St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome Climb & Crypt
2.5 hours
Max 20 people
Commentary: Guide · en
Rome, Italy
About this activity
Give Rome's greatest church the time it deserves on this special access tour of St. Peter's Basilica, including a dome climb and visit to the crypt.
Highlights
- Discover St. Peter's Basilica in its full glory with our priority access tour, covering the dome, crypts, and everything in between.
- Climb (or walk!) to the top of the dome at your own pace and see one of the best views of Rome.
- Experience the beauty of the basilica without the crowds thanks to a strategically planned early start time.
- Get insight from your guide that will help you appreciate each magnificent detail of the basilica and the masterpieces held within its walls.
Full description
Explore Christianity's most important church like never before on this complete St. Peter's Basilica tour.
Explore St. Peter's Basilica from top to bottom with an expert guide and small group of 20 people or fewer. This is the most intimate and extensive St. Peter’s Basilica tour on the market, designed for lovers of great architecture and jaw-dropping churches. We’ll help you to understand the history of the building and point out the details that make the Basilica such a masterpiece. You'll go from the dome to the crypts, from the Pietà to the Baldachin—and everywhere in between.
Enjoy a guided tour inside St. Peter's Basilica and venture down to the papal crypts.
Your St. Peter's Basilica tour starts early in the morning with a stroll around St. Peter’s Square and an introduction to the Swiss Guard. Then, your guide will take you on a full St. Peter’s Basilica tour. Explore the side chapels and the hidden crypts, see Michelangelo’s "Pietà" and hear why this is the only work he ever signed, understand the mastery in Bernini’s Baldachin, and learn how Michelangelo triumphed as the only person who could crown St. Peter’s Basilica with the perfect dome.
Your tour of St. Peter's Basilica continues down into the Papal Crypt. This is where many of the Popes have been interred and is an important pilgrimage point for Catholics. Although your guide can’t lead the group here due to site rules, they’ll give you full details on the most important Popes to look out for.
Climb St. Peter's Basilica Dome for incredible views over all of Rome.
Before parting ways with your guide, they'll give you pre-reserved St. Peter's Basilica dome tickets and lead you to the elevator. As you say goodbye, your guide will give you some tips on what to look out for so you can better appreciate the view. You'll take the elevator to the first level, and here you’ll get an up-close look at the stunning mosaics and stucco embellishments inside the dome. These mosaics are beautiful even when seen from below at ground level, but up close, you’ll understand just how impressive they really are.
From there, it’s 320 steps up to the top of the dome at your own pace. From the top of the dome, you’ll see the most incredible panorama over St. Peter’s Square, along the straight avenue bulldozed by Mussolini and across the Tiber to the ancient heart of the city. There’s no competition—this is the #1 view in Rome.
For anyone who loves art, architecture, and amazing churches, this St. Peter's Basilica tour is a unique experience that will give you a different perspective on one of the most sacred sites in the world.
Sites Visited • St. Peter’s Basilica • St. Peter's Square • Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica • Crypt of St. Peter's Basilica
Explore St. Peter's Basilica from top to bottom with an expert guide and small group of 20 people or fewer. This is the most intimate and extensive St. Peter’s Basilica tour on the market, designed for lovers of great architecture and jaw-dropping churches. We’ll help you to understand the history of the building and point out the details that make the Basilica such a masterpiece. You'll go from the dome to the crypts, from the Pietà to the Baldachin—and everywhere in between.
Enjoy a guided tour inside St. Peter's Basilica and venture down to the papal crypts.
Your St. Peter's Basilica tour starts early in the morning with a stroll around St. Peter’s Square and an introduction to the Swiss Guard. Then, your guide will take you on a full St. Peter’s Basilica tour. Explore the side chapels and the hidden crypts, see Michelangelo’s "Pietà" and hear why this is the only work he ever signed, understand the mastery in Bernini’s Baldachin, and learn how Michelangelo triumphed as the only person who could crown St. Peter’s Basilica with the perfect dome.
Your tour of St. Peter's Basilica continues down into the Papal Crypt. This is where many of the Popes have been interred and is an important pilgrimage point for Catholics. Although your guide can’t lead the group here due to site rules, they’ll give you full details on the most important Popes to look out for.
Climb St. Peter's Basilica Dome for incredible views over all of Rome.
Before parting ways with your guide, they'll give you pre-reserved St. Peter's Basilica dome tickets and lead you to the elevator. As you say goodbye, your guide will give you some tips on what to look out for so you can better appreciate the view. You'll take the elevator to the first level, and here you’ll get an up-close look at the stunning mosaics and stucco embellishments inside the dome. These mosaics are beautiful even when seen from below at ground level, but up close, you’ll understand just how impressive they really are.
From there, it’s 320 steps up to the top of the dome at your own pace. From the top of the dome, you’ll see the most incredible panorama over St. Peter’s Square, along the straight avenue bulldozed by Mussolini and across the Tiber to the ancient heart of the city. There’s no competition—this is the #1 view in Rome.
For anyone who loves art, architecture, and amazing churches, this St. Peter's Basilica tour is a unique experience that will give you a different perspective on one of the most sacred sites in the world.
Sites Visited • St. Peter’s Basilica • St. Peter's Square • Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica • Crypt of St. Peter's Basilica
Included / Excluded
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Pre-reserved ticket to St. Peter’s Basilica dome (with elevator access)
- Headsets
- Small group of 20 guests maximum
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting point
Start Location
Piazza della Città Leonina, 5, (Caffè Leonina), Rome, IT
Piazza della Città Leonina, 5 (Caffè Leonina). Please meet your guide in front of the cafe. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
- After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top
Know before you go
- This tour is in English.
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- If you cannot join your tour at the last minute (running late, etc), please contact us. We may be able to reschedule your tour with a small amendment fee depending on availability.
- We ask all guests (including children) 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.
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica. Bag check is available at the entrance.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks comply with all local government regulations. You may need to wear a mask or provide proof of vaccination to enter certain venues. Please refer to Italy government guidelines for the most up to date information
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive or arrives after tour departure.
Additional information
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments, or for wheelchairs or strollers. Please contact the Guest Experience team at +39 068-596-0143 (Italy) or 888-683-8670 (USA) to make alternative arrangements.