St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour

See Rome from above then go deeper into the Vatican’s highlights and Michelangelo’s masterpieces

Travel Flexibly
St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour 5 / 5 See All 625 Reviews
· 5.00h · Vatican, Italy

Most tours skip the climb to St. Peter’s Dome, missing one of the most breathtaking views in Rome. With early access, ascend to the top of the Dome, where panoramic views stretch across Vatican City, the Eternal City beyond. Back on ground level, your guide will give a detailed overview of St. Peter’s Basilica before you step inside to explore at your own pace. Then, skip the line into the Vatican Museums for a guided visit through its most famous galleries, ending in the Sistine Chapel.

  • Meet your guide at Largo Del Colonnato
  • St Peter's Square
  • Dome climb
  • St. Peter's Basilica
  • Vatican Museums
  • Pinecone Courtyard
  • Candelabra Gallery
  • Pio-Clementino Museum
  • Gallery of Maps
  • Hall of Tapestries
  • Raphael Rooms
  • Sistine Chapel
  • The Last Judgement
  • End inside the Vatican Museums

The Vatican City is home to many bucket-list attractions, and the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica are definitely at the top of the list. However, climbing St. Peter’s Dome isn't included in most tours, which is why this is a top-selling Vatican tour for those who want the full experience.

You'll meet your expert local guide early this morning in front St. Peter’s Basilica, and along with a small group, you'll take the elevator to the first floor of the inner dome for spectacular views of the mosaics here. Then ascend the final 320 steps that take you to the top of the dome where you'll have an unbeatable view of the Vatican and Rome. A guided tour of the Basilica and papal crypts is up next, so you can enjoy the incredible and massive art collection found here. Next, skip the line at the Vatican Museums for an in-depth guided tour of the famed artwork, beautiful galleries, and Michelangelo’s incredible Sistine Chapel.

Complete Vatican Combo Tour Description

Your 5-hour tour includes:

  • Friendly, English-speaking guide.

  • Early entry to St. Peter's Basilica

  • Access to the elevator and stairs to the top of St. Peter's dome

  • Guided explanation of St. Peter's Basilica before entering

  • Skip-the-line entry to the Vatican Museums

  • Guided tour of Vatican Museums

  • See inside Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

  • Small group size of 20 people max

Climb St. Peter’s Dome

Get ready for the best view in all of Rome! Once inside St. Peter's Basilica, you'll follow your guide up the elevator to lower level of the dome and skip past the first 231 steps. This first level is filled with incredibly elaborate mosaics that cover the inside of the dome, and you'll also get a chance to step outside onto the terrace and embrace an iconic view of the Vatican City and St. Peter's Square.

From the upper terrace, you’ll have the option to climb even higher, with 320 ancient stone steps leading you to very top of the dome. The stairway gets narrow and a little claustrophobic in parts, but the reward at the top will make it all worthwhile! This is a truly epic view of the Vatican and the historic center of Rome, and it's our favorite way to introduce travelers to the Eternal City.

Guided Explanation of St. Peter’s Basilica (Exterior)

You'll return to ground level for a more in-depth look into the largest church in the world. Your expert guide will point out the most iconic artworks of the Basilica before you enter, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldacchino. Among the most famous things you'll see in the Basilica are the spectacular throne and high altar of St. Peter—built directly above his final resting place.

Highlights of the Vatican Museums

After your St. Peter's experience, you'll skip the line and begin your in-depth exploration of the rest of the Vatican City. You'll follow your guide through the Candelabra Gallery, Gallery of the Tapestries, and Gallery of Maps, admiring the ancient Roman and Greek statues, the Flemish tapestries created by Raphael's students, and the gorgeous topographical depictions of Italy. You'll hear the stories behind these treasures from your expert guide as the Vatican secrets are slowly unveiled to you.

Pio-Clementino Museum

This museum houses some of the world's most famous statues, including Laocoön and His Sons and the Belvedere Torso. Your guide will tell you all about the history and legends surrounding the art, as well as Emperor Nero’s bathtub—an opulent 25-foot tub made of rare red marble. And you'll see the incredible sarcophagus of St. Helen, the mother of Constantine.

The Raphael Rooms

After the Middle Ages, Europe saw a new age of amazing art, literature, and thought. Raphael is one of the most famous Renaissance artists and some of his most well-known works of art reside in the Vatican Museums. Your guide will show you the rooms he frescoed and one of his most famous works of art, The School of Athens.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the most famous chapel in the world, and it’s easy to understand why. Michelangelo’s collective masterpieces include over 600 figures, and words cannot do it justice. Take in the wonder of the chapel and examine the vivid depictions of biblical stories from Genesis to Revelations. You'll also see the famous Creation of Man and the Last Judgement.

