The Ultimate Basilica Tour with Dome & Crypts | Small Group

At a glance

The Ultimate Basilica Tour with Dome & Crypts | Small Group is a 3h small-group experience in Rome, Italy, operated by What a Life Tours. Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 16 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $113.38 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Dome and St. Peter's Basilica, English Speaking Guide, Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by elevator to the half way).

Quick facts

Duration

3h

Group

Small group, up to 12 travellers

Languages

English

Pickup

Meet at the start point

Confirmation

Instant confirmation

Ticket

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

Cancellation

Free cancellation (see policy)

Overview

Itinerary

1. Stop 1 · 15m

   We do start from the historical district of Rome, called Borgo. The guide will make an introduction to the Vatican City and show you secret passages of the Pope.

2. Stop 2 · 15m

   St. Peter’s Square in is one of the most famous (and certainly one of the most holy!) sights in the world. It was designed in the 17th century by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, who was known as the most accomplished architect in Rome at the time. Pope Alexander VIII, who commissioned the piazza, asked Bernini to emphasize St. Peter’s importance as “the gateway to Heaven” and the architect implemented the request beautifully. He divided the square into a smaller trapezoidal area adjoining the Basilica and an oval main part, which together create a ground plan in the shape of a giant keyhole.

3. Stop 3 · 2h

   The view from the top of St. Peter's Dome is hailed far and wide as the best panorama of Rome. From these heights you will also be able to gaze over the whole of Vatican City, with its splendid gardens. This is 360° of pure magic as the Eternal City stretches to the hills beyond, and your guide will help you spot many a famous roof and dome, from the Pantheon, to Castel Sant'Angelo and more.

4. Stop 4 · 15m

   Known by a number of names, Vatican Crypts, Vatican Grottoes, or the catchy 'Vatacombs', this is the enormous underground cemetery below St. Peter's that houses the hallowed tombs of various popes, martyrs, kings and other faithful that the central church in Catholicism has collected over its millennia of history. You can even see a few columns of the original St. Peter's Basilica built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD.

5. Stop 5

   Pass by the smallest of the world, the Vatican City, through the Colonnade of Bernini.

Meeting point

Good to know

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• 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
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• St. Peter's Basilica is an active parish and therefore subject to last-minute closures due to mass or other religious events. In these cases, the tour will be canceled and fully refunded.
• The tour operator purchases priority tickets for all guests. Please note that the skip-the-line entrance must pass through security, which can also take 20 minutes. Regular line takes hours to go inside.
• All participants MUST cover their knees and shoulders during visits to religious sites. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
• 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.
• 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 Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour.
• We are not 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 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 ID document (or a photo of said ID) 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.
• Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
• Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Frequently asked questions