Early Dome Climb and Tour of Saint Peter's Basilica

This early-morning tour starts early in the morning (normally 7:45 AM) in Vatican City, where you'll meet up with your licensed, English-speaking guide at the Fountain of the Tiare (Fontana delle Tiare.) Your guide will accompany you to Saint Peter’s Basilica, the tallest dome in the world.

Avoid the first 231 steps by taking the lift to the first level of the Dome, where you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the mosaics, Latin scripts and the interior of the Basilica from above, accompanied by fascinating facts and stories from your guide.

Then you'll start the 320 step climb up the beautifully crafted, narrow spiral staircase that leads to the top. It's a long climb but the reward from the highest point of the Vatican is breathtaking - marvellous panoramic views of the Vatican and it's gardens, and of the sights of ancient Rome (the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the old city) from a unique perspective.

You'll then descend directly into the Basilica, avoiding the long and tiresome queues outside. This is the largest church in the world and is a treasure trove of works including Michelangelo’s Pietà - one of his finest works and the only one he is believed to have signed.

Then down to the 10th century Vatican Grottos or Papal Tombs. Home to the tombs of over 90 Popes, a few monarchs and numerous dignitaries, this is the most-visited part of the Vatican and is considered a "must-see".

  Important information:

Accessibility:: Due to the steep and enclosed nature of the dome climb, people with fear of heights and uncomfortable with enclosed spaces (claustrophobic) are advised to be cautious.

This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible!

You'll need to be wearing clothes that do not leave your shoulders/arms or lower legs bare. No shorts, short trousers, short skirts, sleeveless shirts or bare shoulders. All visitors to the Vatican Museums will be required to pass through a metal-detector prior to being granted admittance.

During State Visits, special religious events or ongoing restoration, there may be unexpected closings of different parts of the Vatican. In the event that an area covered on the tour is closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside and will show you an extra site or gallery to compensate the closed area.

We recommend you wear good walking shoes and on hot days, a sun hat.