Vatican: St. Peter’s Basilica, Dome Climb and Papal Tombs Tour

3.9
(24 reviews)

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2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Uncover the art and architecture of the Vatican City. Visit sites like St. Peter’s Square and Basilica in the morning before the crowds arrive for the day.
Meet your guide in Piazza della Città Leonina & dive into the ancient history of the Vatican City. Admire the statuesque columns and majestic pilasters in St. Peter’s Square. Walk through the 1st balcony which is decorated with amazing frescoes.
Together with an expert guide enter the Basilica and reach the summit of the Dome after 320 steps, where you are rewarded for the climb with views of the city center. Have some free time to enjoy the panoramic views.
At your own leisure be captivated by the Basilica's interiors which are filled with masterpieces from masters like Bernini and Michelangelo. See pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Continue to explore the Vatican’s historic Grottoes to get a closer look of the rooms, chapels, and the papal tombs, where many Popes, royals, and other dignitaries are laid to rest.

What's Included

Guided Tour to the St. Peter’s Dome
Small groups of 15 person
Expert English speaking guide
Visit to the Papal Tombs
Access to St Peter's Basilica and Square (no skip-the-line for the Basilica)
Food and beverage
Hotel Pick up and Drop off
Gratuities
Skip-the-line access to Basilica and Dome

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

• Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts • Our staff will be meeting you holding a “Loving Rome” flag and will be stationed at the “black tables” of Caffè Leonina (front row), situated beyond the white tables of the kiosk.

End point
Saint Peter’s Basilica

The local guide will end the tour inside the St. Peter's Basilica.

Ticket Redemption Point

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    St. Peter's Square

    Enjoy an early morning tour with our local guide starting from the statuesque St. Peter's Square all the way through the famous Basilica.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Cupola di San Pietro

    Set foot on the summit of the majestic St. Peter's Dome and get a 360 degree view of the city centre and its main archeological attactions such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon.

    1 hour • Admission ticket included
  • 3
    St. Peter's Basilica

    Head back to the Basilica with an easy access, marvel around the sacred church and witness the acclaimed masterpieces of Michelangelo and Bernini, as well as some of mosaics, paintings and structures of the Renaissance and Baroque era. To end the journey, get ready to walk through the emblematic Papal tombs, a resting place of the majority of the deceased Popes at your own leisure.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket included

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
  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security check before entering the Basilica, during high season the waiting time may be up to 30 minutes
Supplied by Loving Rome

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Tags

Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Archaeology Tours
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

3.9 Based on 24 24 reviews
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