Booking fee
The booking fee includes the costs of booking your tickets such as charges for payment processing. It also covers the provision of our customer care center for processing your order, and all charges imposed by our suppliers.
* This tour requires at least one of the following per booking: Adult, Senior
Prepare for an awe-inspiring adventure that will elevate your Vatican experience to unprecedented heights! Ascending the dome of St. Peter's Basilica is a journey of epic proportions, offering a breath-taking panorama that stretches beyond the boundaries of the Vatican and Rome itself.
Accompanied by an expert local guide, you will embark on a captivating exploration of St. Peter's Basilica, discovering the intricate details of this architectural masterpiece, as your guide unveils the hidden stories and captivating anecdotes that breathe life into its storied past.
Venture into the depths beneath the basilica, where the mesmerizing Papal Crypts await. Unveiling the elaborate underground chambers, your guide will regale you with tales of the influential figures who have left their mark upon the papacy and the world.
From the dizzying heights of the dome to the sacred depths below, immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey - an extraordinary voyage through time and faith.
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Entry to St. Peter's Basilica
Guided Climb to the top of the Dome (Tickets Included!)
Knowledgeable, English-Speaking Guide
Small Group of Maximum 25!
Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Crypts
Hotel Pick Up / Drop Off
Food & Beverages
Gratuities
Departure Point
Largo del Colonnato, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Please arrive 10 minutes early. Meet your guide at Largo Del Colonnato. This is the area just outside of the St. Peters Square colonnades, on the right side when looking at St. Peter’s Basilica. Our staff will be there holding a “The Tour Guy” sign standing between the fountain and the green kiosk.
Vatican City, Vatican City, Italy Get ready for an extraordinary adventure at St. Peter's Basilica that will leave you breathless! As the sun rises, you'll meet your friendly local guide and fellow explorers at a designated meeting point, from where your exploration of the St Peter's Basilica will commence.
Immerse yourself in this extraordinary exploration of faith, art, and history—an experience that will forever leave an indelible mark on your senses and understanding. From the heights of the dome to the depths of the Papal Crypts, uncover the secrets of St. Peter's Basilica and unlock a profound appreciation for its unparalleled beauty and significance. 10 minutes
St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, Italy Ready for entry to St. Peter's Basilica?
You'll walk with our guide from the meeting point, passing over this famous square which is home to the famous Sunday Mass of the Pope 10 minutes
Cupola di San Pietro, Vatican City, Italy St Peter's Dome Climb
As you step foot inside the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, your guide will lead you on an extraordinary journey to witness the best view in the entire city. Ascend with ease, taking the elevator to the lower level of the dome, where a mesmerizing world of incredibly elaborate mosaics awaits.
Step outside onto the terrace, where an iconic vista of Vatican City unfolds before your eyes.
For the intrepid explorers seeking an even more exhilarating experience, the option to ascend higher awaits. Brace yourself for an ascent of 320 ancient stone steps, a journey that may test your legs and challenge your senses in narrow and intimate spaces. But fear not, for the reward that awaits at the summit is beyond compare. Behold, from the very top of the dome, a panoramic view of the Vatican and the historic heart of Rome—an epic perspective that will ignite your spirit and etch itself into your memory.
50 minutes
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Italy St Peter's Basilica
Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the largest church in the world. Accompanied by your expert guide, you'll venture deeper into the intricate tapestry of St. Peter's Basilica, exploring its awe-inspiring interiors and discovering the treasures that lie within.
In addition to Michelangelo's Pieta, and Bernini's Baldacchino you'll also admire the high altar of St. Peter, elevated above the very spot where the apostle himself rests in eternal peace. Let the weight of history and faith wash over you as you stand in the presence of these revered symbols.
30 minutes
Vatican Grottoes, Vatican City, Italy From the tip of the dome, its time to proceed to the Vatican Grottoes - also known as the Papal Crypts.
Below the Basilica's grandeur lie exquisite caskets and effigies, holding the remains of numerous former popes from the Catholic Church's history. Your knowledgeable guide will tell you the stories of these interred men and their pivotal roles in Catholic history.
Sometimes, they might close off the papal crypts to the public without much warning. But don't worry, your guide knows this place inside and out, so they'll show you other cool areas and artworks in case that happens.
As the tour concludes, your ticket grants you the freedom to explore St. Peter's Basilica at your pace.
15 minutes
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Ingrid_R
19 Apr 2023
Frühmorgens ein absulutes Highlight!
Zu der Zeit noch wenig Menschen und daher ruhig!
Außerdem kaum Wartezeit bei der Sicherheitskontrolle.
Lisa_M
14 Apr 2023
The dome climb is amazing. Great views and good tour. See St Peter's Square, Vatican Gardens, and the surrounding area from above.
Nice2Know2
14 Nov 2022
"Was definitely worth getting the lift option. We had a lovely guide who was informative and also allowed enough time for photos and self-discovery. The dome climb was worth it. It can get a little narrow but opened up after a short time and the view from the top spectacular. As we were there early, the square was still quite empty. The way down was great and that is when you get a true sense of the stairway around the dome.
Then into the Basilica itself, just glorious. Down to the crypt - no photos or talking - not that some of the guides on other groups paid any attention to that!) - very interesting. Then left to our own devices to wander and explore further until we decided to leave. Still struggling a little with the wealth of the church on show right next to poverty in the street!"
We always double-check the availability with our local partners for each booking. Even though this is usually a swift process, it can take up to 24 hours. Once this process is completed you will receive your voucher or ticket by email. If our local partner is not able to confirm your booking we will offer you the best possible alternative. If the new date and/or time doesn’t fit your itinerary, we will reimburse the full amount paid.
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