Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome Climb, and Underground Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
St. Peter's Basilica, located within Vatican City, is a symbol of religious devotion and architectural grandeur. A guided tour of this iconic basilica provides an immersive encounter with its historical, artistic, and spiritual dimensions.
Marvel at the Renaissance and Baroque architecture of this monumental church, including the awe-inspiring dome designed by Michelangelo.
Explore a treasure trove of masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo's "Pieta" and Bernini's "Baldacchino."
Discover the religious importance of St. Peter's Basilica as the burial site of St. Peter and a hub for major papal ceremonies.
Descend into the Vatican Grottoes to pay homage to the tombs of popes and saints, including the traditional resting place of St. Peter. Ascend to the top of the dome for panoramic vistas of Vatican City and Rome, offering a unique perspective on the Eternal City.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Please select the right option for the Dome climb or no Dome climb option
We offer a variety of tour options to suit your preferences: Italian Regular Tour (No Dome), German Regular Tour (No Dome), French Regular Tour (No Dome), Spanish Regular Tour (No Dome), English Regular Tour (No Dome), German Tour with Dome Climb, Italian Tour with Dome Climb, French Tour with Dome Climb, Spanish Tour with Dome Climb, English Tour with Dome Climb
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Headsets to clearly hear your guide
Professional and Licenced Guide
Entry tickets to the Dome. IF OPTION SELECTED
Entry to Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel
What To Expect
St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the holiest sites in Christianity. It is traditionally believed to be built on the burial site of Saint Peter, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). The basilica holds great religious and historical importance for Catholics. The basilica is renowned for its stunning Renaissance and Baroque architecture. It was designed by notable architects like Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Carlo Maderno, and Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
The Vatican Grottoes
The Vatican Grottoes, located beneath St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, are a sacred and historically significant underground complex. This subterranean space serves as the final resting place for numerous popes, saints, and notable figures from the history of the Catholic Church. Visitors to the Vatican Grottoes can explore a labyrinth of burial chambers and tombs, including the traditional resting place of St. Peter, one of Jesus' apostles and the first Bishop of Rome (Pope). The grottoes are adorned with artistic and decorative elements that reflect the rich heritage and religious significance of the Catholic faith. Accessible to tourists and pilgrims, the Vatican Grottoes provide a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the Church and pay homage to its revered figures. These underground chambers are a place of reverence, reflection, and historical exploration, offering a deeper understanding of the enduring legacy of the Catholic Church.
Options
English Tour with Dome Climb
German Regular Tour (No Dome)
German Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
French Tour with Dome Climb
Basilica Private Tour
Basilica Private Tour
Italian Tour with Dome Climb
Italian Regular Tour (No Dome)
Italian Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
French Regular Tour (No Dome)
French Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
English Regular Tour (No Dome)
English Regular Tour: The option include Complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Tombs, The Dome ticket is not included
Spanish Regular Tour (No Dome)
Spanish Regular Tour (No Dome): This option include complete guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs. The Dome ticket is not included
Spanish Tour with Dome Climb
German Tour with Dome Climb
Reviews
276 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Perfect guide. Must see spot!
Ester H,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an amazing tour, way beyond my expectations! I will say "underground" is misleading as this is not into the crypt per say but a lower level were the Pope's are buried. Our guide was amazing and had enough knowledge to talk during the hour we waited for the gates to open. Inside the basilica is indescribable and 100% worth visiting. Dome was neat but a little lacking after being inside the main basilica. Over amazing
The Perfect Guide makes for a Perfect Visit
Patricia H,
Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00How lucky we were to have Claudio as our guide. Knowledgeable, insightful, warm and welcoming, Claudio showed us the wonders of St Peter's Basilica in a way that helped us see past the vastness and understand that each area has purpose and meaning all its own. His wonderful humor and kindness rounded out what turned out to be a highlight of our time in Roma.
An exceptional guide saved the day
Michelle S,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Our guide Eva did a magnificent job under very trying circumstances. During a 2-hour wait to get through security she kept us entertained with history and stories about the Vatican. Then when we learned St Peter’s would be closing early that day for a papal mass, she adapted quickly and had us visit the dome first, so we wouldn’t run out of time to see it. She then managed to arrange for us to pass through the Holy Door and see Michelangelo’s Pieta, something that had not been on the agenda. She then toured us around the basilica very efficiently in the time remaining. Her enthusiasm and energy were infectious and so welcome, given the extraordinary crowds and the long waits in line, and she was extremely informative. BRAVA to Eva for managing to give us a very good visit on a really tough day.
we arrived at meeting...
Wayne Z,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00we arrived at meeting point before 9:00am, the travel guard was not there! The meeing point is a coffee shop. We checked with the shop owner, he told us it is the right place. according to him, the Dome climbing and touring of St Peter's Basilica is not possible because of special events in Vatican, why Kay Kay tour did not tell us? when I tried to contact by calling them or messgae them, but got no replies at all. I then spoke to Viator Support and ask for refund at moment.
Must do
Rebecca A,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Must-see. Impressive. Fascinating. Scholarly and friendly guide. The ascent of the dome is not mandatory.
Vatican greed ruins visit.
JY T,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00No fault of the tour guide but this attraction is a very poor experience. Queuing for the basilica and dome was appalling. 10 year old forced to queue amongst hundreds for over 90 minutes. Guide told us this was usual. Dome climb was worthwhile but the basilica was a cattle-market with lots of pushing and shoving. The guide was excellent but whole experience was let down by the Vatican wanting to make as much money by cramming in as many visitors as possible. What was supposed to be a 2.5 hour experience lasted 4.5 hours with at least 60% of this in a queue. To make matters worse the underground tour was cancelled due to an excess of visitor numbers. Very poor...our guide told us not to visit until 2027 if we wanted reduced queues.
Brilliant tour of St Peters
Andrea C,
Oct 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Claudio was a very engaging and super knowledgeable guide. Even when we had to wait in the queues - which can't be avoided - he filled every moment with information and interesting facts and anecdotes. Would recommend.
Tour guide did not turn up
Lisa K,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00We arrived on time for our Vatican tour but no one turned up. There was no communication. We tried many times to phone and message the company with no reply. There was another group who experienced the same problem as us. We never had a tour in the end. It was very disappointing. Would have given zero stars if this was possible
The Vatican - A holy place and a must visit.
Pradeep S,
Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Thanks Sophia you guided tour was impeccable with lot of humour , fun and information about the Vatican and it’s history. Gained so much knowledge. Thanks again !
St Peter's Basilica
Stephen P,
Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Fernando was outstanding. His knowledge of St Peter's and Rome was excellent. Great energy, super knowledgeable, and passionate about the subject matter. His coordination and timings for entry and exits throughout the tour worked beautifully.
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