Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb Guided Tour
Gallery image 2
Gallery image 3
Gallery image 4
Gallery image 5

Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb Guided Tour

Active
(150 reviews)
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

If you're looking for a Vatican tour that goes beyond the usual offerings, our combination tour has got you covered. With this tour, you'll bypass the line at St. Peter's, climb to the top of the dome for a stunning panoramic view of the Vatican and Rome, enjoy free time in the Basilica, and then skip the line at the Vatican to see the Sistine Chapel.

Your tour begins with an exciting elevator ride to the top of St. Peter's iconic dome, where you'll take in an unforgettable view of the city. From there, you'll join your expert Vatican guide for a comprehensive exploration of the art, history, and famous landmarks of this sacred city concluding in the Sistine Chapel. The tour is designed to provide a deep dive into the Vatican's rich cultural heritage, allowing you to fully appreciate the art and architecture that make this place so special.

Available options

ST. PETER'S BASILICA ONLY

Duration: 1 hour: NO VATICAN MUSEUMS AND NO DOME CLIMB INCLUDED!<br/>Basilica Express Guided Tour: Explore St. Peter's Basilica, descend to the Vatican Grottoes and admire Michelangelo's Pietà, under the iconic Cupola

Vatican Museums Tour with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb

What's included

Early Entry to St. Peter's Basilica and free time to explore
Skip-the-line entry and guided tour to the Vatican Museums & Entry to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel
Group size of 20 people max
Headsets (from 6+ participants)
A professional, fun, English-speaking guide
Access to the elevator and stairs to the top of St. Peter's Dome

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

Ready for the ultimate Vatican exploration? Your day will start meeting our staff just outside of St Peter's Square at an indicated meeting point. From there we'll pass over iconic St. Peter's Square home to the Sunday Mass, on our way in to the Basilica.

2
Stop 2

To kick start your top to bottom experience, we’ll take your Vatican discovery to new heights climbing the Dome of St Peter's alongside your expert guide. A combo of elevator and stairs (231 steps) a medium level of fitness is required for the dome climb, but the panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican State, will stay with you for a long time.

3
Stop 3

Following your climb, descend to the Basilica. Considered the epicentre of the Catholic faith, the St Peter's Basilica is a must-see destination for millions of tourists annually. Enjoy free time to discover all its unique features including the Holy door, Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino and plenty more!

4
Stop 4

Before exploring the Vatican Museums alongside your guide, you'll enjoy a quick stroll through the Pinecone Courtyard. Here you'll find Alnaldo Pomodoro's famous Sphere within a Sphere, symbolising how Christianity struggles against the chaos of the world.

5
Stop 5

Experience the best of the Vatican City with our Highlights of the Vatican Museums tour. Skip the line and delve into the treasures of this holy place, guided by an expert who will reveal the secrets behind the stunning artworks and artifacts.

Follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, marvelling at the ancient Greek and Roman statues, Flemish tapestries, and detailed maps of Italy.

In the Pio-Clementino Museum, home to some of the world's most famous sculptures, you'll see Laocoön and His Sons, the Belvedere Torso, and the magnificent sarcophagus of St. Helen, mother of Constantine.

Next, enter the Raphael Rooms and immerse yourself in the Renaissance era of amazing art and literature. See the rooms frescoed by Raphael and admire his most famous work, The School of Athens, as your guide shares insights into the artist's life and influences.

6
Stop 6

Experience the grandeur of Michelangelo's most celebrated masterpiece at the world-renowned Sistine Chapel. With over 600 figures, the frescoes depicting biblical stories from Genesis to Revelations are awe-inspiring and truly a sight to behold. From the iconic Creation of Man to the powerful Last Judgement, every inch of the chapel's ceiling and walls is covered in captivating imagery.

Please note that speaking inside the chapel is forbidden due to its religious significance. However, your guide will provide an overview before entering and we'll also provide you with a map/handout to help you identify each fresco you'll see.

What's not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food & Beverages
Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4
97 reviews
5★
72
4★
6
3★
11
2★
5
1★
3
Tripadvisor 4.6
53 reviews
5★
45
4★
2
3★
1
2★
2
1★
3

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia and/or vertigo
Please note there is no skip the line service at the St Peter's Basilica, though due to our early start we are able to avoid most of the day time crowds.

Meeting point

Please arrive 10 minutes early. Meet your guide at Largo Del Colonnato. This is the area just outside of the St. Peters Square colonnades, on the right side when looking at St. Peter’s Basilica. Our staff will be there holding a “The Tour Guy” sign standing between the fountain and the green kiosk.

Important notes

• DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. We will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.
• IMPORTANT: During State visits or special religious events, there may be unexpected closings of different parts of the Vatican. We will do our best to inform you on time of possible closings, but for the most part, the Vatican does not announce them in advance.

• Comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, and tripods cannot be brought into the Vatican Museums. There is a coat check at the museum entrance, however, the tour ends far away. If you choose to leave anything at the Vatican Museums coat check, you will be responsible to retrieve it on your own after the tour. We encourage you to leave such items and anything similar at your accommodations.
• Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• The museums, sites and monuments we visit on our tours are among the most popular in the world. Careful planning helps limit crowd exposure, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours/high season.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Italian
  • Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
  • • Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
  • • Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air
  • Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
  • Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center
By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica
30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli
30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto
120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

  • Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
  • Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
  • Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
  • Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-99
1
Childs
Age 0-6
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 15
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

Similar Experiences

Similar on Klook