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St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt

271 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 271 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 98% of reviewers
98% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Rome, Italy
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from $88.30 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 210 (190) days in advance.
2 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Make the most of your time at visit St Peter’s Basilica, climb its dome, and see the papal crypt on this all-access tour complete with priority entry. Starting early, you’ll see St. Peter’s Square without the large daytime crowds, then head to the top of the dome for panoramic vistas over the capital. Tour the basilica to admire Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ among other highlights, then finish with a visit to the papal crypt — a site normally missed by other tour groups. Numbers are limited to 20 for a small-group experience.

What's Included

  • Pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peter’s Basilica Dome with elevator access
  • Groups of max 20 people
  • Expert English local guide
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza della Città Leonina
00193 Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

On St. Peter's terrace

What To Expect

St. Peter's Square

Meet your guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and head past the crowds, straight into 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 231 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.
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1 hour 45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

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.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-15693P41

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Reviews

4.86
271 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 271 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
245
4 stars
20
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 star
2

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 210 (190) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peter’s Basilica Dome with elevator access.
  • Groups of max 20 people.
  • Expert English local guide.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peter’s Basilica Dome with elevator access
  • Groups of max 20 people
  • Expert English local guide
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
  • Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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Free Cancellation

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100% refund
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).

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