St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Necropolis: Early Morning Guided Tour
- Rome
- Italy
Climb the iconic dome of St. Peter’s for some of the city's best panoramas and enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica.
About
Duration:
3 hoursSmartphone tickets accepted
Instant ticket delivery
Skip the Line
Max group size:
25Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Live Guide:
English.Audio Guide:
English.Overview
Climb to the top of St. Peter's dome, high above Michelangelo's priceless works, with an expert guide in a small group. You'll get amazing views over the Eternal City, plus stories about the dome's history as you take in the skyline.
Descend from heavenly heights and explore the Vatican's crypt with a visit to the Papal Crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This is the final resting place for history's most important popes.
You'll also have the chance to see some of the finest artistry ever made during your guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica. Keep an eye out for Bernini's baldacchino and Michelangelo's Pietà.
Attractions
- 3 attractions are available.
What's Included
Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
Access to the Vatican Grottoes
Access to St. Peter's Dome
Live guide
Guided tour
Headset to hear the guide
What's Not Included
Access to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Skip-the-line service
Instructions
- Show your smartphone ticket to the guide at the meeting point, Piazza della Città Leonina (near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica). Facing the arches, the meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk
- The City Wonders coordinators will be holding a sign and wearing blue City Wonders polo shirts or jackets
- Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide
- After the tour you can stay inside the basilica
- To access St. Peter's Basilica, please consider that from June to the end of August there could be long lines and the waiting time could be up to 30 minutes
Additional Info
Not wheelchair-accessible
Tour subject to weather and liturgical events
Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free of charge. In peak times, you could wait in line for up to 25 minutes to enter
Please note that the itinerary for our tours may differ from the advertised order of destinations. We assure you that any changes made to the tour itinerary are carefully planned and intended to enhance your overall experience
From Monday 27th of May until the end of September Michelangelo's Pieta' in Saint Peter Basilica will not be visible due to renewal works of the opera protective glass
Infants under 3 get in for free
The visit is not suitable for who suffer from claustrophobia, vertigo, heart issues, or other serious medical conditions
Tips
- Start early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be climbing the dome with its 320 steps.
- The crypts and papal tombs offer a fascinating look at Vatican history—take time to explore them.
- The weather can impact the dome climb, so check conditions before your visit.
- This tour is not suitable for those with heart issues or claustrophobia, so plan accordingly.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes early, and make sure to check in before heading through security.
How to Get There
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Necropolis: Early Morning Guided Tour
This tour includes entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, access to the Vatican Grottoes, and the opportunity to climb St. Peter's Dome for panoramic views. You'll also enjoy a guided tour of the Basilica, with a visit to the Papal Crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, and see works like Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino.
No, skip-the-line access is not included in this tour. Be prepared for a possible waiting time of up to 30 minutes to enter St. Peter’s Basilica, particularly during peak seasons.
The meeting point is at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches where the square meets Via di Porta Angelica. Look for City Wonders coordinators holding a sign and wearing blue City Wonders polo shirts or jackets. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
Yes, the tour is not suitable for people suffering from claustrophobia, vertigo, heart issues, or other serious medical conditions. Also, the tour is not wheelchair-accessible.
The Dome climb consists of 320 steps to reach the top. Please be prepared for a physical challenge as you climb the dome.
Please note that knees and shoulders must be covered before entering the Basilica. Avoid clothing with rips, tears, or transparent material. No hats or sunglasses are allowed, and large bags and backpacks are prohibited.
No, this tour does not include access to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel. The focus is on the Basilica, Dome, and Papal Crypt.
There is a mandatory security check at the Dome’s ticket office and at St. Peter's Basilica. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed, and there may be waiting times for security checks.
If you're late, there will be no refund, so please ensure you arrive on time. We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before the departure time.
St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Necropolis: Early Morning Guided Tour
- Rome
- 3 hours
Climb Rome's famous dome with a guide and get optional time in the crypts
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