St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Vatican Grottoes: Early Morning Guided Tour
- Rome
- Italy
Gaze out across the vermilion rooftops of Rome from the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, on a guided sightseeing tour of this Renaissance masterpiece.
About
Duration:
2 hours 15 minsSmartphone tickets accepted
Instant ticket delivery
Skip the Line
Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Live guides:
English, Spanish, French, Italian.Overview
Gaze over the rooftops of Rome from the pinnacle of St. Peter's Basilica, and enjoy the most spectacular sightseeing experience in the Eternal City.
Join an expert Vatican tour guide and make your way up the steps to the magnificent dome of St. Peter's Basilica, where the panorama of Rome's epic cityscape will unfurl before you. Descend from the dome and make your way inside the world's largest and most beautiful church on a tour of masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and more.
After seeing some of the most prestigious art to ever come out of the Renaissance, it's time to descend to the crypts of Christendom's most famous church. The Vatican Grottoes contain the tombs of around 90 popes, including John Paul II.
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
Skip-the-Line service
Instructions
- Meet at 7:45 for a prompt 08:00 departure by the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare). If you are facing St. Peter's Basilica, follow the pillars to the right until you come to the fountain to the right of two archways
- Your guide will be holding an Italia Tours signboard
- 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
You do not have to climb the dome if you do not feel comfortable doing so! Families with small children, senior visitors, or anyone who can't or doesn't want to climb the steps can wait at the café area.
Kids under 6 can join for free, no ticket required
There is an elevator for a part of the dome ascent, but you must still climb 380 steps to get to the top
Tips
- Arrive early to make the most of the quieter morning hours.
- The dome climb is a highlight, but it’s steep—wear comfortable shoes.
- If you're afraid of heights, take it easy; you can skip the dome climb and enjoy the basilica.
- Be sure to bring a valid ID, as it may be required for entry.
- Stay hydrated, especially if you're climbing the dome, as it can get warm.
- Be respectful of the sacred space, and remember to dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees).
- Don't forget your camera—the views are spectacular!
How to Get There
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Vatican Grottoes: Early Morning Guided Tour
This tour includes entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, access to the Vatican Grottoes, and access to St. Peter's Dome. You’ll also enjoy a live guide to explore the masterpieces inside the Basilica, including works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini.
The tour starts with a climb to St. Peter’s Dome, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of Rome. Inside the Basilica, you'll see some of the world’s most famous Renaissance art, including Michelangelo’s Pietà. The tour also includes a visit to the Vatican Grottoes, where tombs of 90 popes, including John Paul II, are located.
While the tour includes the Dome climb, it is optional. If you don’t feel comfortable with the climb, there is a café area where you can wait. However, to fully experience the view, you can ascend to the top, which involves 380 steps, with an elevator available for part of the ascent.
You’ll meet your guide at 7:45 AM for a prompt 8:00 AM departure near the Tiare fountain (Fontana delle Tiare). If you're facing St. Peter's Basilica, follow the pillars to the right until you reach the fountain. The guide will be holding an Italia Tours signboard.
No, this tour is not wheelchair accessible, as there are steps involved in the Dome climb and limited access in some areas.
While entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free, there may be a wait of up to 30 minutes from June to August due to high traffic. Skip-the-Line service is excluded, so please allow time for potential wait times.
To enter St. Peter’s Basilica, you must follow the Vatican's dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered. No hats, sunglasses, sleeveless tops, or shorts are allowed. Clothing should also be free of rips or tears.
Yes, kids under 6 years old can join the tour for free, with no ticket required. However, they must adhere to the dress code and may not be able to participate in the Dome climb depending on their ability.
Please note that there will be no refund if you're late. It's important to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time to ensure you don't miss the tour.
No large bags or backpacks are allowed in St. Peter’s Basilica. Please pack light and ensure that you adhere to the security guidelines provided by the tour.
St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Vatican Grottoes: Early Morning Guided Tour
- Rome
- 2 hours 15 mins
Enjoy a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and gaze over Rome from the dome
Find Accommodation Nearby
Discover the best places to stay nearby this activity in Rome for a complete experience.
Similar Tickets to Visit Vatican City
Explore similar activities to visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Top-Rated Activities in Vatican City
Discover the best fast-track entry, skip-the-line access, guided tours, and audio guides in Vatican City.
Secure Transactions
Enjoy the protection of your payment information, providing you with peace of mind when booking your tickets to visit Vatican City.
Exclusive Offers
Access special deals and discounts to make the most of your visit in Vatican City. Enjoy unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.
Trusted Partners
We collaborate with trusted partners to ensure a smooth, reliable experience when booking your Vatican City tickets and tours.