Complete St. Peter's Basilica Tour With Dome Climb

Maria was a fabulous tour guide. She gave us so much information during the tour. We loved it. Great experience! The only downside and this has nothing to do with the guide or tour was that there were so many people at the Vatican Museums.

We have been very blessed to be here in Rome. All the tours we booked with you have been excellent and worth the money. It’s a great experience. All the tour guides are knowledgeable and helpful. It was a great learning experience in our pilgrimage. We have been in Europe for two weeks starting in France and ending our pilgrimage in Rome.

Unforgettable experience with an excellent guide

Fabrizo was an outstanding guide. He kept us engaged for the full 5 hour tour.

Excellent tour with a knowledgeable guide. Patient with us in the heat. Would recommend if you can take the hundreds of steps.

Great tour, knowledgeable guide, beautiful view of Rome.

Our tour guide Raffa was fantastic. Her knowledge of the site was incredible and she had a beautiful manner about her. She showed genuine interest in the group. The Basilica was amazing and the Dome walk was worth every step. The Basilica itself was breathtaking and the Sistine Chapel was a sight to behold. The galley walk toward the Sistine Chapel was ridiculously crowded and very uncomfortable. Yes I understand it was the middle of summer but still I was overcrowded.

Amazing experience!! Thank you so much! We loved it.

Fantastic 5 hour excursion. Mind blown by the sheer majesty of the Vatican. Guide was awesome, super friendly and very knowledgeable. He catered for a diverse group and looked after everyone well. Would not hesitate to recommend and book again

Raffa was fantastic. She was so informative and helped us see every part of the Vatican.

Avoid! After the confirmed my upcoming tour a week prior, we received a cancellation 2 days prior our Vatican tour including Dome climb and vatacombs (with a lie excuse easily proven wrong looking at Vatican events online), they only offered to change us to a later, shorter tour without these 2 highlights. I said we could do the climb at a later time and they said there was no availability at all that day. On the day of the tour we were able to book our own Dome climb tickets online direct with Vatican. On plus side the tickets were 1/10 the price that tour company charged. In addition, all communication comes from The Tour Guy, not anyone in Rome with any local info and text messages cancelling us came from international number that could not be replied to.

It was amazing to see the Basillica and climb the dome. It was so crowded which I expected but it was a bit overwhelming. Not having a place to sit was difficult but not the guides fault. She did amazing!

My son and I had the most amazing tour guide today. She was so knowledgeable and passionate It helped to make an amazing experience that much better.

Our guide, Loreta, was fantastic!  So knowledgeable, but also fun and gave lots of interesting, little-known extra tidbits.  She kept the tour going apace, and interesting the whole time, and was clear about instructions and expectations. The tour itself was also excellent!  It hit all the high points for us (dome, basilica, museum, Sistine Chapel) in a reasonable amount of time (even though we spent 6 hours on the "4-1/2 hour" tour, it still felt interesting the whole time -- we saw a LOT of stuff, but could tell that we could spend MANY more hours there, so much to see!)... BTW, we didn't have much cash on us, so it would've been very nice to have a QR code at the end that we could use to give our guide a tip electronically -- we wanted to give more! :-)

The Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel are of course must-see places, although the crowds are overwhelming at times. Signing up for this tour truly made all the difference. Our guide, Raffa, was fabulous! Very warm & friendly and very knowledgeable. A real pleasure to spend the afternoon with!

Raffa was an absolute delight and made us laugh while also sharing great knowledge! Highly recommend!

Our guide Raffa (Raffaela you should use your beautiful full name) was a gem. Knowledgeable and easy to follow and understand, was a 5 hour tour but really didnt feel like it. Super organized starting with the climb, then the basilica . Then vatican and sistene chapel. Perfect to soak in all the beauty and history. The li e was quick with Raffa as well.. worth it.. everything moved along quickly, no other way to appreciate the depth of the tour without a guide! You would miss out on so much history. Was complete! Loved it..

Titti, our guide, was strongly approachable and caring. She has a deep knowledge about history and art; she seems to enjoy the topics she talk about.