As the Sistine Chapel is a place of worship, speaking inside is forbidden. Your guide will give you an overview before entering, and we'll also provide you a map/handout to identify each fresco you look at.

As a deeply religious site, everyone who enters the Sistine Chapel must cover their knees and shoulders. Otherwise, you may be refused entry to this portion of your tour. A great option is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Stay Awhile

After the Sistine Chapel, you'll have the option to stay in the Vatican Museums to continue exploring on your own.

What you get with this tour
Skip the line tickets
Elevator tickets
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
St. Peter's Basilica
Group size of 20
Passionate, English-speaking guide
Wheelchair accessible
Meals
Guide gratuity
Hotel pickup
Tripadvisor Logo

See what people are saying

625 total reviews

Leave a review
5.0/5 (based on 625 reviews)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 stars
Fantastic!!
14 April 2025
A
Reviewed by
Amanda Trinh

We had a fantastic tour with Yamuna! Highly recommend!

12 April 2025
F
Reviewed by
Fleur Webb

Simone was a great guide - it was a big tour and she kept its brisk and informative; lovely voice and detailed explanations.

Great tour guide
11 April 2025
J
Reviewed by
Jeffrey Lemon

This tour gave an excellent overview of the Vatican City. Of course it's impossible to see everything in detail on a five hour tour, but Yamuna pointed out all the highlights. We would have been lost without her. Thanks Yamuna!!

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Since this is a walking tour, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.

What to bring?

Since this is a walking tour, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water.

Can I see the Vatican without a guided tour?

Yes, you can reserve tickets to enter the Vatican without a guided tour. Click here for skip the line Vatican tickets.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, we suggest taking a Vatican Private Tour so your needs can be better accommodated.

Does the Vatican ever experience unexpected closures?

During state visits or special religious events, parts of the Vatican may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If an area normally visited during a tour is suddenly closed, our guide will still provide explanations of the closed areas from outside. They will even show you another gallery to compensate for the lost time in a usual location.

Will the Vatican Museums be crowded during this tour?

While we do our best to arrange the order of the tour to avoid the largest crowds, there is a chance the museums may be crowded while we are inside since the tour begins with the dome climb and visit to St. Peter's.

Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?

We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry to religious sites and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.

Is there an elevator I can take instead of climbing?

On this guided tour, everyone will enjoy the use of the elevator to skip the first 231 steps and emerge at the landing inside the dome. From there, you can either admire the view from the terrace or climb the remaining 320 steps on foot.

Start From: $129.75

available days discounted days

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance!

Reserve Now $129.75 / per person
$129.75 / per person
You may also like
Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums

Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms and Creation of Man

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel

Enjoy a premium and exclusive tour of the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and more!

Entry Ticket

Entry Ticket

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

Skip the line and gain quicker access to the Vatican so you can explore at your leisure

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour

Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with a dedicated private guide

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Private Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum & Vatican Museums

See the best of Rome your way with a private guide at the Sistine Chapel, Trevi Fountain, and more!

Private Tour

Private Tour

Private Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Saint Peter's Dome Climb Complete Tour

Climb St. Peter's Dome then tour the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Climb the Dome

Climb the Dome

Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour

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

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour

See the wonders of the Vatican on a tailored private tour with expert guide and skip-the-line entry

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Vatican at Closing Time with Sistine Chapel

Book a unique experience that visits the Vatican in the early evening with fewer crowds

Transportation Included

Transportation Included

Rome Shore Excursion from Civitavecchia

Book a private Rome tour and see the Colosseum, Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and more in just one day!

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Vatican Uncovered: A Private, Detailed Tour

Get an in-depth experience tailored to your interests of art, sculptures, and the Sistine Chapel

Free cancellation

Free cancellation

Rome Golf Cart Food Tour: Explore the City's Iconic Sites and Cuisine

Journey Through Time and Taste on a Small-Group Adventure

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Private Family-Friendly Vatican and Sistine Chapel Tour

Enjoy a boredom-free Vatican private tour that's perfect for kids, with treasure hunt and fun guide

Private Tour

Private Tour

Vatican at Closing Time Private Evening Tour with Sistine Chapel

Appreciate the Vatican masterpieces without less crowds on our tour with a private guide

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

Alone at the Vatican: Private After Hours Tour

Experience the quiet of the Sistine Chapel without the crowds after your tailored tour

Skip the Line

Skip the Line

The Quickest Direct Access Private Vatican Tour

Explore the Vatican on a shorter, tailored tour that includes the Sistine Chapel

Exclusive Access

Exclusive Access

Exclusive Sistine Chapel After Hours Small Group Tour

Step inside the Vatican Museums after they close to the public for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts

St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts

Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Masterpieces, and Sacred Tombs in St. Peter’s