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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 43 reviews
from
$48.00
Free cancellation
language
Language: English
mobile_voucher
Mobile voucher accepted
duration
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Do this because
  • Enjoy a fully-guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Square in a small group
  • Pre-reserved, early access tickets to climb St. Peter's Basilica Dome and see the amazing view
  • Descend into the Papal Crypt for a rare guided tour
What to expect

Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and lore of St. Peter’s Basilica with this all-access tour. Not only will you enjoy a fully-guided tour of the Basilica and Papal Crypt with an expert guide, but you’ll also avoid long lines to climb up to the dome early in the morning and gape at the amazing views of Rome.

Your tour starts early before the crowds arrive. After exploring St. Peter’s Square, you’ll head for St. Peter’s Basilica Dome. You’ll take the special elevator to the first terrace of the dome to admire the beautiful mosaics up close. To reach the top of the dome you have to climb 231 steps, but the view alone is worth the effort.

When you come down from the dome, your expert guide will lead you on a full tour of the Basilica, from Bernini’s colossal baldachin to Michelangelo’s heart-wrenching Pietá. You’ll also discover the small details, stories, history and lore that are packed into every nook and cranny of this nearly 400-year-old building, including why everyone is so intent on rubbing the foot of a certain statue.

Finally, your tour will include a rare visit to the Papal Crypt, where your guide will point out the most significant tombs. The Crypt is a sacred site so that it’s forbidden to speak in it, but before you enter, your guide will tell you the stories of the men buried in them.

Sites Visited:

  • St Peter’s Basilica
  • Dome of St Peter’s Basilica
  • Papal crypt (NOT the Scavi)
  • St Peter’s Square
Read more
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
  • 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
  • Please note, the duration of the tour will change to 3 hours from April 1st, 2024
  • This tour is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs and strollers
  • Please bring a valid ID on the day of the visit, that applies also to any children booked on the tour
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry
  • After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top
Read more
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 43 reviews from verified customers

63%
30%
7%
0%
0%

Review categories

Safety

4.6/5

Service

4.6/5

Staff

4.6/5

Value for money

4.6/5

  • 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

  • Anonymous

    From United States of America - July 2023

    Average

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Nous sommes belges et je déplore le fait qu’on ne pense pas à des audio guides.C’était frustrant !

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