Rome St.Peter Dome, Basilica, Grottoes Morning Private Tour
3 Reviews
5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 3 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
|
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
|
Rome, Italy
2 to 3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Overview
The best Panoramic Tour of Rome!
Climb St. Peter's Dome and join Basilica's Exclusive Early Morning Tour Private Tour. Visit the Vatican at the quietest time before the crowds descend. Meet your guide and enjoy an intimate, exclusive tour—delight in the wonders of this site in the most unique of Rome and the Vatican State experience. By an elevator, head up to the first level of the dome to the viewing balcony. Admire the Basilica's inside view of the dome on the Bernini’s canopy below and the array of incredible mosaics which circle the dome. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the dome (320 steps), at 448 ft (150 Mt), from the highest point within Rome, and admire breathtaking city views, including the Vatican Gardens below. Come down from the Dome to enter the Basilica to admire the Pietà of Michelangelo and all the masterpieces adorning the Basilica before descending to the underground crypts & St. Peter's Tomb.
What's Included
- On-site and Office assistance
- Dome's Admission fees/Tickets and elevator
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Private Guided tour of Vatican Underground Grottoes
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Dome
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Square
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (recommended)
- Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour and tickets
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Largo del Colonnato
00193 Roma RM, Italy
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
The tour will end or in St. Peter's Basilica or in St. Peter's Square in agreement with the participants of the private tour
What To Expect
St. Peter's Square
ST. PETER'S PRIVATE VIP TOUR - St. Peter’s Square This square, surrounded by a majestic quadruple colonnade displays the largest church of the Christian world: St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro). It is also the heart of Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, which was in antiquity occupied by Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians, including St. Peter, were martyred. In the centre of this 320 meter-wide piazza stands an Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD. In 1656 Bernini began building the quadruple colonnade of 284 columns in 88 rows, which according to the artist symbolize the “gathering of Christendom.” From two points in the square which are marked on the ground by a stone, the four concentric rings of columns visually merge into one. The balustrade supported by the columns is decorated with 140 statues of saints. The huge door of the basilica is framed by statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
St. Peter's Basilica
ST. PETER'S BASILICA PRIVATE VIP TOUR - St. Peter’s Basilica EARLY MORNING GUIDED TOUR Churches don’t get bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica, in every sense of the word. Not only is it physically colossal, but it’s also the home of the Catholic Church. Enter the historic walls of Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, to discover the focal point of a historical and spiritual pilgrimage. One of the apostles and the first Pope, St. Peter was crucified in Rome in 64 AD. There’s strong evidence suggesting that his body is buried beneath the Basilica’s main altar. If you love architecture, St. Peter’s is a stunning example of the style. And even if the spiritual side isn’t for you, it’s hard not to be moved by such a magnificent building. As St. Peter’s isn’t the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, it’s not actually a cathedral and remains a not-so-humble church Started in 306 AD, St. Peter’s took over 1,300 years to reach its complete stage in 1626.
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Cupola di San Pietro
VIP EARLY MORNING PRIVATE TOUR Italian breakfast Included.The dome of St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The dome was designed by Michelangelo who worked on the basilica's construction beginning in 1547. There are two levels to the climb: the first part takes you to the interior of the dome which offers magnificent views of the basilica below as well as a chance to see the mosaics up close. Visitors can either walk the 320 steps or take the elevator, and this part of the visit also includes a trip out onto the roof, behind the statues of Jesus and the Apostles. The second part of the visit is optional and is for the slightly more adventurous visitor. It involves climbing a total of 320 steps which become progressively narrower and more winding, ending in a tight, corkscrew staircase. If you suffer from claustrophobia, this is not for you. However once on top of the Dome, you will have a bird's-eye view of Vatican City as well as a breathtaking panorama of Rome, spread out 136m below
1 hour • Admission Ticket Included
The Vatican Grottoes
VATICAN GROTTOES PRIVATE EARLY MORNING GUIDED TOUR The Vatican Grottoes is the vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is basically a cave of artificial or natural origin that is used by people, usually for burial purposes. The Vatican Grottoes is the vast underground graveyard below St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is basically a cave of artificial or natural origin that is used by people, usually for burial purposes. This is the place that houses the tombs of several popes and saints. In fact, the Vatican Grottoes is the burial place of 91 popes and some other church dignitaries such as cardinals dating back to the 10th century and onwards. In addition, the grottoes also include some tombs of secular monarchs such as the tomb of Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the tomb of the Stuarts, and the tomb of Queen Christina of Sweden. The grottoes are located above the necropolis where you can find the holy tomb of St Peter the fisherman, the first bishop of Rome (Pope).
