Complete St Peters Basilica Tour With Dome Climb And Crypt - Rome

From
USD
Per Person
Book this tour with
Created with Fabric.js 5.2.4

Tour Information

Key Details

  • Mobile Voucher Accepted
  • Hotel pickup Available
  • Instant Confirmation
  • Lowest Price Guaranteed
  • Duration: 2 Hrs 30 Mins
  • Language:
    English
  • Departure Time :
    8:00 AM
  • Return Details :
    - Please note: the duration of the tour will change to 3 hours from April 1st, 2024. - The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-s.. read more
  • Cancellation Policy :
    This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

Overview

Immerse yourself in the history, architecture and lore of St. Peters Basilica with this all-access tour. Not only will you enjoy a full guided tour of the Basilica and Papal Crypt (not usually included Basilica and Vatican tours) with an expert guide, youll avoid long lines to climb up into the titanic dome early in the morning, and gape at the amazing views of Rome.

Know More about this tour


Your guide meets you just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and whisks you past the crowds for your trip to the grand Renaissance-era elegance of the basilica. An elevator carries you to the dome's first terrace, where you're surrounded by its beautiful artwork, and then 320 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome—from the square below you all the way across the Tiber.
Next, it's time for a journey through the basilica itself as your guide shows you the grandeur that defines one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire the exquisite detail of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing amid the space designed by Michelangelo, and then visit the famous bronze statue of St. Peter with the keys to heaven in his hand. Another special experience is waiting for you beneath the basilica as your guide gives you a rare look at the crypts of the Vatican grotto. With more than 100 tombs holding popes, Catholic monarchs, and famous figures, the crypts let you look back through almost 2,000 years of the church's history before you part ways with your guide at the tour's end.

Itinerary:


Your guide meets you just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and whisks you past the crowds for your trip to the grand Renaissance-era elegance of the basilica. An elevator carries you to the dome's first terrace, where you're surrounded by its beautiful artwork, and then 320 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome—from the square below you all the way across the Tiber.
Next, it's time for a journey through the basilica itself as your guide shows you the grandeur that defines one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire the exquisite detail of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing amid the space designed by Michelangelo, and then visit the famous bronze statue of St. Peter with the keys to heaven in his hand. Another special experience is waiting for you beneath the basilica as your guide gives you a rare look at the crypts of the Vatican grotto. With more than 100 tombs holding popes, Catholic monarchs, and famous figures, the crypts let you look back through almost 2,000 years of the church's history before you part ways with your guide at the tour's end.

Inclusions

  • Pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peters Basilica Dome with elevator access
  • Small groups of max 20 people
  • Expert English local guide

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Please note: the duration of the tour will change to 3 hours from April 1st, 2024.

Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team to make alternative arrangements.

After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.

Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Traveler Reviews

See all reviews
  • 25-Aug-2023

    The trip up to the dome wasn’t bad at all and you are rewarded with a lovely view with a cooling breeze. I saw even an elderly man with a can up there! The basilica is amazing! The highlight of our trip. The crypt was just ok.

  • 16-Aug-2023

    Great experience. Eddy was a fab tour guide - he was hilarious and very knowledgeable. Our teenage children were entertained and learnt a lot. We could see why the tour started early and it is definitely worth the early start to avoid the queues. The climb to the top of the dome is hard work and we were warned many times by our guide, however the views are spectacular! So glad we did this.

  • 14-Aug-2023

    Our guide, Cristina Torzilli, was EXCELLENT. She shared lots of interesting information (history, art, religion), and gave great tips for taking pictures. She is passionate about what she does and loves St Peter’s Basilica and it made the tour exceptional. 10/10 recommend!

  • 01-Aug-2023

    I am so glad we did the early morning tour. It's the ONLY way to go when visiting Rome during the busy holiday season. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and very easy to understand. We were grateful for that. The view from the done was spectacular, but be sure you're in good shape as it is a long climb even with the elevator. The tour is definitely worth it!

  • 29-Jul-2023

    Our tour guide was very funny and extremely knowledgeable about the history of St. Peter's Basilica! He used to be an archaeologist which explains his vast knowledge. It's definitely worth doing a tour especially if you don't know who the Popes are or the arts, you may not appreciate it as much. He was able to make a few funny jokes and expressed his honest opinions on a few art pieces. We were very lucky to have him guide us and us experiencing the 551 steps up climb to the top of the dome. Of course, there's an elevator too for a little extra euros. The top of the dome and the crypt were definitely worth the extra amounts to visit, learn, and experience.

  • 23-Jul-2023

    View from top of the dome was spectacular! Guide had great knowledge and was funny. Made the experience very enjoyable.

  • 20-Jul-2023

    A fantastic trip with a great guide. Didn't realize somany steps up the dome of the Vatican and a very hot day. In fact thought the lift went further than 3 floors!!! We are in our 70s and we made it even though we were exhausted. Recovered and that's the main thing and beautiful memories.

  • 14-Jul-2023

    Amazing expiriance. After elevator there is another 333 steps to walk. Only one person can pass up or down once you start going up there is not going back until you reach the top. It is worth to go up and see amazing view of Rome and Vatican City.

  • 12-Jul-2023

    We have had incredible tour guides with all of our Viator activities, however Ambra went above and beyond our expectations! She is an archaeologist, has a PHD and is a published author who has been conducting this tour for ten years. Personable and friendly, Ambra obviously loves her job. Ambra’s knowledge and unique ability to share facts in an interesting manner kept everyone in the tour group engaged. There wasn’t a question asked that she could not answer - her stories made everything come to life! Unbearably hot in Italy right now; Ambra was conscientious and aware of the need for water/rest breaks while also keeping us on schedule. Highly recommend this tour and if you can book Ambra, you will not be disappointed!

  • 09-Jul-2023

    Our tour guide (Jen I think) was amazing. She was hilarious and very informative. Spoke English very well and made the experience so much fun. The climb to the top is not for anyone who is claustrophobic or out of shape. Beautiful for sure and so worth it!

See all reviews