St. Peters Dome Climb with Guided Tour of the Basilica & Papal Crypts

Piazza della Città Leonina, 00193 Roma, RM, Italy, Rome, Italy

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St. Peter’s Dome Climb with Guided Tour of the Basilica & Papal Crypts

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Overview

Languages

English

Voucher type

mobile

What To Expect

Enjoy a day exploring one of Rome's most iconic tourist attractions with the help of an expert guide. Climb the iconic Dome of St. Peter's for spectacular panoramas over the city, enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica itself and visit the tombs of the most important Popes. You'll see it all!Start your day early to beat the crowds and be among the first to climb up the Dome. With commentary from your expert English-speaking Vatican guide, you’ll take a short walk along the St. Peter’s Square before arriving at the lift that will take you up to the base of the Dome. Here you will be able to admire its beautiful interior, then continue climbing 320 steps to get to the very top. You will be rewarded with the most magnificent views over the Eternal City – no view in Rome is comparable to this. Snap some incredible shots and enjoy the panorama, before meeting your guide again for a guided tour of the Basilica. After, you will take advantage of the access already gained in the morning, to visit St. Peter’s Basilica with our expert guide, without having to join the long lines to enter it. Here the guide will take you through the main highlights. You will discover the incredible Papal Altar under Bernini’s Baldachin and marvel at Michelangelo’s other timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you explore the most important church in the Christian world. Your tour ends with a visit to the subterranean crypts of the Basilica, where many famous Pope’s have their monumental tombs. Once outside again, you can admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion in St. Peter’s Square, spot the balcony from which the Pope delivers his public addresses and snap photos of the basilica’s heavenly façade, having covered the Vatican and St. Peter’s from top to bottom!

What to remember

Important info

It is the responsibility of all visitors to ensure they check the official travel advice on the government websites
Please note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome, you will have to use stairs (320 steps)
This tour is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia and/or vertigo, heart or other serious medical conditions, and comfortable shoes are recommended
This tour is unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any impairments requiring special assistance. It is also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages
Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, you may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, you are strongly suggested to avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area which may result in your having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance
It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated and missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded
Please note that there is no skip-the-line entrance to the Dome’s ticket office or at St. Peter’s Basilica’s security line, hence there may be some waiting time before we access the dome
Entrance into the Basilica and Dome complex requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women
Group size limited to 25 people or less

What's included

Entrance into St. Peter’s Dome. Entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica. Entrance into Crypts with Pope’s tombs. Expert, English-speaking tour guide. Headsets when appropriate

What's not included

Gratuities. Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Food and drinks

Know Before You Go

Highlights

Climb the iconic Dome of St. Peter’s for magnificent panoramas over Rome and the Vatican City. Enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the famous Baldachin and the tomb of St. John Paul II. Visit the tombs of the most important Popes in a special crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Hear enlightening commentary from a local Vatican expert guide throughout the tour

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel your tour until a day in advance

Provider

City Wonders

Meeting Point

Your meeting point is at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Facing the Arches, our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk. Arriving from Ottaviano - Musei Vaticani metro A station: Exit the turnstiles – take the St. Peter’s Basilica exit. Once you exit the metro station walk down Via Ottaviano until you reach Piazza Risorgimento. Continue walking straight across the Risorgimento square and you will see the Vatican walls – follow Via di Porta Angelica until you arrive at the arches bordering Piazza della Città Leonina. Facing the arches, the meeting point is located on the left side, at the corner, next to the newspaper stand.