Vatican Scavi: Underground St. Peter’s Tomb & Basilica VIP Tour
Vatican City, IT
66% of travellers recommend this
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
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Highlights
- Exclusive Private Morning tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Climb to the Dome and enjoy the breathtaking view
- Admire Bernini's canopy and Michelangelo's piety
- Visit the necropolis and see the Tomb of St. Peter
- Discover the vast underground graveyard of Vatican Grottoes
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Private Tour Guide Included
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Skip-the-line Tickets
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Dome Climb & Elevator Access
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Duration 2-3 hours
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Available in English, Italian, French
Embark on an Exclusive Private Morning tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the Necropolis, and Climb to the Dome. This VIP Early Morning Private Tour allows you to experience Vatican City's top attractions smoothly and uncrowded. Your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide will meet you near St. Peter's Square and lead you on a remarkable adventure. Ascend the Dome, either by a lift or walking 330 steps, and savor the breathtaking view over all of Rome from the top. Descend and enter the Basilica to marvel at the remarkable art and architecture, including Bernini's canopy and Michelangelo's piety. Afterward, explore the necropolis of St Peter's to see the Tomb of St Peter, the first bishop of Rome. This tour provides an extraordinary opportunity to immerse yourself in history and art while enjoying the stunning vistas of Rome.
At a Glance
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2 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Italian, French
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore St. Peter's Basilica and its Dome with a private guided tour, featuring breathtaking views and rich historical insights in Rome, Vatican City.
Included
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Guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica (if option selected) -
Ticket for optional self-guided climb to the Dome (if option selected)
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Visit to St. Peter’s Tomb
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Skip-the-line tickets
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VIP skip-the-line entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica
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Small-group experience for a more intimate visit
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Professional licensed guide
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Exclusive access and Guided tour to the Vatican Scavi/Necropolis
Excluded
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Hotel pick up and drop off -
Food and drinks
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Vatican museum and sistine chapel
Meeting Point
The guide will have a signboard with your name.
Largo del Colonnato, 5, 00193 Roma RM , Italy
End Point
00120
What to expect
Meet your tour guide and learn about St. Peter’s Square. This square, surrounded by a majestic quadruple colonnade displays the largest church of the Christian world: St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro). It is also the heart of Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, which was in antiquity occupied by Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians, including St. Peter, were martyred. In the centre of this 320 meter-wide piazza stands an Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD. In 1656 Bernini began building the quadruple colonnade of 284 columns in 88 rows, which according to the artist symbolize the “gathering of Christendom.” From two points in the square which are marked on the ground by a stone, the four concentric rings of columns visually merge into one. The balustrade supported by the columns is decorated with 140 statues of saints. The huge door of the basilica is framed by statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
20 minutes
The dome was designed by Michelangelo, who worked on the basilica's construction in 1547. There are two levels to the climb: the first part takes you to the interior of the dome, which offers magnificent views of the basilica below, as well as a chance to see the mosaics up close. Visitors can either walk the 320 steps or take the elevator, and this part of the visit also includes a trip out onto the roof, behind the statues of Jesus and the Apostles. The second part of the visit is optional and is for the slightly more adventurous visitor. It involves climbing a total of 320 steps which become progressively narrower and more winding, ending in a tight, corkscrew staircase. If you suffer from claustrophobia, this is not for you. However, once on top of the Dome, you will have a bird's-eye view of Vatican City and a breathtaking panorama of Rome, spread out 150m below.
60 minutes
Admission Included
After the Dome and enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Churches don’t get bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica, in every sense of the word. Not only is it physically colossal, but it’s also the home of the Catholic Church. Enter the historic walls of Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, to discover the focal point of a historical and spiritual pilgrimage. One of the apostles and the first Pope, St. Peter was crucified in Rome in 64 AD. There’s strong evidence suggesting that his body is buried beneath the Basilica’s main altar. If you love architecture, St. Peter’s is a stunning example of the style. And even if the spiritual side isn’t for you, it’s hard not to be moved by such a magnificent building. As St. Peter’s isn’t the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, it’s not actually a cathedral and remains a not-so-humble church Started in 306 AD, St. Peter’s took over 1,300 years to reach its complete stage in 1626.
