Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs

4.8 (176 reviews) Rome, Italy
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Duration2h 30m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 20 travelers

Overview

Beat the crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica as it opens for the day. Take the lift partway up and make the final ascent on foot—the reward at the top is worth it.

Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter’s Square and leave Rome behind you as you cross into Vatican City and enter St. Peter’s Basilica just as it opens to the public.

At the terrace level you can decide whether to relax and take in the view or climb the remaining 320 steps up to the summit, where the breathtaking view of Rome and beyond is simply unforgettable. Your guide will point out all the most interesting historical landmarks in every direction, be they in Vatican City, the wider city of Rome, or further afield.

As what goes up must come down, join us on a descent into the lower level of the basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” a series of grottoes containing papal crypts and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries.

What's included

  • Visit to St. Peter's Basilica (Admission Ticket Free)
  • Incredible views of Rome and far beyond which most visitors to the Vatican never see
  • Marvel at astonishing works of art and architecture
  • Beat the crowds by getting an early start inside St. Peter’s
  • Unique experience at the summit of St. Peter's Dome with an expert Vatican tour guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Necropolis (scavi)

What to expect

  1. St. Peter's Square
    30m
    Meet your expert Vatican tour guide on the threshold of St. Peter's Square and make your way across marble paving to the steps which wind up and around the dome. There are 551 in total so of course this is too much exertion for most. We take the elevator part of the way which cuts the step count by a sizable 171, leaving 380.
  2. St. Peter's Basilica
    1h · Admission ticket included
    From St. Peter's Square, enter the passageways which lead up to the top of Michelangelo's magnificent dome for superb views of the Vatican City and Rome.
  3. St. Peter's Basilica
    1h
    A fully guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica follows your dome climb. It's one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it will leave a profound impression upon your soul.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at 7:45 AM for 8:00 AM departure by the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare), just beneath Largo del Colonnato and in front of the pillars which run around Saint Peter's Square. Your guide will be holding an ItaliaTours signboard. Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/vZvCNgmmozFLnzT3A

End point

The tour concludes on St. Peter's Square beside St. Peter's Basilica.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
  • On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour. In the event that the Papal tombs beneath St. Peter's Basilica are closed, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended and no refunds made.
  • Dome climb is a moderate exertion activity undertaken in a short space of time. Please be aware of this before you book.
  • Bring a small bottle of water with you for dome climb.
  • Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid.
  • Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control.
  • Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.

Cancellation policy

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

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4.8 (176)
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$69.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
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Operated by ItaliaTours · Booked through Viator
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