dome, and saved money. Basically, the guide was valuable for steering us in right direction.

Company is very well organized

Joseph Sansone

Verified Review

June 01, 2025

The dome climb is not for anyone who doesn't like crooked, slanted and VERY tight spaces. The tour is amazing however and the guides are very knowledgeable and often funny. They are authentic Vatican employees and you will not be disappointed. Joe S.

Anne-Josée Beaudoin

Verified Review

May 30, 2025

Denise Hiben

Verified Review

May 28, 2025

LEENUS KOODARAPILLY

Verified Review

May 27, 2025

Bri Derousseau

Verified Review

May 26, 2025

FANTASTIC!

Jennifer Schoffstall

Verified Review

May 26, 2025

Our guide was very friendly and knowledgeable!

ana chechelashvili

Verified Review

May 26, 2025

Kathleen Gratias

Verified Review

May 24, 2025

CLIMB

Eric Bruno

Verified Review

May 24, 2025

This was a great tour - we would do it again.

stephanie robotham

Verified Review

May 24, 2025

Guide was great and full of info and enthusiasm. Loved the way he told the story of the history in a succinct way