Had an amazing experience with Carolina. She was incredibly knowledgeable and had wonderful enthusiasm despite the challenging weather.

The San Pietro Basilica is great, magnificent, I had a great time visiting, but climbing the 300 stept to the peak of it, on a narowing path, with people ahead and behind is not something you want to do if you experience discomfort in narrow spaces. It is not recommended for claustrophobic people and for those with heart diseases.

Enza didn't just meet our expectations—she absolutely exceeded them in every possible way. From the moment we started, it was clear we were in the hands of a dedicated professional who genuinely loves what she does.

I was lost and the tour waited fir me. I really appreciate the patience of everyone on the tour. This was a great tour and even though it was crowded, skipping the line was a plus. We learned a lot of history all while seeing amazing architecture and painted details.

This tour was great! Our guide was super friendly and the views were unforgettable. Would definitely recommend for a quick stop!

I loooved being able to do this tour and enter before all the other tourists, a little tranquility is appreciated. We went up the elevator and could see incredible panoramic views. I liked that they also left us free time to explore on our own. 10/10!!

Had a wonderful tour of St Peter’s yesterday! Our guide was wonderful in taking us through the process to get into the church and then ascending the dome. The church is amazing, and having someone explain the history and art makes it so much more enjoyable. Our guide did a wonderful job. You won’t regret booking this tour!

Rita was a great guide - v informative! Would recommend for anyone wanting to visit beautiful St Peter’s and climb the dome !

Met for earliest tour in morning. By the time the group was ready had to wait in a longer line for entrance. Tour guide had pretty surficial knowledge. Could have learned as much from Wikipedia page. Guide didn’t accompany to top of Dome or into Basilica, which technically might not have been allowed, but plenty of other guides were doing it. By the time Dome climb was done the Basilica was packed. Wish we had got there at same time on our own, done the Basilica, then the Dome, and saved money. Basically, the guide was valuable for steering us in right direction.

This was a private tour: dome climb, St. Peters, and Vatican museums. In the case, we could not do the Sistine Chapel due the pope dying, but we accepted that. The problem with the tour is that we got up super early to get there for 7 AM, presumably to avoid the crowds, but then there was a lot of standing around for no apparent good reason before we did the dome climb, and only got to St. Peter basilica by the time it was mid morning and super crowded. We gave up on the vatican museum part of the tour by that point, though it was not the tour's fault. This was an expensive tour, and I did not think it was money well spent. We have had many other much more worthwhile experiences in Rome and other Italian cities.

The tour was amazing! Our guide was very knowledgeable and ensured we didn’t any of the details! Would highly recommend!

Our guide, Atilia, was sweet but had no idea what she was doing. She was like a Mrs. Magoo. She gave no insight and only provided generalizations that were obvious. I managed to listen to a Rick Steves audioguide while we were waiting in line since Atilia barely provided commentary (which is her job to do). This tour was only worth it because it provided skip the line tickets and I wasn’t able to book these components myself. It really proved to me that the tour company you book with matters. The only company that has been consistent is Walks of Italy - they always provide great guides. Otherwise, it’s a toss up like this tour.

The early morning start at 7:15 helped to beat the crowds and the heat! Elevator to the roof of St Peters then 330 steps spiraling up to the dome observation deck. Then toured the basilica and the crypts beneath. Excellent guide, very enjoyable overall.

We had an incredible experience on the exhilarating and exciting St Peter’s dome climb and tour! Our family of 3 was assigned the best guide, Federica, who was so knowledgeable, patient, and passionate about our experience. The tour’s check in was smooth and seamless. While you can’t skip the line completely, the short wait at our early start time flew by with Federica’s information and teaching. The full tour of St Peter’s was from tomb(s) to the top- with numerous stops and perspective all along the way. We gained so much from experiencing this with Federica! The climb is intense and exciting. We had climbed the Milano duomo on our own about a week prior- this experience was more comfortable and less crowded due to the guidance and timing. But it’s scary up there after you gain a true appreciation of the structure! The crypts and tour of the interior of St Peter’s are not to be missed. I have such a new appreciation for a private guide who can impart so much knowledge and answer all of our questions. This was one of the finest parts of our 12+ day Italy trip. Grazie, Federico!