45 minutes
The Vatican Grottoes
ENTER THE VATICAN GROTTOES - The Vatican Grottoes is the vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is basically a cave of artificial or natural origin that is used by people, usually for burial purposes. The Vatican Grottoes is the vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is basically a cave of artificial or natural origin that is used by people, usually for burial purposes. This is the place that houses the tombs of several popes and saints. In fact, the Vatican Grottoes is the burial place of 91 popes and some other church dignitaries such as cardinals dating back to the 10th century and onwards. In addition, the grottoes also include some tombs of secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. The grottoes are located above the necropolis where you can find the holy tomb of St Peter the fisherman, the first bishop of Rome (Pope).
20 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. 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 -
All participants must carry a valid identification document (passport or ID) to enter the sites. Entry may be denied without a valid document, with no refund.
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Cancellations, changes or issues due, 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.
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Children must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for children under 6 years old.
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Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
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Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 30 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.
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If this is not possible, we will operate the tour and will include other sites to compensate for the site/s being closed. No refund is given on unused tickets due to events that are out of our control.
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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The Necropolis is managed directly by the Fabbrica di San Pietro; timing variations are beyond our control. The tour start time may vary by up to 30 minutes.
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There is no refund on reservation fees and tickets of monuments that are closed due to event that is out of our control.
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Without notice the Basilica or parts of it can be closed for unforeseeable events. In this case, partial refund can be requested.
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for the climb. -
Visit nearby Castel Sant'Angelo after.
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Explore local cafes for authentic gelato.
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Arrive early to avoid crowds at the dome.
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Respect the dress code for entry.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Imagine starting your day with an exclusive private morning tour of one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome - St. Peter's Basilica. With the St. Peter's Basilica Climb the Dome VIP Early Morning Private Tour, you can experience a truly unique and extraordinary adventure. This tour offers an unrivaled opportunity to explore Vatican City's top attractions smoothly and uncrowded, ensuring an unforgettable experience.What to expect?
During this tour, you can expect to embark on a journey filled with awe-inspiring beauty and breathtaking views. With a knowledgeable and friendly tour guide by your side, you'll begin by meeting near St. Peter's Square, where you'll learn about the history and significance of this magnificent square. From there, the real adventure begins. You'll take a lift to reach the roof of the Basilica, visiting the Dome from the inside and marveling at the stunning views of Rome. Prepare to climb 330 steps to reach the top of St. Peter's Dome, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view that will leave you speechless. Take your time to capture some incredible photos and cherish the moment forever. After descending from the dome, you'll enter the Basilica itself and witness the incredible art and architecture that has stood the test of time.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience the magic and beauty of St. Peter's Basilica without the usual crowds. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply want to soak in the breathtaking views of Rome from the dome, this tour is designed to accommodate all. It's ideal for solo travelers, couples, families, or small groups who appreciate a personalized and intimate experience.Why book this?
By booking the St. Peter's Basilica Climb the Dome VIP Early Morning Private Tour, you are not only ensuring a hassle-free visit but also gaining access to some remarkable advantages. The early morning start allows you to avoid the crowds, ensuring a more peaceful and immersive experience. Additionally, having a private tour guide means you'll receive personalized attention and valuable insights, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of the basilica's historical and artistic significance. This exclusive tour grants you the opportunity to appreciate the majestic beauty of St. Peter's Basilica and its Dome from a unique perspective, creating memories that will last a lifetime.Good to know
It is important to note that the total duration of this tour ranges from 120 to 180 minutes, allowing you ample time to soak in every detail. The meeting point for this tour will be clearly indicated by a tour guide holding a signboard with your name, ensuring a smooth start to your adventure. Keep in mind that proper footwear and comfortable clothing are recommended for the climb up to the dome. As this tour involves climbing stairs, it may not be suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia. However, for those who are up for the challenge, the reward of witnessing the breathtaking panorama of Rome from the top of St. Peter's Dome is well worth it.Reviews
Those who have embarked on the St. Peter's Basilica Climb the Dome VIP Early Morning Private Tour have nothing but praise for this extraordinary experience. Travelers have described it as awe-inspiring, enlightening, and a true highlight of their visit to Rome. Many have expressed their gratitude for the knowledgeable tour guides who provided valuable insights and made the tour even more memorable. The stunning views from the dome and the opportunity to explore the beautiful Basilica without the usual crowds have left visitors speechless and deeply moved. Overall, the reviews showcase a unanimous appreciation for the unique and unforgettable journey this tour offers.
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