By Roman law, no building in Rome can be higher than the top of the Dome at St Peter's Basilica. Join a guided tour of the incredible art and architecture in Rome and see the city from the summit of Michelangelo's magnificent Dome, stretching to the blue Tyrrhenian Sea and green Castelli Romani hills. You will also see views of the entire Vatican City and gardens. 

Meet your guide, who is an art historian, in St. Peter's Square and stroll across the piazza into the Vatican City. You climb begins, there are 551 steep steps in total, which is a bit more than most wish to tackle on foot. Take the elevator part of the way up and just 171 steps remain. Climb at a leisurely pace and enjoy the journey with frequent stops.

At the summit, you will witness the breathtaking 360° views of the Vatican City as it extends out into Rome and its seven hills. At this point, take as many photographs as you can because you are very high up and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Easy does it on the way down to terra firma. Take a brief break before entering St. Peter's Basilica, which is an absolute triumph of art and architecture that is unmatched anywhere else in the world. This is where Bernini's sculptures and Michelangelo's art rise above holy papal tombs and the perceived necropolis of St. Peter himself.