Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes

About this experience

Start in St. Peter's Square, where the architectural brilliance of Bernini unfolds. Then enter St. Peter's Basilica, a realm adorned with golden ceilings, vibrant marbles, and masterpieces like Michelangelo's Pietà. Delve into the Papal grottoes underground, touching ancient walls and visiting St. Peter's tomb for a profound historical encounter. The grand crescendo awaits as you ascend to the dome's summit, offering both close encounters with intricate mosaics and panoramic views of Rome's iconic landmarks. From this lofty perch at 136 meters, immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas, spotting the Colosseum, Pantheon, and beyond. PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. The overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged. The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour.

Itinerary

English information from the provider

1. Stop 1

   Duration: 10 min

   Start your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects as were thought by its designer, Bernini, and find the two "special" spots in the square.

2. Stop 2

   Duration: 40 min

   Then head towards the Basilica to be amazed by its magnificence. See why it took 150 years to rebuild and marvel at the golden ceilings and the impressive mosaics all around you. Let your art-historian guide lead you through renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".

3. Stop 3

   Duration: 15 min

   Descend into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.

4. Stop 4

   Duration: 40 min

   Then climb your way up to the top of the Dome (by stairs). Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome. Climb even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond. Spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments from the height of 136 meters. Enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.

5. Stop 5

   All the visited areas are part of the Vatican city.

What's included

English information from the provider

• Professional art-historian guide
• Guided tour of St. Peter Dome and St. Peter's Basilica
• Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs)

What's not included

English information from the provider

• The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
• This tour does not skip the line

Additional information

English information from the provider

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather conditions. In that case, you can either ask for a partial refund and visit the Basilica and the grottoes or decide to cancel the tour for a full refund
• An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
• Please take into consideration that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
• We recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes
• Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
• The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
• The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour
• We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals
• Strollers are not allowed in the Basilica. There is a luggage deposit at the entrance of the basilica where you can leave the stroller
• Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
• Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. The tickets are nominative, therefore, failure to present a voucher with all travellers' full names may result in denied entry
• Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry
• PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged
• Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica
• The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour
• Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
• Not recommended for travellers with vertigo

Cancellation policy

English information from the provider

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.