St. Peter’s Dome climb with guided tour of the Basilica and Papal Crypts
Attractions & guided tours

St. Peter’s Dome climb with guided tour of the Basilica and Papal Crypts

4.7/5
Excellent
Based on 22 reviews
from
£55.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 3 hours
Why you’ll love this…
  • Climb the iconic Dome of St. Peter’s for magnificent panoramas over Rome and the Vatican City
  • Enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the famous Baldachin and the tomb of St. John Paul II
  • Visit the tombs of the most important Popes in a special crypt beneath St. Peter's Basilica
  • Hear enlightening commentary from a local Vatican expert guide throughout the tour
What to expect

Enjoy a day exploring one of Rome's most iconic attractions with the help of an expert guide. Climb the iconic Dome of St. Peter's for spectacular panoramas over the city, enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica itself and visit the tombs of the most important Popes. You'll see it all!

Start your day early to beat the crowds and be among the first to climb up the Dome. With commentary from your expert English-speaking Vatican guide, you'll take a short walk along St. Peter's Square before arriving at the lift that will take you up to the base of the Dome. Here you will be able to admire its beautiful interior, then continue climbing 320 steps to get to the very top. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent views over the Eternal City – no view in Rome is comparable to this. Snap some incredible shots and enjoy the view, before meeting your guide again for a guided tour of the Basilica.

You will then take advantage of the access already gained in the morning to visit St. Peter's Basilica with your expert guide, without having to join the long lines to enter it. Here, the guide will take you through the main highlights. You will discover the incredible Papal Altar under Bernini's Baldachin and marvel at Michelangelo's other timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you explore the most important church in the Christian world.

Your tour ends with a visit to the subterranean crypts of the Basilica, where many famous Popes have their monumental tombs. Once outside again, you can admire Bernini's clever optical illusion in St. Peter's Square, spot the balcony from which the Pope delivers his public addresses and snap photos of the basilica's heavenly façade, having covered the Vatican and St. Peter's from top to bottom!

Read more
What's included
  • check Entrance to St. Peter's Dome
  • check Entrance to St. Peter's Basilica
  • check Entrance to Papal Crypts
  • check Expert, English-speaking tour guide
  • check Headsets when appropriate
What's not included
  • x_not_included Gratuities
  • x_not_included Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Where

Piazza della Città Leonina, 00193 Rome RM, Italy

Meeting point:
Your meeting point is at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets Via di Porta Angelica. Facing the arches, the meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the newspaper stand. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano – Musei Vaticani, on Line A. Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the tour starts.
What to remember

Accessibility:

  • This activity is not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia and/or vertigo, heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • This tour is not suitable for guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance

Not allowed:

  • The Vatican only permits very small bags and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area
  • It is not possible to bring strollers or baby carriages

Know in advance:

  • Please note that the Dome's elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the Dome, you will have to use stairs (320 steps)
  • You'll be requested to provide the full names of all participants during checkout. Without this information, access to St. Peter's Basilica cannot be guaranteed
  • Extra security measures may be implemented, and you may experience delays getting through mandatory security checks. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, you are strongly suggested to avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks with you
  • Please note that there is no skip-the-line entrance to the Dome's ticket office or at St. Peter's Basilica's security line, hence there may be some waiting time before you access the Dome
  • Entrance to the Basilica and Dome complex requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women
Read more
Provider
City Wonders
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 48 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.7/5

Based on 22 reviews from verified customers

86%
9%
5%
0%
0%

Review categories

Service

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Staff

4.7/5

Value for money

4.4/5

  • Marieke

    From United States of America - March 2025

    Travelled as a couple

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Een hele leuke afwisselende tour door de combinatie van het bezoek aan de cryptes, de binnenkant van de Basiliek en de beklimming van de koepel. Onze ...

  • Miranda

    From United States of America - October 2024

    Travelled as a couple

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Karlheinz

    From Germany - October 2024

    Travelled with family

     

    65 - 74 years old

    Great

    Overall rated

    3/5

    Da ich Englisch kaum verstehe, aber ich wenig mitbekommen. In Deutsch wäre die Tour super gewesen.

  • Melanie

    From Germany - July 2024

    Travelled with family

     

    25 - 34 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Maria macht es toll. Die Wartezeit wird gut mit interessanten Infos überbrückt.

  • Jurgen

    From United States of America - June 2024

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Onze gids , Maria van Wonder tours, was geweldig , zeer interessante verhalen

  • Mischa

    From United States of America - April 2024

    Travelled with family

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Der Guide war sehr fachkundig und humorvoll. Hat sehr viel Spass gemacht

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