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

4.6(2,608)Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 2608 reviews1 h 45 minFree cancellationBy TOURIKS
Inside St. Peter's Basilica

About this activity

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.

What's included

  • ✓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)

Not included

  • ✕The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
  • ✕This tour does not skip the line

Meeting and pickup

  • 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.

Good to know

  • 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

Cancellation policy

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

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