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St. Peter's Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Guided Tour

4 (135)
Vatican City, VA
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St. Peter's Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Guided Tour

4 (135)
Vatican City, VA
Share
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Experience the breathtaking beauty and history of St. Peter's Basilica with the St. Peter's Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Guided Tour. Climb to the top of the highest point in the Vatican City and be rewarded with panoramic views of historic Rome and the Vatican state. Your expert English-speaking guide will lead you through the basilica and share its treasures and fascinating history. Marvel at Michelangelo's stunning mosaics and explore the Vatican Crypts where many famous Popes have their monumental tombs. Avoid the lines by descending right into the basilica from the dome and discover the Papal Altar under Bernini's Baldachin and Michelangelo's masterpiece, La Pietà. With this tour, you'll get an exclusive and close-up look at the magnificent Dome and experience the wonders of St. Peter's Basilica from top to bottom.

About this experience

  • Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
  • Admission Included
  • 3 hours
  • Suitable for 1-15 Participants
  • Private Tour, Small Group Tour
  • Guided Experience
  • Explore the treasures of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Climb to the top of the highest point in Vatican City
  • Exclusive close-up look at the mosaics of the dome
  • Visit the subterranean crypts of the Basilica
  • Entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Crypts with the Pope Tombs
  • Entrance into St. Peter’s Dome by lift
  • Headsets when appropriate
  • Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • Food/Beverage
  • Hotel pick-up/drop-off

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More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the breathtaking St. Peter's Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Guided Tour and unlock the secrets of the Vatican City. This immersive tour takes you to the top of the highest point in Vatican City, providing you with panoramic views over historic Rome and the Vatican State from the Renaissance masterpiece that is the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. Led by expert English-speaking guides, this tour offers much more than just a climb to the top. You'll also have the opportunity to explore the basilica treasures and descend into the mysterious Vatican Crypts.

What to expect?

During this 180-minute tour, you can expect to embark on a journey through history, art, and spirituality. Starting at the meeting point in Piazza della Città Leonina, you'll be guided through the Vatican City and St. Peter's Square, where you'll witness iconic landmarks and learn about their significance. Then, it's time to ascend to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica and savor the majestic views from the top. As you climb your way up, you'll be fascinated by the stunning mosaics and Michelangelo's intricate design. The experience culminates inside the basilica itself and ends with an exploration of the captivating Vatican Crypts.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the Vatican City. Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a couple searching for a memorable experience, this tour welcomes all who have a passion for cultural exploration. With expert guides leading the way, the tour is designed to accommodate visitors of all backgrounds, making it an inclusive and educational experience for everyone.

Why book this?

Booking this tour means gaining exclusive access to areas that are often overlooked by regular tourists. By bypassing the long queues, you'll save valuable time and maximize your experience at St. Peter's Basilica. The knowledgeable guides will provide in-depth historical and artistic insights, bringing the fascinating narratives of these iconic landmarks to life. From the top of the dome, you'll witness unparalleled views of Rome's skyline, allowing you to appreciate the city's rich history from a unique vantage point. This tour offers an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in the grandeur and spirituality of the Vatican City.

Good to know

To make the most of this tour, wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for some walking and climbing. The meeting point is conveniently located near the arches of Piazza della Città Leonina. Remember to bring your camera and capture the stunning vistas and architectural marvels. Please note that this tour involves stairs and may not be suitable for those with mobility constraints. Also, remember to dress modestly as you'll be entering a religious site. Immerse yourself in the wonders of the Vatican City, and let the expert guides unveil its secrets.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on this tour have been captivated by the unique perspective it offers. Many express their awe at the magnificent views from the dome, describing it as a true highlight of their trip to Rome. The knowledgeable and passionate guides receive high praise for their engaging storytelling and in-depth knowledge of the Vatican's history. Travelers appreciate the skip-the-line access, which allows for a more seamless and enjoyable experience. The exploration of the Vatican Crypts often leaves visitors feeling a deep sense of connection with history. Overall, this guided tour exceeds expectations and leaves a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to experience it.

How long before the event do I need to book?

