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Offered languages
- English
Make the most of your time at visit St Peter’s Basilica, climb its dome, and see the papal crypt on this all-access tour complete with priority entry. Starting early, you’ll see St. Peter’s Square without the large daytime crowds, then head to the top of the dome for panoramic vistas over the capital. Tour the basilica to admire Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ among other highlights, then finish with a visit to the papal crypt — a site normally missed by other tour groups. Numbers are limited to 20 for a small-group experience.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Caffè Leonina, Piazza della Città Leonina, 5. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano.
On St. Peter's terrace
Itinerary
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1St. Peter's Square
Meet your guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and head past the crowds, straight into the grand Renaissance-era elegance of the basilica. An elevator carries you to the dome's first terrace, where you're surrounded by its beautiful artwork, and then 231 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome—from the square below you all the way across the Tiber.
1 hour 45 minutes • Admission ticket included -
2St. Peter's Basilica
Next, it's time for a journey through the basilica itself as your guide shows you the grandeur that defines one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire the exquisite detail of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing amid the space designed by Michelangelo, and then visit the famous bronze statue of St. Peter with the keys to heaven in his hand. Another special experience is waiting for you beneath the basilica as your guide gives you a rare look at the crypts of the Vatican grotto. With more than 100 tombs holding popes, Catholic monarchs, and famous figures, the crypts let you look back through almost 2,000 years of the church's history before you part ways with your guide at the tour's end.
1 hour • Admission ticket included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
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Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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