St. Peter’s Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Crypts

From USD $58.00
  • Duration: 2 Hours (approx.)
  • Location: Rome, Lazio
  • Product code: WIR_Dome_bas

Begin your day at the Vatican with an ascent to the top of St. Peter's Dome where you’ll take in the most unforgettable view of Rome before entering the Basilica itself to marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini as well as the Papal grottoes buried beneath the church. 


What We Love About This Tour: 

Tour St. Peter’s Basilica literally from “Top to bottom” with this exclusive guided tour

Get up close and inside Michaelangelo’s majestic dome and experience a view of Rome like no other

Visit the “Vatacombs,” the eerie resting place of former Popes beneath St. Peter’s Basilica


Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter's Square and leave Rome behind you as you cross over into Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica just as they open to the public. Once inside, get ready to take in the most spectacular views of Rome as the elevator carries you up to the Terrace Level of the Basilica (or walk if you prefer and earn yourself a gelato later)!

At the Terrace level decide whether to relax and take in the view or climb the remaining 320 steps up to the summit, where the breathtaking view of Rome and beyond is simply breathtaking. Your guide will point out all the most interesting historical landmarks in every direction, be they in Vatican City, the wider city of Rome, or further afield. At this point, take as many photographs as you can; you’re a very long way up and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime climb, so don’t hold back!

As what goes up must come down, join us on a descent into the lower level of the Basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” a series of grottoes containing Papal crypts and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries. Next on this adventure will be an in-depth visit of St. Peter’s Basilica— an absolute triumph of art and architecture unmatched anywhere else on earth. This is where Bernini’s brilliance and Michelangelo’s genius rise above Holy Papal tombs and the perceived necropolis of St. Peter himself.


Tour Offered: 

English: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00am

Spanish: Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00am

French: Monday, Thursday, Saturday at 8:00am

Italian: Thursday, Friday, Saturday at 8:00am 

(departures may vary between 1 November - March 31) 

Duration:    Approx. 2 Hours 

 

What’s Included: 

  • Expert local guide

  • Tickets to St. Peter’s Dome 

  • Guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica 

  • Access to the Vatacombs, crypts beneath St. Peter’s 

  • Small groups of max 20 participants

  

Not included: 

  • Hotel pickup and dropoff 

  • Gratuities

  • Personal extras 

  • Visit to the Necropolis / Scavi 

  • Vatican Museums entrance and tickets

 

Important to Know:

  • The final ascent by foot to the Dome summit requires climbing 320 somewhat steep steps in a confined area. People suffering from claustrophobia or any other health conditions that could pose a problem should strongly consider remaining at the terrace level.

  • Tour departs rain or shine

  • Unfortunately, wheelchairs and strollers cannot be accommodated on this tour.

 

Important to Bring: 

  • Comfortable shoes for walking and stair climbing

 

Covid-19 compliance: For the most accurate and up to date information click here

In accordance with Italian Covid-19 safety regulations, all guests ages 12 and older will be required to show proof of Vaccination (Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson or AstraZeneca) or a negative Covid-test taken within 48 hours of the tour.

Please note that due to current local Covid-19 measures, all customers will be required to bring and wear a mask during the entire visit.

Temperature checks may also take place at tour venues; if your temperature is above 37.5°C you will unfortunately not be able to attend the tour.

 

Special Requirements for Vatican Tours: 

  • A strict dress code is in place at the Vatican. While short pants are permitted, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women. Shorts must come to knee length.  
  • Large bags, knives or other weapons will not be permitted inside the Museums.

Terms and conditions:

  • Changes and cancellation are possible free of charge up to 96 hours before the start time. If the desired change involves a tour of greater value, the balance will be due upon rebooking.
  • Any cancellations made within 96 hours and no-shows are non-refundable.
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult to join a tour or an activity.

See https://www.italiadeals.com/terms for complete terms and conditions