  • You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

  • Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

  • At least one adult or senior required per booking

Your Itinerary

Vatican City

Climb to the top of the highest point in the Vatican City, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, and get panoramic views over historic Rome and the Vatican state from this Renaissance masterpiece.

St. Peter's Square

The welcoming arms of St. Peter’s Square is just near where you’ll meet your expert English-speaking guide for the climb to the highest point in the Vatican. To get started, they will take you by elevator up to the balcony viewing platform inside the majestic dome. Once there, they will show you Michelangelo’s windows that circle you, Bernini’s bronze canopy that was built to protect the altar and the mosaics which give the dome it’s signature blue and gold colors. Your guide will leave you at the spiral staircase where you start your approach to the top viewing platform on the dome. From here, you climb at your own pace up the 320 steps. When you reach the top, you’ll be standing on the highest point in Vatican City.

Admission Included

Cupola di San Pietro

You will start your visit of the Basilica by climb your way up to the top of the Dome. Enjoy a 360 degrees view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome, designed by Michelangelo. Go even higher to be at the top balcony and be amazed by the incredible scenery over Rome. You will be able to see the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and more from 136 meters above ground.

Admission Included

St. Peter's Basilica

One of the advantages of climbing inside the dome is that it allows you to descend right into the basilica. You can ignore all those lines that are waiting to get inside the basilica. You can go straight in by following the stairs down. Here the guide will take you through the main highlights. You will discover the incredible Papal Altar under Bernini’s Baldachin, and marvel at Michelangelo’s other timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you explore the most important church in the Christian world.

Admission Included

Vatican Grottoes

Your tour ends with a visit to the subterranean crypts of the Basilica, where many famous Pope’s have their monumental tombs. Once outside again, you can admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion in St. Peter’s Square, spot the balcony from which the Pope delivers his public addresses and snap photos of the basilica’s heavenly façade, having covered the Vatican and St. Peter’s from top to bottom!

Admission Included

Reviews

(135)

4 (135)

Ronda_H

Our tour guide was very helpful and very knowledgeable. My husband and I visited back in 2007 and were able to get in line and do it all ourself. I think you can still do this, but if you are on a time crunch this is a great alternative. It was nice having someone providing great information especially for our two teenagers now. They really enjoyed the Dome hike and the view is breathtaking.

Elisabeth_H

I got confused finding the meeting spot but the team worked hard to get me oriented and join up—the extra service was much appreciated!

SARANGKANT_G

Climbing The Vatican dome . The guide was amazing very knowledgeable kind and very helpful. Being a early morning tour v had a good sighting

james_c

Our guide was fantastic he definitely made the tour that much better!! I think he might be the best tour guide in Rome!! Thank you eddy with a Y! :)

Isabela_M

The comments provided by the tour guide during the visit of the Vatican were sparse and inadequate. We definitely do not recommend this company.

vanessa062_11

Truly amazing morning tour with Manuela, who anticipated timing and lines to our group's advantage, led us expertly through and around the crowds, provided a wealth of information in an engaging way and stayed after the formal tour to answer additional questions. She also provided directions back into the Basilica for those of us who wanted to take another look. Highly recommended. Note: it is not necessary to climb to the top of the dome on this tour- due to hip issues, I did not. There is an elevator to the terrace level, and then some stairs and a ramp to see the dome itself and access the exit point. Manuela provided clear directions and time for a post-climb meeting point- I stayed on the lovely terrace and took photos, got some water at the small coffee shop, had a biobreak and felt refreshed for the remainder of the tour.

Patricia M

Tour guide was very informative. She explained everything in detail and answered all of our questions. Made getting inside so easy! Definitely would use again.

Mark_S

Wonderful experience! Our guide was a great story teller and very informative and knowledgeable. Appreciate her perspective as a believer. Beautiful sights and scenery.

Nicci_C

The tour was extremely informative and Sabine, the tour leader, was fantastic and made the tour very enjoyable

daniellH207OV

Great tour, not too rushed and excellent access to all the main areas. Our Guide Elisa was very informative, friendly would highly recommend them.
Collected by Evendo, Tripadvisor & Viator
2024-05-01 22:12