Explore the Wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica and Its Iconic Dome! Begin your journey with a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most awe-inspiring landmarks in the world. With your expert English-speaking guide, uncover the rich history, breathtaking art, and hidden treasures of this Renaissance masterpiece. Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, the stunning mosaics, and the grandeur of the basilica’s interior.
Then, take your adventure to new heights as you ascend to the dome, the highest point in Vatican City. Enjoy an unforgettable climb and be rewarded with panoramic views of the Eternal City and the Vatican’s beautiful gardens. This unique experience offers a perfect blend of history, art, and jaw-dropping views, making it a must-see for any visit to Rome!
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Entrance into St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Crypts with the Pope Tombs
✔ Entrance into St. Peter’s Dome by lift
✔ Headsets when appropriate
✔ Expert, English-speaking tour guide
✖ Food and Drinks
✖ Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Departure & Return
Departure:
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Meet at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Facing the Arches, our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk stand.
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Vatican City
Climb to the top of the highest point in the Vatican City, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, and get panoramic views over historic Rome and the Vatican state from this Renaissance masterpiece.
Duration: 30 minutes
2
St. Peter's Square
The welcoming arms of St. Peter’s Square is just near where you’ll meet your expert English-speaking guide for the climb to the highest point in the Vatican. To get started, they will take you by elevator up to the balcony viewing platform inside the majestic dome. Once there, they will show you Michelangelo’s windows that circle you, Bernini’s bronze canopy that was built to protect the altar and the mosaics which give the dome it’s signature blue and gold colors.
Your guide will leave you at the spiral staircase where you start your approach to the top viewing platform on the dome. From here, you climb at your own pace up the 320 steps. When you reach the top, you’ll be standing on the highest point in Vatican City.
Duration: 45 minutes
3
Cupola di San Pietro
You will start your visit of the Basilica by climb your way up to the top of the Dome. Enjoy a 360 degrees view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome, designed by Michelangelo. Go even higher to be at the top balcony and be amazed by the incredible scenery over Rome. You will be able to see the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and more from 136 meters above ground.
Duration: 45 minutes
4
St. Peter's Basilica
One of the advantages of climbing inside the dome is that it allows you to descend right into the basilica. You can ignore all those lines that are waiting to get inside the basilica. You can go straight in by following the stairs down.
Here the guide will take you through the main highlights. You will discover the incredible Papal Altar under Bernini’s Baldachin, and marvel at Michelangelo’s other timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you explore the most important church in the Christian world.
Duration: 45 minutes
5
The Vatican Grottoes
Your tour ends with a visit to the subterranean crypts of the Basilica, where many famous Pope’s have their monumental tombs. Once outside again, you can admire Bernini’s clever optical illusion in St. Peter’s Square, spot the balcony from which the Pope delivers his public addresses and snap photos of the basilica’s heavenly façade, having covered the Vatican and St. Peter’s from top to bottom!
Duration: 15 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
• Not recommended for those who suffer from claustrophobia and/or vertigo
• Please note that the dome’s elevator only takes you to the first terrace. In order to climb to the top of the dome you will have to use stairs (320 steps). Please allow yourself approximately 20 extra minutes if you wish to climb up to the dome of St Peters from there.
• We may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues
• Only small bags are allowed
• Tickets for the dome cannot be pre-bought. The group will have to queue for the guide to acquire them on the day of the tour.
