Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs

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Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica & Vatacombs

Price from
€63
Duration
2 h 30 min
Group size
Up to 20 travellers
Guide languages
English

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Overview

Beat the crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica as it opens for the day. Take the lift partway up and make the final ascent on foot—the reward at the top is worth it.

Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter’s Square and leave Rome behind you as you cross into Vatican City and enter St. Peter’s Basilica just as it opens to the public.

At the terrace level you can decide whether to relax and take in the view or climb the remaining 320 steps up to the summit, where the breathtaking view of Rome and beyond is simply unforgettable. Your guide will point out all the most interesting historical landmarks in every direction, be they in Vatican City, the wider city of Rome, or further afield.

As what goes up must come down, join us on a descent into the lower level of the basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” a series of grottoes containing papal crypts and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries.

What's included

Visit to St. Peter's Basilica (Admission Ticket Free)
Incredible views of Rome and far beyond which most visitors to the Vatican never see
Marvel at astonishing works of art and architecture
Beat the crowds by getting an early start inside St. Peter’s
Unique experience at the summit of St. Peter's Dome with an expert Vatican tour guide

Not included

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Gratuities
Necropolis (scavi)

What you will do

St. Peter's Square
Meet your expert Vatican tour guide on the threshold of St. Peter's Square and make your way across marble paving to the steps which wind up and around the dome. There are 551 in total so of course this is too much exertion for most. We take the elevator part of the way which cuts the step count by a sizable 171, leaving 380.
30 min
St. Peter's Basilica
From St. Peter's Square, enter the passageways which lead up to the top of Michelangelo's magnificent dome for superb views of the Vatican City and Rome.
1 h
St. Peter's Basilica
A fully guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica follows your dome climb. It's one of the most beautiful buildings in the world and it will leave a profound impression upon your soul.
1 h

Meeting point

Meet at 7:45 AM for 8:00 AM departure by the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare), just beneath Largo del Colonnato and in front of the pillars which run around Saint Peter's Square. Your guide will be holding an ItaliaTours signboard. Google maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/vZvCNgmmozFLnzT3A

End point: The tour concludes on St. Peter's Square beside St. Peter's Basilica.

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
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
Dress comfortably, shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
On days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican, alterations to tours may become necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour. In the event that the Papal tombs beneath St. Peter's Basilica are closed, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended and no refunds made.
Dome climb is a moderate exertion activity undertaken in a short space of time. Please be aware of this before you book.
Bring a small bottle of water with you for dome climb.
Due to the route covered and/or transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid.
Please note: This description is provided as a general example. Actual experiences may vary slightly depending on the season, local conditions, and other factors beyond our control.
Please note that essential travel documents and final itinerary details might be delivered electronically closer to the activity date.