We only booked St. Peters and the Papal Crypts tour but the tour we were assigned to was also going to the Vatican. I feel we were rushed through St Peters and the Papal crypts because the rest of the group was going to the Vatican. Whenever we stopped to take pictures or just admire the beauty of St Peters we would lose the group. We did not continue with the group to the Vatican because we already had toured the Vatican.

We had a perfect morning to do the Dome climb!! Pia was an amazing guide and had a wonderful sense of humour as she told us fabulous stories!! We had hardly any wait in line anywhere and felt very spacious everywhere! The view from the top was amazing and worth the 'crooked' climb!! We had amble time to explore all we wanted in St. Peter's Basilica. Would highly recommend this tour. We couldn't believe the lines when we came out. So worth the 7:30 a.m. start to beat the crowds!!!

We did the early morning dome climb and basilica tour and honestly this tour was SUCH a rip off. We paid like €50 USD each, spend the first half hour of our 2 hour 'tour' waiting for late people in the group then waiting in the security line. The second half hour we spent waiting to go up the elevator, which we could have done for €10 euro on our own by waiting in the same line. We got a bit of information from the guide while we waited in line, we went up the elevator got a bit more information on the dome platform Then we climbed the dome ourselves for the next half hour, then we went down into the church and papal tombs where the guide wasn't allowed to talk because of the rules and it was before 930am. The church and Tombs are free to visit, so basically we paid €40 each for 30 mins of muffled talking from a guide through crappy earphones. The only reason I'm giving 2 stars is because I liked our guide and it's not her fault this tour is a rip off and because the view from the top was nice. I wish I'd done more research on this I could have saved us €80 and done the same thing ourselves for €20.

Enza Broccoli was such a great guide! Very efficient with our entries and so knowledgeable about all of the art and sculpture! Through a very hot and crowded tour she kept our whole group together and entertained!

Of the stated two hour tour we spent over an hour just waiting in line to get in and then on the elevator for the first leg up to the dome. We even started with the 7:45am tour! We broke off of the tour once we got up the elevator and just finished off the tour on our own. We wish we had broke away before the line for the elevator, it would have gotten us to the top of the dome much sooner. We saw other folks who were not in a tour pass us so the tour did not help us save any time. Overall the information from the tour guide was just average as well. We'll do this site on our own next time we are in Rome.

Marco did a great job as our tour guide, very knowledgeable and humorous, and very helpful. Thank you!

The tour guide just took us to the Dome climb location after the elevator and collected the audio sets and left. The guide did NOT climb the Dome with us, did NOT come inside the Bascilica to guide us and did NOT take us to the Papal Crypts. The guide simply told us "Your actual guide fell sick, so I have been called to fill in, but I have another tour so I need to go soon." This tour was a totally not worth the money. This tour doesn't even get you and skip the lines, and the only cost to be paid during the trip was a 10 EUR ticket for the Dome elevator, for which the tour charges a lot and the guide didn’t explain anything.

After climbing many of Europe's historic domes and towers over the years - from the Eiffel Tower to the Duomo of Florence - but prevented on previous visits to Rome by long lines and ceremonial events, my wife and I were finally able to realize the experience of climbing St. Peter's great dome and its panoramic view of the city. If you intend to visit any popular tourist sites like museums, castles, crypts or cathedrals, consider taking advantage of Viator's many skip-the-line or early-entry tour offerings - and booking them well in advance of your trip. The guides are always excellent and the prices are typically not all that much more than the cost of admission on your own. Best of all, you won't waste your precious vacation time standing in lines at ticket windows and entry points.

The dome climb is amazing. Great views and good tour. See St Peter's Square, Vatican Gardens, and the surrounding area from above.

