Discover the beauty and history of Vatican City on this guided morning tour. Explore St Peter’s Basilica, climb the famous dome, and take in the unforgettable view.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today. Learn more
Duration 45 minutes: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English
Audio guide included: English

Highlights

Enjoy a live tour of the St. Peter’s Basilica and Square
Reach the summit of Michelangelo’s Dome
An English speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour

Full description

Experience an extraordinary tour with a local guide who will show you around St. Peter’s Square, and Vatican City. In the Basilica, See the first viewing point through the Dome's elevator. Then climb up to the remaining steps towards the summit of the Basilica’s Dome.

Be among the few to witness a breathtaking view of Vatican City and its iconic seven hills. Make sure to take photographs as evidence from a once-in-a-lifetime experience from the top of the famous Vatican summit.

Go back inside the sacred Basilica with instant access. Enjoy your time and stroll at your own pace. Don't miss the historical insights that the archeological site has to offer.

Includes

Early morning access to the St Peter's Basilica and Square
Entrance ticket to the St Peter's Dome
Live Tour Guide
Headsets when needed
Small group of 15 person

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Gratuities

Not suitable for

People with claustrophobia
People with heart problems
Wheelchair users
People with vertigo

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts. The meeting point is at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk. Our guide will be meeting you there with a LOVING ROME SIGN.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes
FFP2 mask

Not allowed

Shorts
Weapons or sharp objects
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

All visitors must pass through a metal detector security check before entering the St Peter's Basilica.
The elevators Dome only takes you to the first balcony, to climb up to the main Dome you will have to use the stairs (320 steps) which requires 20 extra minutes.
The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropoli are not part of this tour.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 46 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.5/5
Value for money
4.4/5

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The meeting point was easy to find and St. Peter's Square was super empty for the 7.30am tour. Admission, including the security check, went super fast. Normal-sized backpacks can be taken along. The ascent to the dome is adventurous, but doable. The view of St. Peter's Square from above makes up for it :) The tour was super informative and incredibly personable. Many Thanks :)

June 23, 2022

Our guide was very good, told us a lot about history of the Basilica and the square and a lot more. Be ready for more than 350 steps to climb the dome but the view from the terace is magnificent! It is also a very good option to skip the long line and acces the basilica before the crowds.

June 21, 2022

Excellent guide, very prepared and passionate, able to involve you in history. What is not liked is the need for the guide to speak in two languages due to half Italians and half English. The language is fine to encourage tourism, but with regard to the Italian language we need to have more respect and consideration.

May 30, 2022

Rome: St Peter’s Basilica With Dome Climb Early Morning Tour

Rome: St Peter’s Basilica With Dome Climb Early Morning Tour

About this activity

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