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Sistine Chapel with St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb Guided Tour
About This Tour
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.
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.
What's Included
✓ 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
✗ Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food & Beverages
- Gratuities
Itinerary
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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.
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.
Good to Know
- 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.