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

4.6 Great 2563 reviews
|
1h 45m
|
German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Free cancellation Instant confirmation Live guide

Ratings & Reviews

4.6
2563 reviews
5
2069
4
201
3
108
2
72
1
113
Ratings collected from Guidekin & Viator & Tripadvisor

Overview

Guidekin summary

The Basilica done properly: Bernini's square, Michelangelo's Pietà, the papal grottoes and St Peter's tomb, then the dome climb by stairs for the view over Rome, with an art historian guide. Dome entry is included at €54 per person, the Museums and Sistine Chapel are not. It does not skip the security queue, which can run long.

From the guide

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.

Tour options

The operator sells this tour in 17 versions. Prices are the operator's current list for two travellers; the calendar shows the exact figure for your date and party.

Italian Group of Max.25 People

from €54 / person
Guide: Italian

Italian Tour: This option is for an Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.

French Group of Max.25 People

from €54 / person
Guide: French

French Tour: This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.

English Group of Max.25 People

from €54 / person
Guide: English

English Tour: This option is for an English tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.

Spanish Group of Max.25 People

from €54 / person
Guide: Spanish

Spanish Tour: This option is for a Spanish tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.

German Group of Max.25 People

from €59 / person
Guide: German

German Tour: This option is for a German tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.

French Group of Max.10 People

from €85 / person
Guide: French

French tour: This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.

English Group of Max.10 People

from €85 / person
Guide: English

English tour: This option is for a English tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.

Italian Group of Max.10 People

from €85 / person
Guide: Italian

Italian tour: This option is for a Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.

Spanish Group of Max.10 People

from €85 / person
Guide: Spanish

Spanish tour: This option is for a Spanish tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.

Portuguese Group Max.10 People

from €89 / person
Guide: Portuguese

Portuguese tour: This option is for a Portuguese tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.

German Group of Max.10 People

from €89 / person
Guide: German

German tour: This option is for a German tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.

Private Tour in Portuguese

from €349 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Portuguese

Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Portuguese

Private Tour in Italian

from €349 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Italian

Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Italian

Private Tour in English

from €349 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: English

Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in English

Private Tour in French

from €349 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: French

Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in French

Private Tour in German

from €349 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: German

Private Tour : Select this option for Private guided tour in German

Private Tour in Spanish

from €349 / person (for 2+ people)
Guide: Spanish

Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Spanish

Schedule & Availability

Runs daily
Departures: 08:45, 09:15, 13:30, 14:00
Available year-round

This tour runs daily, departing at 08:45, 09:15, 13:30, 14:00. It runs year-round. These are the operator’s scheduled departures, not a live seat count: availability is confirmed at checkout. Schedule last checked September 12, 2026.

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)

What's Not Included

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

Itinerary

St. Peter's Square Stop 1
Start your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects as were thought by its designer, Bernini, and find the two "special" spots in the square.
10 min
St. Peter's Basilica Stop 2
Then head towards the Basilica to be amazed by its magnificence. See why it took 150 years to rebuild and marvel at the golden ceilings and the impressive mosaics all around you. Let your art-historian guide lead you through renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".
40 min
The Vatican Grottoes Stop 3
Descend into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.
15 min
St. Peter's Basilica Stop 4
Then climb your way up to the top of the Dome (by stairs). Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome. Climb even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond. Spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments from the height of 136 meters. Enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.
40 min
Admission included
Vatican City Stop 5
All the visited areas are part of the Vatican city.
Pass by

Departure & Return

Start point

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.

Additional Information

  • 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.

1+ daysFull refund
0-1 daysNo refund
From € 54 / person