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
A 360-degree tour of St. Peter's Basilica with priority access, including a dome climb and the Papal tombs.
Highlights
- Discover St. Peter's Basilica in its full glory with our most comprehensive tour
- Avoid waiting for hours in line with pre-reserved priority entry
- Climb (or walk!) to the top of the dome at your own pace and see one of the best views of Rome
- Experience the magnificence without the crowds with an early start time
Full description
Give Christendom's greatest church the time it deserves with this comprehensive St. Peter's Basilica tour complete with priority access. From the top of Michelangelo's Dome to the bottom of the Papal Crypt, you'll hear the epic story of this extraordinary building and learn about the men whose faith, genius, and political skullduggery made it a reality.
Get priority access to the most magnificent basilica in Rome.
St. Peter's Basilica is not just any old church and this is not just any old tour. Our St. Peter's Basilica Tour takes you into every corner of the great Basilica whilst giving you the story of how the dreams of holy men and artists turned into reality.
Your tour starts early in St. Peter's square, where you'll see the Swiss Guards and learn about their unique history. Then, your guide will lead you on a fully guided St. Peter's Basilica tour, not only telling you the finer points of its epic history, but also helping you decode the symbolism woven into every surface. With their guidance you'll learn to appreciate the immense amount of time, effort and vision that went into the building of this superstructure. You'll also admire the church's two most treasured works of art, Michelangelo's Pietá and Bernini's enormous Baldachin altar piece.
Finally, you'll descend beneath the floor of the nave to explore the Papal Crypt. Many of the Popes are buried in this chamber, and it's an important pilgrimage for Catholics. Although your guide will accompany you, they are not allowed to speak at length because this is a holy site but they will tell you which graves to look out for before you go and arm you with the history of each of these church leaders.
After touring the basilica, you'll say goodbye to your guide and climb to the top of the dome at your own pace. With pre-reserved priority access, you'll board the elevator up to the first level of the dome. Here you'll be right underneath the incredible mosaics that most visitors only see from the ground.
From there it's up 320 steps to the top. The views from St. Peter's Basilica Dome need no explanation: they're some of the best in Rome, so take a moment to savor them (and snap a picture or two).
The most comprehensive St. Peter's Basilica tour available, this service saves you hours of waiting in line, transforming that time into a deep and worthwhile exploration of one of Christianity's most important churches.
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.
Sites Visited • St. Peter’s Basilica • St. Peter's Square • Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica • Crypt of St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica is not just any old church and this is not just any old tour. Our St. Peter's Basilica Tour takes you into every corner of the great Basilica whilst giving you the story of how the dreams of holy men and artists turned into reality.
Your tour starts early in St. Peter's square, where you'll see the Swiss Guards and learn about their unique history. Then, your guide will lead you on a fully guided St. Peter's Basilica tour, not only telling you the finer points of its epic history, but also helping you decode the symbolism woven into every surface. With their guidance you'll learn to appreciate the immense amount of time, effort and vision that went into the building of this superstructure. You'll also admire the church's two most treasured works of art, Michelangelo's Pietá and Bernini's enormous Baldachin altar piece.
Finally, you'll descend beneath the floor of the nave to explore the Papal Crypt. Many of the Popes are buried in this chamber, and it's an important pilgrimage for Catholics. Although your guide will accompany you, they are not allowed to speak at length because this is a holy site but they will tell you which graves to look out for before you go and arm you with the history of each of these church leaders.
After touring the basilica, you'll say goodbye to your guide and climb to the top of the dome at your own pace. With pre-reserved priority access, you'll board the elevator up to the first level of the dome. Here you'll be right underneath the incredible mosaics that most visitors only see from the ground.
From there it's up 320 steps to the top. The views from St. Peter's Basilica Dome need no explanation: they're some of the best in Rome, so take a moment to savor them (and snap a picture or two).
The most comprehensive St. Peter's Basilica tour available, this service saves you hours of waiting in line, transforming that time into a deep and worthwhile exploration of one of Christianity's most important churches.
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.
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
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Meeting point
Start Location
Piazza della Città Leonina, 5, 00193 Roma, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
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.