Why choose this Rome tour ?
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. Along with getting fast access inside the basilica after your ascent, you can experience and explore the basilica treasures and the Vatican Crypts with your expert English-speaking guide.
Make the most of your Rome adventure
What makes St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Tour a unique experience ?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Tour Description & Additional Info:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia and/or vertigo
- Please note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome you will have to use stairs (320 steps). Please allow yourself approximately 20 extra minutes if you wish to climb up to the dome of St Peters from there.
- We may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
- Only small bags are allowed
- Tickets for the dome cannot be pre-bought. The group will have to queue for the guide to acquire them on the day of the tour.
Options To Choose for Your Trip:
- Dome Climbing with Crypts Tour
Add
Dome Climbing Access with guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica & Vatican Crypts in a small group of 25 people or fewer.
St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, Basilica & Underground Grottoes Tour Inclusions:
Included with Your Ticket
- 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
Not Included
- Food and Drinks
- Hotel pick-up/drop-off
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Special Instructions:
- This Tour is Provided by City Wonders Ltd.
- Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- This Tour is Rated 3.5 Stars based on 154 valid reviews on VIATOR.
- Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
- Maximum 15 Travelers is accepted for booking.
• Be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure
• Only small bags are allowed
• Our City Wonders coordinators will holding a sign and wearing blue City Wonders polo shirts/jackets to be easily recognizable
• Please note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome you will have to use stairs (320 steps). Please allow yourself approximately 20 extra minutes if you wish to climb up to the dome of St Peters from there.
• Gratuities for your guide/driver that provided excellent service are appreciated!