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Vatican City
The Vatican City (the smallest country in the world) is located in the very heart of Rome. It attracts millions of pilgrims from all over the world, who come every year to gather in prayer and seek the blessing of the Pope. A beloved destination for all those visitors attracted by the magnificent artworks and its foremost monument is St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church on the globe and its imposing dome. The Basilica overlooks St. Peter's Square, designed by Bernini in the 17th Century, who realized the imposing lateral colonnades, consisting of 284 Doric-style columns that are topped by 140 10.17-feet-tall statues of saints and six large coats of arms of Alexander VII Chigi. Thanks to the genius of Bernini's architecture, the columns are arrayed perfectly one behind the other; positioned on their porphyry disks, as if by magic they seem to move. The piazza's longest diameter measures 787 feet in length, while the central obelisk stands at a height of more than 82 feet.
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Activity not recommended for people with motor lag
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note: Entrance tickets included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
- The entrance timings to the Basilica listed here are indicative and subject to availability per each time slot. If the chosen time is not available, we will book the next available time slot.
- Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.
- The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened.
- To facilitate the security checks please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray
- Forbidden objects inside the Basilica: bottles and glasses containers, alcoholic beverages and aerosols, backpacks, camping, bulky bags and luggage / trolley
- Can be introduced small size backpacks to shoulder, which must be checked, as any other bag, with metal detectors, opened and visually inspected by the Urbe Security Institute, responsible for the entrance inspection
- Please notice that the Vatican City Administration, has the faculty to close the Basilica , or parts of it, with or without notice, for religious events, heavy rain, or any other reason. In which case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund
- Activity subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
- For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Pets are not allowed
- WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA DURING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CEREMONIES (Audiences, Beatifications, Masses of the POPE). The Basilica is often subject to sudden closures. In these cases it is not possible to guarantee access to the Basilica.
- Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
- Not recommended for people with those with walking disabilities or walker users
Frequently Asked Questions
(7)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rome St.Peter Dome, Basilica, Grottoes Morning Private Tour?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-153188P25
Reviews
5.00
3 reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 3 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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3
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3 stars
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2 stars
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1 star
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Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
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 Rome St.Peter Dome, Basilica, Grottoes Morning Private Tour?
A:Apr 2025
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).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- On-site and Office assistance.
- Dome's Admission fees/Tickets and elevator.
- All Fees and Taxes.
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica.
- Private Guided tour of Vatican Underground Grottoes.
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Dome.
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Square.
The following is NOT included:
- Hotel pickup and drop-off.
- Food and drinks.
- Gratuities (recommended).
- Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour and tickets.
Q:
What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
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:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Rome St.Peter Dome, Basilica, Grottoes Morning Private Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Activity not recommended for people with motor lag
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Rome St.Peter Dome, Basilica, Grottoes Morning Private Tour 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 2024What's Included
- On-site and Office assistance
- Dome's Admission fees/Tickets and elevator
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Private Guided tour of Vatican Underground Grottoes
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Dome
- Private Guided tour of St. Peter's Square
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities (recommended)
- Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour and tickets
Additional Info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Activity not recommended for people with motor lag
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please note: Entrance tickets included. This voucher will not be accepted if presented directly at the venue.
- The entrance timings to the Basilica listed here are indicative and subject to availability per each time slot. If the chosen time is not available, we will book the next available time slot.
- Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.
- The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened.
- To facilitate the security checks please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray
- Forbidden objects inside the Basilica: bottles and glasses containers, alcoholic beverages and aerosols, backpacks, camping, bulky bags and luggage / trolley
- Can be introduced small size backpacks to shoulder, which must be checked, as any other bag, with metal detectors, opened and visually inspected by the Urbe Security Institute, responsible for the entrance inspection
- Please notice that the Vatican City Administration, has the faculty to close the Basilica , or parts of it, with or without notice, for religious events, heavy rain, or any other reason. In which case, we will offer an alternative itinerary as it seems fit and offer a partial refund
- Activity subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
- No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
- For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Pets are not allowed
- WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA DURING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CEREMONIES (Audiences, Beatifications, Masses of the POPE). The Basilica is often subject to sudden closures. In these cases it is not possible to guarantee access to the Basilica.
- Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
- Not recommended for people with those with walking disabilities or walker users
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