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

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Based on 2510 reviews |

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Overview

Start in St. Peter's Square, where the architectural brilliance of Bernini unfolds. Then enter 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. 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. 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.

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.

Redemption Instructions

- 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

Language Offered

German-GUIDE

Portuguese-GUIDE

English-GUIDE

Italian-GUIDE

French-GUIDE

Spanish-GUIDE

Itinerary

1. 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.
Duration: 10 mins
2. 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".
Duration: 40 mins
3. 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.
Duration: 15 mins
4. 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.
Duration: 40 mins
5. All the visited areas are part of the Vatican city.

Inclusion

Professional art-historian guide

Guided tour of St. Peter Dome and St. Peter's Basilica

Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs)

Exclusion

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour

This tour does not skip the line

Cancellation Policy

Check mark icon Refundable tickets

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

Additional Info

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 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

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

Supplied by TOURIKS

Reviews

4.6

★★★★★ ★★★★★
Based on 2510 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

5 stars
2025
4 stars
196
3 stars
107
2 stars
72
1 stars
110

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