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Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour

9 Reviews 4.89 out of 5 stars Based on 9 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 100% of reviewers | Vatican City, Italy

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On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
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Overview

Enjoy the visit of some of the world’s most significant works of art and hear something of the history and stories surrounding the magnificent locations where they are housed. 
Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the
best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you
landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
Enjoy this superb private 2-hour walking tour.

What's Included

  • Private tour
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

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

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Cupola di San Pietro

The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is best seen from an up-close perspective. A short lift ride will take you to the main level inside the vault. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of the staggering mosaics and stunning elaborate embellishments. This view affords the best perspective to appreciate the artisans’ skills and techniques used to create such intricate work.Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Porta Santa

is traditionally an entrance portal located within the Papal major basilicas in Rome. The doors are normally sealed by mortar and cement from the inside so that they cannot be opened. They are ceremoniously opened during Jubilee years designated by the Pope, for pilgrims who enter through those doors may piously gain the plenary indulgences attached with the Jubilee year celebrations.
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30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.
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1 hour • 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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during your tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.

Frequently Asked Questions

(6)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Dome Climb & St. Peter’s Basilica Private Tour?

A: This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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Activity code: C-101939P2

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Reviews

4.89
9 reviews

Average 4.89 out of 5 stars based on 9 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
8
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 17 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private tour
  • Guaranteed to skip the long lines
  • Professional art historian guide
  • Gratuities
  • Private transportation
  • Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during your tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.

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Non-refundable

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This tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

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