Private Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes
At a glance
Private Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes is a 1h 30m private experience in Rome, Italy, operated by TOURIKS. Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 44 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $399.70 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs), Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, Private art-historian guide.
Highlights
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 4 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Combine a thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with a climb to the top of the dome (by stairs) for the best panoramic view of Rome.
Discover marvels of art and architecture created by world-famous masters of the Renaissance with a private art historian.
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.
The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour.
What's included
What's included
- Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs)
- Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Private art-historian guide
Not included
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
- This tour does not skip the line
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 10m
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.
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Stop 2 · 40m
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". -
Stop 3 · 15m
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.
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Stop 4 · 25m
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.
Meeting 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.
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
- Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
- 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
- The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
- Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
- St. Peter Basilica or its dome can be subject to partial unforeseen closures due to Vatican Administration
- 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.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Private Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $399.70 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs); Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica; Private art-historian guide.
Where does it start?
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.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in German, Portuguese, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 44 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Rome.
