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

4.8 (44 reviews) Rome, Italy
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Duration1h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate

Overview

Combine a thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with a climb to the top of the dome (by stairs) for the best panoramic view of Rome.

Discover marvels of art and architecture created by world-famous masters of the Renaissance with a private art historian.

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.
The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour.

Options

German Tour

Private tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in German

Portuguese Tour

Private tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Portuguese

English Tour

Private tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in English

Italian Tour

Private tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Italian

French Tour

Private tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in French

Spanish Tour

Private tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Spanish

What's included

  • Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs)
  • Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • Private art-historian guide
  • The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
  • This tour does not skip the line

What to expect

  1. St. Peter's Square
    10m
    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. St. Peter's Basilica
    40m
    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. The Vatican Grottoes
    15m
    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. St. Peter's Basilica
    25m · Admission ticket included
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato, 5, by the first columns of the Colonnade. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the starting time. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square.

End point

Additional information

  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
  • Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
  • 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
  • The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
  • Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
  • St. Peter Basilica or its dome can be subject to partial unforeseen closures due to Vatican Administration
  • 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

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

Reviews

4.8 (44)
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Operated by TOURIKS · Booked through Viator
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