Tour of St Peter’s Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes in a Small Group

Embark on an extraordinary journey commencing at St. Peter’s Square, where the architectural brilliance of Bernini unfolds.

Then enter the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica, a realm adorned with golden ceilings, vibrant marbles, and masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà. Delve into the Papal grottoes underground, touching ancient walls and visiting St. Peter’s tomb for a profound historical encounter.

The grand crescendo awaits as you ascend to the dome’s summit, offering both close encounters with intricate mosaics and panoramic views of Rome’s iconic landmarks. From this lofty perch at 136 meters, immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas, spotting the Colosseum, Pantheon, and beyond.

Immerse yourself in a blend of art, history, and mesmerizing panoramas, ensuring a “wow-ing” experience in the heart of Vatican City. Enjoy a unique adventure, where architectural marvels intertwine with iconic heritage landmarks, promising an unforgettable exploration.

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.

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”.

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.

Then climb your way up to the top of the Dome. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome.

Go 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.

All the visited areas are part of the Vatican city.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• 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
• Please take into consideration that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
• We recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes
• Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
• The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter’s square and the security checks
• The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
• The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour
• We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals
• Strollers are not allowed in the Basilica. There is a luggage deposit at the entrance of the basilica where you can leave the stroller
• Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
• Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
• Not recommended for travellers with vertigo

• French Group of Max.25 People
  Add
  French Tour: This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
• French Group of Max.10 People
  Add
  French tour: This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
• German Group of Max.10 People
  Add
  German tour: This option is for a German tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
• Private Tour in English
  Add
  Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in English
• Italian Group of Max.25 People
  Add
  Italian Tour: This option is for an Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
• Private Tour in Portuguese
  Add
  Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Portuguese
• Private Tour in French
  Add
  Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in French
• Private Tour in German
  Add
  Private Tour : Select this option for Private guided tour in German
• Spanish Group of Max.10 People
  Add
  Spanish tour: This option is for a Spanish tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
• Italian Group of Max.10 People
  Add
  Italian tour: This option is for a Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
• English Group of Max.25 People
  Add
  English Tour: This option is for an English tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.

• Professional art-historian guide
• Thorough guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Sterilized headsets to hear clearly your guide
• Guided tour of St. Peter Dome
• Entry fees to the top of the Dome
• Full on-site assistance

• The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
• This tour does not skip the line (neither the security checks one nor the dome’s elevator one)

Trending Rome Nearby Tours Likely To Sell Out

– In order to complete check-in time, please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the activity starts
– The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter’s square and the security checks
– 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
– 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 are not skippable and might take 15-120 minutes
– We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals
– Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
– The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour
– The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
– For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones (regular wired jack, no usb one, no bluetooth) and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours
– We suggest you bring your own refillable bottle as you can find drinkable-water fountains everywhere in Rome
– Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by TOURIKS.
• 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 4.5 Stars based on 2041 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 10 Travelers is accepted for booking.