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VIP St. Peter's Basilica tour with Dome climb and Papal Crypt
Attractions & guided tours

VIP St. Peter's Basilica tour with Dome climb and Papal Crypt

4.6/5
Excellent
Based on 44 reviews
from
$56.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 3 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Get priority reserved access to St. Peter's Basilica.
  • Experience St. Peter's Square before the crowds arrive.
  • See stunning views of Rome from the top of the basilica.
  • Explore Rome's most famous church in exquisite detail.
  • Get an up-close look at the beautiful mosaics.
What to expect

Beat the crowds and admire St. Peter's Basilica in all its glory as you explore the solemn grandeur at the heart of the Vatican. With a small group, special reserved access, an up-close look at the cathedral, and a visit to the papal tombs, you get these remarkable sights almost to yourself.

Meet your guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and head past the crowds, straight into the grand Renaissance-era elegance of the basilica. An elevator carries you to the dome's first terrace, where you're surrounded by its beautiful artwork, and then 231 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome—from the square below you all the way across the Tiber.

Next, it's time for a journey through the basilica itself as your guide shows you the grandeur that defines one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire the exquisite detail of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing amid the space designed by Michelangelo, and then visit the famous bronze statue of St. Peter with the keys to heaven in his hand.

Another special experience is waiting for you beneath the basilica as your guide gives you a rare look at the crypts of the Vatican grotto. With more than 100 tombs holding popes, Catholic monarchs, and famous figures, the crypts let you look back through almost 2,000 years of the church's history before you part ways with your guide at the tour's end.

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What's included
  • check Guided walking tour
  • check Entrance ticket
  • check Individual headset
  • check Local guide
What's not included
  • x_not_included Tips (optional)
  • x_not_included Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Where

Piazza della Città Leonina, 7, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Meeting point:
Kindly meet 15 minutes before departure time in front of 'Caffè Leonina, in Piazza Citta' Leonina, just outside St. Peter's Square. Take the Red Line metro and get off at the "Ottaviano/San Pietro" stop.
What to remember

Not suitable for:

  • Guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, and strollers

Know in advance:

  • The skip-the-line access is not possible at the dome or at St. Peter's Basilica security line (although it is possible for guests entering via the Vatican Museums, who use a different door), so you may need to spend some time in unavoidable queues. Your guide will use the time well though, entertaining you with stories and pointing out the incredible details of St. Peter's Square
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. The tour operator cannot be held responsible for those denied entry
  • After the terrace where the lift stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top
  • The tour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information

Remember to bring:

  • A valid ID (that applies also to any children booked on the tour)
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Provider
Walks
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.6/5

Based on 44 reviews from verified customers

64%
30%
7%
0%
0%

Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Value for money

4.7/5

  • Frank S

    From United States of America - October 2024

    Traveled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Reg B

    From United States of America - November 2023

    Traveled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Der Treffpunkt war gut zu finden und wir waren in einer relativ kleinen Gruppe (ca. 10 Person). Unser Guide war exzellent, sehr informativ und sehr en ...

  • Anonymous

    From United Kingdom - November 2023

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Excellent tour guide. Very informative and asnwered all questions asked.

  • Anonymous

    From United Kingdom - October 2023

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Aimee

    From United States of America - August 2023

    Traveled as a couple

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The tour guide we had was so lovely! He made the tour really interesting. It was by far my favourite excursion during my time in Rome! The climb up to ...

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - July 2023

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

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