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Private Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes

25 Reviews 5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 25 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers |
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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1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Overview

Combine e thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with a climb to the top of the dome for the best panoramic view of Rome.

Discover marvels of art and architecture created by world-famous masters of the Renaissance with a private art historian.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged.

What's Included

  • Entry fees to the top of the Dome
  • Full on-site assistance
  • Private art-historian guide
  • The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
  • This tour does not skip the line (both the security check one and the dome elevator one)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Largo del Colonnato
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

What To Expect

St. Peter's Square

Start your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects as were thought by its designer, Bernini, and find the two "special" spots in the square.
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10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

St. Peter's Basilica

Then head towards the Basilica to be amazed by its magnificence. See why it took 150 years to rebuild and marvel at the golden ceilings and the impressive mosaics all around you.Let your art-historian guide lead you through renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".
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40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Vatican Grottoes

Descend into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Cupola di San Pietro

Then climb your way up to the top of the Dome. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome.Go even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond. Spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments from the height of 136 meters. Enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.
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25 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • 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
  • The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks

Frequently Asked Questions

(7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Tour of St Peter’s Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes?

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-55341P37

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Reviews

5.00
25 reviews

Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 25 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
25
4 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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What's Included

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Entry fees to the top of the Dome
  • Full on-site assistance
  • Private art-historian guide
  • Guided tour of St. Peter Dome
  • Sterilized headsets to hear clearly your guide
  • Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
  • The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
  • This tour does not skip the line (both the security check one and the dome elevator one)

Additional Info

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
  • Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
  • Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
  • 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
  • The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
  • Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
  • St. Peter Basilica or its dome can be subject to partial unforeseen closures due to Vatican Administration
  • Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. The tickets are nominative, therefore, failure to present a voucher with all travellers' full names may result in denied entry
  • Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry
  • PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged
  • Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Cancellation Policy

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

Free cancellation
100% refund
No refund

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).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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American Museum of Natural History Admission Ticket

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