Experience a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, including a climb to the top of the dome for breathtaking views of Rome. Explore the art and architecture of the Renaissance in small groups.
- St. Peter’s Square - Begin your tour at St. Peter’s Square and take in the grandeur of its majestic architecture. Discover the visual effects crafted by its designer, Bernini, and locate the two “special” spots within the square.
- St. Peter’s Basilica - Next, proceed to the Basilica to be awestruck by its splendor. Learn why it took 150 years to reconstruct and marvel at the golden ceilings and the stunning mosaics surrounding you.
Let your art-historian guide introduce you to famous masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassical art. Be captivated by the harmonious 30-meter-high canopy and admire the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo’s “Pietà”.
- Vatican Grottoes - Descend into the underground grottoes to visit St. Peter’s tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and appreciate the beautiful frescoes.
- Cupola di San Pietro - Then, ascend to the top of the Dome. Enjoy a bird’s-eye view over the marble floors and get an exclusive close-up look at the dome’s mosaics.
Climb even higher to reach the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama of Rome and beyond. Spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant’Angelo, and other iconic monuments from a height of 136 meters. Relish a breathtaking view of St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican gardens.
- Vatican City - All the areas visited are part of Vatican City.
- Professional art-historian guide
- Thorough guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
- Sterilized headsets to hear clearly your guide
- Guided tour of St. Peter Dome
- Entry fees to the top of the Dome
- Full on-site assistance
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
- This tour does not skip the line (neither the security checks one nor the dome’s elevator one)
Embark on an extraordinary journey commencing at St. Peter’s Square, where the architectural brilliance of Bernini unfolds.
Then enter the awe-inspiring 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.
Immerse yourself in a blend of art, history, and mesmerizing panoramas, ensuring a “wow-ing” experience in the heart of Vatican City. Enjoy a unique adventure, where architectural marvels intertwine with iconic heritage landmarks, promising an unforgettable exploration.
- 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 Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
- 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
- Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
- Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
