Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Embark on an extraordinary journey commencing at St. Peter's Square, where the architectural brilliance of Bernini unfolds.
Then enter the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, a realm adorned with golden ceilings, vibrant marbles, and masterpieces like Michelangelo's Pietà. Delve into the Papal grottoes underground, touching ancient walls and visiting St. Peter's tomb for a profound historical encounter.
The grand crescendo awaits as you ascend to the dome's summit, offering both close encounters with intricate mosaics and panoramic views of Rome's iconic landmarks. From this lofty perch at 136 meters, immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas, spotting the Colosseum, Pantheon, and beyond.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather conditions. In that case, you can either ask for a partial refund and visit the Basilica and the grottoes or decide to cancel the tour for a full refund
An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
Please take into consideration that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
We recommend to wear comfortable walking shoes
Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour
We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals
Strollers are not allowed in the Basilica. There is a luggage deposit at the entrance of the basilica where you can leave the stroller
Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. The tickets are nominative, therefore, failure to present a voucher with all travellers' full names may result in denied entry
Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry
PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged
Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica
Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Professional art-historian guide
Guided tour of St. Peter Dome and St. Peter's Basilica
Sterilized headsets to hear clearly your guide
Entry fees to the top of the Dome
Full on-site assistance
The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
This tour does not skip the line (neither the security checks one nor the dome's elevator one)
What To Expect
St. Peter's Square
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.
St. Peter's Basilica
Then head towards the Basilica to be amazed by its magnificence. See why it took 150 years to rebuild and marvel at the golden ceilings and the impressive mosaics all around you. Let your art-historian guide lead you through renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".
Options
Private Tour in English
Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in English
Private Tour in Italian
Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Italian
ENGLISH GROUP FASTTRACK ACCESS
ENGLISH Group Fast-Track Tour: Small group tour (max 30) with dedicated security check entrance (not for dome access).
Duration: 2 hours
Spanish Group of Max.10 People
Spanish tour: This option is for a Spanish tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
French Group of Max.10 People
French tour: This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
Private Tour in French
Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in French
English Group of Max.10 People
English tour: This option is for a English tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
Italian Group of Max.25 People
Italian Tour: This option is for an Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
Spanish Group of Max.25 People
Spanish Tour: This option is for a Spanish tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
Italian Group of Max.10 People
Italian tour: This option is for a Italian tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
German Group of Max.25 People
German Tour: This option is for a German tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
Private Tour in Spanish
Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Spanish
German Group of Max.10 People
German tour: This option is for a German tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
French Group of Max.25 People
French Tour: This option is for a French tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
Private Tour in Portuguese
Private Tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Portuguese
Private Tour in German
Private Tour : Select this option for Private guided tour in German
Portuguese Group Max.10 People
Portuguese tour: This option is for a Portuguese tour in a group of a maximum of 10 participants.
English Group of Max.25 People
English Tour: This option is for an English tour in a group of a maximum of 25 participants.
Reviews
2,359 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour Guide
Caleb E,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Totally worth it! I believe the name of our tour guide was Francesca who worked hard to make sure our group progressed as fast as possible maintaining our position in the crowded line especially for the dome climb. Unforgettable experience!
Amazing
Cosmopolitan787451,
Nov 2, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Francesca was an amazing tour guide. She was so informative and friendly! If it wasn't for this tour, I wouldn't have stepped foot in the Vatican due to the long lines! I am so thankful I decided to book this tour!
Perfect tour guide!
Ian S,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Sarah was great, told us so much on the way in and took us all around St. Peter’s basilica. We came out of there with so much new knowledge. Just so happened the pope walked through while we’re walking around in there.
Brilliant tour for teenagers and their family
Kate H,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour guide was excellent. All three of my children said sabastian was fab and had their interest for 2 hours. He guided us through the packed cathedral so well.
Our Trip to Rome
Koffi L,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a good time in Rome, especially touring St Peter's Basilica going up it's dome in the Vatican City.
Very informative...
Carmen B,
Oct 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative experience. Valentine gave us history of Vatican and also some of his personal experiences. We need not walk dome as raining and too many steps
Best tour of the Basilica
Mark K,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great experience, much more than I expected. The tour guide, Valentin, was amazing. He was pleasant in voice and attitude (that is, he was funny and able to be easily understood on the devices), brings his previous work background at the Vatican to this job, and really brought the tour - or tours - to life. The catacombs were wonderful to visit, the basilica tour covered all the main points, and the dome climb was a challenge but spectacular in views both with the basilica on high and higher outside next to the cupola of the dome itself. If you want the three main parts of the basilica, this is the tour to pick. And hopefully you’ll get Valentin as a bonus! 😉
Amazing experience the...
adrian c,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Amazing experience the guide was just to mention excellent. Very patient and explained all the tour and very single place we stoped at or crossed and answered questions in my opinion as a first time visitant it was important to go with a guide so I know wat every statuary is and the signifícate of it. Thank you. I’m please with the tour.
Great experience, excellent guide
Ana B,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had severe problems getting to the meeting point, as the Pope decided to go for a walk and they close literally all of Rome without warning, but since we were not the only ones, we were able to make the tour, which we thank very much. Silvia is an EXCELLENT guide, she knows a lot and helps you understand what you are seeing. Saint Peter is an ode to opulence, which makes it very impressive. I recommend this tour without a doubt.
Ting - great tour guide
Explorer34114262469,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ting was an excellent guide for our tour of the basilica, underground and dome. She kept our interest during the queues, which weren’t so bad. She is a funny engaging, knowledgable guide - high recommend!
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