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
45 reviews
from
£45.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
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.

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

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
  • This tour operator is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.

Remember to bring:

  • A valid ID (that applies also to any children booked on the tour)
Read more
Provider
Walks LLC
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 7 days before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.6 /5

Based on 45 reviews from verified customers


Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Value for money

4.7/5


62%
31%
7%
0%
0%

Sort by:

  • M

    MatsJ

    Verified booking

    4.6

    1 November 2025

    Travelled with family


    Gruppen kändes lite för stor för att vara en VIP-grupp.

  • A

    Anynom

    Verified booking

    5

    23 August 2025

    Solo traveller


    Eine sehr schöne Veranstaltung mit einer sehr kompetenten Führerin. Diese würde ich nächstes Mal auf jeden nochmal buchen!

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    Verified booking

    4

    20 July 2025

    Leider statt einer 3 ständigen Tour nur 2. Waren aber auch nur zu zweit, Hatten nicht so das Gefühl das unser Tourguide begeistert war nur mit uns zu gehen. Wurden dauernd gefragt ob wir überhaupt dieses oder jenes anschauen möchten z.B. Krypta, heiliges Tor ) , auf der Kuppel waren wir alleine.

  • F

    Frank S

    Verified booking

    5

    21 October 2024

    Travelled as a couple

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    Verified booking

    5

    25 November 2023

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

  • T

    TUI Musement Traveler

    Verified booking

    5

    20 May 2023

    Julia was an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable and made the excursion fun and memorable. The tour was one we will always remember as special.

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