"Was definitely worth getting the lift option. We had a lovely guide who was informative and also allowed enough time for photos and self-discovery. The dome climb was worth it. It can get a little narrow but opened up after a short time and the view from the top spectacular. As we were there early, the square was still quite empty. The way down was great and that is when you get a true sense of the stairway around the dome. Then into the Basilica itself, just glorious. Down to the crypt - no photos or talking - not that some of the guides on other groups paid any attention to that!) - very interesting. Then left to our own devices to wander and explore further until we decided to leave. Still struggling a little with the wealth of the church on show right next to poverty in the street!"

The ultimate Vatican tour containing St. Peter's Basilica, the Dome, and the Vatican museums was a great experience! The tour started on the earlier side at 7:30 am, but this is the best way to experience Rome. The 360 degree view from the Dome was amazing (tallest point in Rome!) The Basilica wasn't that busy since it was on the earlier side of the morning which was perfect. Our tour guide was super knowledgable and friendly. The Vatican Museums were pretty packed and a little overwhelming, but that has nothing to do with the experience from this tour.

We did this because our first tour was canceled due to a guide having covid. No hard feelings about that no one can control this. BUT - I wouldn’t waste your money. Buy a dome ticket on your own climb it and then walk into the crypts- yes you can do that on your own even during this post Covid time. This is our second tour experience with the tour guide company and both have been poor. The guide was late and was not prepared. Didn't have the headsets and had to go find them. Didnt know where the entrance was to the dome. Barely knew anything about the history- not any more than you can do in a quick google search. We pay for guides to give us the history and knowledge that we cant find quickly. Super disappointed and honestly COMPLETE rip off. We have traveled the world and done many tours this was the worst. Unfortunately we will not Use the Tour Guy/Roman Guide ever again they are the Motel 6 of guides in our experience. So disappointing.

Great experience, especially because we took the early (7:30 am) tour, so we had no crowds on a Saturday in Rome in June! Our guide was Giovanni who was both knowledgeable and kind in watching out for all of us. This tour is not for those with heart problems or who are claustrophobic or afraid of heights (300 steps up to the top on a narrow winding staircase).

It is 100% worth the climb! A must do in Rome and specifically at the Vatican. The views are amazing both inside the Cathedral and of the city of Rome Our tour guide Monica was lovely and very resourceful answering all our questions. The first piece of the climb is by elevator. You may stay on the first stop, view the Basilica from the base of the dome and visit the outside rooftop. Moving up to the top of the dome , you will need to climb 350 steps through narrow corridors and a final spiral staircase. Excellent adventure with families, couples, or a group.

We enjoyed a fantastic tour of St. Peter’s Basilica today with Raffa O today and would recommend this tour to anyone looking for a succinct yet informational, educational and fun tour! We were looking for a tour that wouldn’t take up half or our day (or more) as we only have a couple of days in Rome to see as much as we can.This 90 minute tour with Raffa was perfect, and she had great insight and history to share with us along the way and was able to answer every single question we asked. I loved that she had a tablet along with lots of photos to show us adding context and detail to the tour. She was most excellent, friendly and clearly knew her stuff. Thank you, Raffa!

I booked this tour for myself and my other half. The tour says for up to 16 guests but I think due to the end of the pandemic it ended up being just the two of us and our guide Franco. We can not rate Franco high enough, he was friendly, knowledgable and very charismatic. You could tell he knows his stuff and was constantly giving great English references to help us understand the history of the Basillica. We both agree that he made the tour super fun and interesting too. The dome climb is SO worth the amount of steps, the views are great and Franco explained to us clearly what was to be expected from every different set of stairs along the way. We would 100% recommend this tour and want to give special thanks to Franco for being so amazing and making our trip to Rome unforgettable! Don’t hesitate to book this for friends and loved ones.

Tour leader was Tiberious (don't remember Italian rendering) and he was so friendly, well spoken and enthusiastic. Had a helper and nice big signs. He was so knowledgeable and encouraging. There were 3 of us climbing the 334 steps and one of them was my 78 year old mother. He was so nice to her and praising of her (a bit rusty) Italian. We learned so much and were able to take our time climbing. He gave us such good information and made many jokes. It was one of the highlights of our trip. The only thing I would change is that the meeting place was not super clear as their are 2 fountains. It's the one on the right as you face the vatican.