St. Peter's Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover St. Piter's Basilica ( one of the finest cathedrals) on a guided tour small group with a professional art historian. Enjoy a rare bird's- eye view over Rome with this tour that's includes a climb to the top of it's dome.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Dome tickets by elevetor
Tour guide
All Fees and Taxes
Good quality headsets
Transportation is not included
Skip the line
What To Expect
St. Peter's Square
The most famous and the biggest square of the Vatican City. In the middle of the huge square enjoy the Obelisk from Egypt (over 2500 years old) 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.
The Vatican Grottoes
Enjoy a visit to the Papal Grottoes, the vast crypt under St. Peter's Basilica. Built 3 meters below the level of the Basilica, they are located just under the great altar in the middle of the central nave. Here, you can see where hundreds of popes and members of royalty have been buried since the 11th century.
Options
Spanish Group of Max 30 people
SPANISH TOUR : This option is for a Spanish tour in a group of a maximum of 30 participants
French Group of Max. 30 people
FRENCH TOUR : This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 30 participants
German Group of Max. 30 people
GERMAN TOUR : This option is for a German tour in a group of a maximum of 30 participants
English Group max. 10 people
SMALL GROUP ENGLISH TOUR: Small group tour (Maximum 10 participants) with an English speaking guide.
English Group of Max 30 people
ENGLISH TOUR: This option is for an English tour in a group of a maximum of 30 participants
PORTUGUESE TOUR
Italian Group Tour max 30 pax
ITALIAN TOUR : This option is for an Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 30 participants
Reviews
182 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Alexandra’s guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
Gretchen B,
Nov 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was very well organized and our tour guide Alexandra, was so very knowledgeable about the history of the Basilica. She told us about facts that I had never heard before and this was my 3rd trip. Highly recommend this tour and this guide!
Rough start, great guide
Tresa A,
Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had issues with the company Best In Rome. We got placed in the wrong language group…the meet place on the instructions did not show up correctly on Google Maps, so we had a hard time finding the meet place. However, when we finally got with our correct guide, our guide, Alexandra, was a delight! Friendly, knowledgeable, and very attentive…she saved our rough start 100%.
3 hours wait. Big group/ 30 people. Overwhelming but we all want to see St Peter’s. Don’t go on a day the Pope says mass
Diane G,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Tour guide was great. But, It was just so crowded it was hard to enjoy. Took 3 hours to get in. All Saints weekend. Go on a weekday if you want less crowds. We did the crypt. It was like a gas chamber at the holocaust. 12 deep- hundreds and hundreds crammed into an underground space. Don’t go if claustrophobic and you mind not seeing anything because you are stuck in the middle. And hot!!! November- just too hot..
Fabulous view
Josephine L,
Oct 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Wear very comfortable walking shoes. Karen is an excellent tour guide. She's clear and very informative.. We booked the dome with the elevator. THANK GOD. There is absolutely no way we would have been able to climb the stairs all the way. As it was, halfway was exhausting. I suggest taking your time. It's the only way. Once up there the view is incredible. Definitely worth the effort. Didn't want to wait for the elevator down. The line was long. So we walked all the way down. Definitely not as bad as going up. Enjoy your trip. Karen was very aware of our wants and needs. We felt completely at ease. Thank you Karen. You're awesome!!
Must See in Rome!
anthony m,
Oct 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00There's a bit of waiting in "lines" and can be a bit congested. Romina was a great guide and kept everyone informed and together. Highly recommend the dome option, as it's an incredible view both inside and outside St. Peter's! The Basilica is a thing of wonder, beauty, awe and so many other adjectives, whether a Catholic like me or not! Highly recommend.
Dangerous and disorganized
JohnA H,
Oct 9, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Our guide did not help us in a dangerous crowd. We lost him and had to guide ourselves. Don't bother. Hope to get our money back. Viator outsources through Best Tours, which is WORST tours
Tour guide was great, we...
James F,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Tour guide was great, we would of liked to of been informed that the basilica was closed from 1pm on and as a result we did not get to do the dome the main thing on our list, very poor management.
It was an excellent tour....
Janie S,
Oct 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It was an excellent tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable and friendly and did a great job of herding cats in a very crowded space. We highly recommend the climb up to the top of the Basilica dome. The views inside and out are fantastic, and, as our guide said, climbing all the stairs entitled us to double portions of pasta at dinner that night.
A must when in Rome
Lynne M,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00St. Peter’s Basilica is beauty and opulence at its finest. Our guide Volodymyr was so kind and knowledgeable. The views from the top of the Dome are indescribable. This tour included the catacombs, the square, the basilica and the dome. We were privileged to be there during a Jubilee year and to walk through the Jubilee door. Volodymyr Was great at navigating around the large groups of pilgrims to ensure that we got the most out of our experience.
Fantastic guide (Kelly)...
Brian M,
Oct 5, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic guide (Kelly) and an absolutely amazing experience! Very busy because of the Jubilee but worth the wait!
From €49.00
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Operated by Best In Rome Tour