Rome St Peter’s Basilica, and Climb the Dome Group Tour
Discover the spiritual and architectural heart of the Vatican with this unforgettable small group guided tour of St. Peter’s Square, the Dome, and the Basilica — a journey that blends history, art, faith, and breathtaking views.
Your experience begins in St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini to embrace pilgrims from around the world. As you walk through this monumental space, you’ll admire the majestic colonnades, ancient Egyptian obelisk, and elegant fountains that frame the entrance to the world’s most important church.
Then, prepare for an unforgettable ascent to the top of St. Peter’s Dome — Michelangelo’s towering masterpiece. Take the elevator partway or climb all 551 steps for a full immersive adventure. Along the way, stop inside the interior gallery for a unique bird’s-eye view of the basilica’s stunning interior. At the summit, the reward is spectacular: a 360° panoramic view over Vatican City and the rooftops of Rome — a perspective like no other.
Back on the ground, continue your journey inside St. Peter’s Basilica. This sacred marvel is filled with masterpieces, including Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s grand baldachin, and numerous chapels and monuments that reveal the Church’s profound artistic and spiritual heritage. Wander through its aisles at your own pace, taking in centuries of devotion and genius carved in marble and gold.
With optional audio guide support, you’ll be free to explore independently while learning the hidden stories and details that make this one of the most awe-inspiring sites in the world.
What’s included?
- Guided tour of St. Peter’s Square, Dome, and Basilica in a small group setting
- Expert, licensed tour guide (English-speaking or multilingual upon request)
- Priority access to St. Peter’s Dome, with elevator to the first terrace
- Climb to the top of the Dome for panoramic views over Rome and Vatican City
- Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Headsets
Exclusions
- Tip or gratuity
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Transportation to/from the meeting point
- Food and beverages
- Gratuities (optional)
- Access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel
- Entry to restricted or ticketed areas not included in the standard Dome and Basilica visit
- Personal expenses
Please Note
- Public transportation nearby
Accessibility and Suitability
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for strollers
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions, pregnant travelers, claustrophobia, vertigo, or serious mobility issues
- Pets are not allowed
- An adult must accompany children
Meeting Timing
- Arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled start time
- Late arrivals (over 15 minutes) will be considered a no-show and will not be refunded or rescheduled unless the activity is paid for again
- Tours start on time and cannot be delayed due to late arrivals
Dress Code and Entry Requirements
- A modest dress code is required to enter places of worship (no shorts or sleeveless tops; shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women)
- Failure to comply with the dress code may result in denied entry, with no refund.
- A valid photo ID (passport, ID card, driver’s license, or student ID) is required.
- Names and birth dates must match the information provided at booking
Security and Regulations
- All participants must pass through a security check; allow at least 20 minutes for this process
- Large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not permitted; only small bags are allowed
- All items, including phones, must be placed in trays for X-ray screening
- Tour timing may vary by 20–30 minutes due to security, crowd control, or organizational needs
- Capacity regulations and national events may cause delays or influence the tour flow
Site Conditions and Closures
- The Dome terrace may be closed in the event of inclement weather. In this case, you may choose:
A partial refund for the dome portion only
Or a full refund if you prefer to cancel the entire tour - The Basilica may close without notice for religious ceremonies, Papal events, or security reasons
- On religious holidays, it may not be possible to enter the Basilica
Cancellations and Refunds
- No changes are allowed within 24 hours of the tour start time
- Refund requests must be made within 48 hours of the tour date
- Cancellations due to weather, security, or monument decisions are outside the tour operator’s control and are handled individually
- The operator reserves the right to refuse service to intoxicated guests; no refund will be issued in such cases
Contact Information
- For issues or urgent questions: +39 328 001 0018
What do I need to bring?
- Valid photo ID (passport, identity card, driver’s license, or student ID)
- Booking confirmation or voucher, printed or digital
- Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour includes stairs and uneven surfaces
- Modest clothing that complies with the dress code (shoulders and knees covered)
- Weather-appropriate items such as a hat, sunscreen, umbrella, or raincoat
- Small bag or backpack (large bags are not permitted)
- Reusable water bottle (optional, but recommended)
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Starting/Meeting point
Please come to our agency at Via Vespasiano 20 – this is your meeting point for the tour.
St.Peter’s Square
Your tour begins by walking through the magnificent St. Peter’s Square, one of the most iconic and symbolic spaces in the world. Designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, the square was created to welcome pilgrims in an open embrace — its grand colonnades form a circular “arms of the Church” effect, symbolizing unity and inclusion.
As you cross the square, take a moment to admire the 284 Doric columns, the two fountains, and the ancient Egyptian obelisk at the center, which dates back over 2,000 years. The basilica’s stunning façade rises in the background, setting the perfect tone for your journey through the spiritual and artistic heart of Rome.
St. Peter’s Dome
Next, you’ll ascend to the top of St. Peter’s Dome, Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpiece and one of the most impressive engineering feats of the Renaissance.
You can choose to take the elevator part of the way or climb all 551 steps for the full experience. As you ascend, you’ll pass through the interior gallery, where you can admire the basilica’s interior from above — a unique and awe-inspiring perspective of the mosaics, the nave, and the main altar.
Reaching the top, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most stunning panoramic views in all of Rome. From this vantage point, you can see the entire layout of St. Peter’s Square, the Vatican Gardens, the Tiber River, and the rooftops of the Eternal City stretching out in every direction.
It’s a climb well worth the effort — both for the incredible view and the unforgettable sense of standing at the very heart of the Vatican.
St. Peter’s Basilica
After descending from the Dome, your visit continues inside St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the holiest and most magnificent churches in the world.
As you enter, you’ll be struck by the vastness and harmony of the space. Built over the tomb of St. Peter, the basilica is a masterpiece of Renaissance and Baroque architecture, featuring the work of great artists such as Michelangelo, Bernini, and Bramante.
Inside, you’ll admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, one of the most moving sculptures in Western art, carved when the artist was only 24. Marvel at the majestic baldachin by Bernini above the Papal Altar, and gaze up at the soaring dome from below — now even more impressive after having seen it from above.
The basilica is filled with chapels, monuments, and intricate details, each telling a piece of the story of the Church, the popes, and centuries of devotion. Take your time to explore, reflect, and appreciate this sacred and architectural wonder.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Starting/Meeting Point
Via Vespasiano 20, 00192 Roma, IT
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25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Pantheon
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Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
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Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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