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Rome St Peters Basilica, Tomb, Grottoes and Climb the Dome Tour

5.0(6)RomeFree cancellation

About this activity

Experience the spiritual and architectural heart of the Vatican on this guided tour. Led by a professional guide, you will gain a complete perspective of St. Peter’s Basilica, from its soaring heights to its historic depths. Begin your journey with an ascent to Michelangelo's world-famous Dome. After taking the elevator to the first-level balcony, you will enjoy a unique vantage point of the Basilica’s interior. For those seeking the ultimate vista, continue up the spiral staircase to the summit—the highest point in Rome—for breathtaking, 360-degree views of the Eternal City. After descending from the Dome, explore the wonders of the Basilica’s main floor. Marvel at the beauty of Michelangelo’s Pietà and the immense Baroque masterpieces that adorn every altar and nave of this world-renowned site. Your journey concludes with a descent into the Grottoes, which house the final resting places of dozens of Popes and lead you to the most sacred location of all: the Tomb of Saint Peter.

Highlights

    What's included

    • On-site assistance
    • St. Peter's Basilica Tickets
    • St. Peter's Basilica Tickets Dome/ Elevator Tickets
    • Guided Tour of St Peters' Basilica Dome
    • Guided Tour of St Peter's Basilica and Crypt
    • English speaking professional tour guide

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off and Transfers
    • The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
    • This tour does not skip the line (neither the security checks one nor the dome's elevator one)

    Itinerary

    1. St. Peter's Basilica

      Enter the Basilica with a professional tour guide expert in art, history, and archaeology. Visit the grottoes under the Basilica, where the tombs of Popes lie.

      45 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    2. St. Peter's Basilica

      Climbs the Dome to see the panoramic views of Rome. Tickets for the elevator are pre-reserved for you.

      45 minutesAdmission includedSee on map

    3. St. Peter's Square

      Explore St Peter's Square with your tour guide

      30 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    4. Vatican City

      St Peter’s Tomb | Vatican Grottoes in Vatican City | Private Tours in Rome

      Or crypt, the only part of the Basilica of Constantine still in existence. This is very interesting as it contains many important tombs of Kings, popes, and precious relics of the primitive Church, which narrate in monumental characters the history of twelve centuries of Christianity. Down there are visible also the tombs of the last Popes. The Bronze Canopy of St. Peter’s Basilica The bronze Canopy covers the tomb of the Apostle and the confession (I). It is the work of Bernini, executed by the artist for Pope Urban VIII, who inaugurated it in 1633. Confession St Peter’s Tomb | The present Confession, enlarged and decorated by Pope Paul V, after a design of Maderno, is surrounded by a balustrade of fine marble and by lamps, burning night and day, before the tomb of the Apostle. A double flight of steps leads down to the confession, which shines with the greatest variety of marble.

      15 minutesAdmission freeSee on map

    Meeting point

    Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato 5. Please arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time. Look for a yellow flag or a sign bearing your name to identify your guide.

    The map shows Rome. The exact meeting point is the address above.Open larger map

    Pickup

    • Everyone meets at the start point

    Drop-off

    • The Tour will end in St. Peter's Basilica

    Know before you go

    • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.
    • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and Vatican Museum. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
    • 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
    • Children must be accompanied by an adult
    • The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons
    • Please be advised capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure This could also influence the smooth running of the tour especially on national holidays and events.
    • Cancellations, changes or issues due to weather, security and events held by the monument are beyond our control and are directly decided by their administration team. These issues will be reviewed by us and dealt with on an individual basis but are the responsibility of the monument.
    • You must have a valid photo ID to enter the monuments (student's ID, Driver License, Passport or State ID all work.) You will be asked to also provide your name, last name and date of birth (at the beginning of the tour, if not provided beforehand.) Security may prevent you from entering the site if the information provided is not accurate and/or don't match the one on your ID.
    • Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card
    • Note: tour will not operate on religious holidays
    • WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA DURING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CEREMONIES (Audiences, Beatifications, Masses of the POPE). The Basilica is often subject to sudden closures. In these cases it is not possible to guarantee access to the Basilica.
    • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
    • All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security.
    • Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/ attraction. Only very small bags are allowed. Please do not bring these items with you on the day of your tour as there are no cloakrooms at the monument.
    • For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened. To facilitate the security checks please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray
    • No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
    • For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
    • Pets are not allowed
    • Not recommended for travelers with claustrophobia and with vertigo.
    • Every refund request MUST be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour
    • Mobile or paper ticket accepted
    • One per booking
    • Important Tour Information Meeting Point & Arrival Please meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato 5. We kindly ask that you arrive 20 minutes prior to your scheduled start time. The staff will have a signboard reporting 'Tour in the City'. Due to the strict scheduling of Vatican departures, late arrivals will be considered a "No Show." In these instances, we cannot guarantee rescheduling or entry, and refunds will not be issued. Joining the group after the tour has commenced is not possible. Dress Code Requirements To ensure entry into the Basilica, both men and women must have knees and shoulders covered. The Vatican retains the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not comply with this dress code, and we are unable to offer refunds for those denied access due to improper attire. Security & Entry Procedures All visitors must pass through a mandatory security screening. Please allow at least 20 minutes to clear these checks. Please note that high-capacity days, national holidays, and special events may cause delays in tour departure times. Unscheduled Closures & Weather Basilica Operations: St. Peter’s Basilica is a primary site for religious ceremonies. It may be subject to unscheduled closures or late openings. As these decisions are often made at the last minute for security reasons, we may not be able to provide advance notice. Dome Access: In the event of inclement weather, the Dome terrace may be closed for safety. If this occurs, you may choose to visit the Basilica and Grottoes for a partial refund or cancel your tour for a full refund. Administrative Decisions: Cancellations or changes dictated by the monument’s administration (due to security or official events) are beyond our control. While these are the responsibility of the monument, we will review any such issues on an individual basis to find a suitable resolution. Phone number: +39 328 001 0018

    Cancellation and refunds

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

    If you cancelRefund
    At least 1 days before100%
    Between 0 and 1 days before0%
    • Cancelled and fully refunded if too few travellers book
    Supplied by
    Tour In Rome by Tour in the City
    Product code
    20905P2

    Customer reviews

    5.0 · 6 reviews
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    Ratings from Viator 5.0 (5) · Tripadvisor 5.0 (1)

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