• St. Peter’s Square - Meet your expert Vatican tour guide on the threshold of St. Peter’s Square and make your way across marble paving to the steps which wind up and around the dome. There are 551 in total so of course this is too much exertion for most. We take the elevator part of the way which cuts the step count by a sizable 171, leaving 380.
• St. Peter’s Basilica - From St. Peter’s Square, enter the passageways which lead up to the top of Michelangelo’s magnificent dome for superb views of the Vatican City and Rome.
• St. Peter’s Basilica - A fully guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica follows your dome climb. It’s one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it will leave a profound impression upon your soul.
• Vatican Museums - Vast museums inside the Vatican City which house many thousands of ancient works of art and sculpture. The most important museum complex in the world!
• Sistine Chapel - Take in Michelangelo’s masterpieces including the Creation of Adam and the Last Judgement.

• Comprehensive tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and its masterpieces
• Exclusive St. Peter’s Dome climb with panoramic views of Rome
• In-depth Sistine Chapel visit, exploring Michelangelo’s frescoes
• Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums with an expert guide
• Access to the rarely-seen Papal Sarcophagi, known as ‘Vatacombs’
• Explore renowned sculptures in the famous halls of the Vatican

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuities

A surprisingly small number, less than 1%, of guests visiting the Vatican, make the climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome. Recognizing this unique spectacle, we offer an exclusive tour, starting with a meeting with our experienced Vatican guide at St. Peter’s Square. Holy stairways, along with a lift, transport you to St. Peter’s Terrace, presenting a captivating view of the entire Rome and even extending to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Once back on ground level, we will take you around the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. After a leisure time, we regroup for the second segment of your immersion into Vatican City, including a visit to the Sistine Chapel. Experience swift entry to view the awe-inspiring works on display in the Vatican Museums, a not-to-be-missed attraction while in Rome.

• Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
• On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour. In the event that the Papal tombs beneath St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended and no refunds made
• Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid.
• The final ascent by foot requires climbing 320 somewhat steep steps in a confined area. People suffering from claustrophobia or any other health conditions are advised to remain on the terrace level.
• Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control.
• Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.
• Please note that the Vatican Museums will be conducting a preservation project on the “Last Judgment” fresco in the Sistine Chapel between January 12 and March 31, 2026. During this period, scaffolding will obstruct the view of this specific wall. All other areas of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums remain fully accessible.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.