St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Vatican Grottoes: Small Group Guided Tour
- Rome
- Italy
Book your small-group guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica. Includes access to St Peter's Basilica, its dome, and also the Papal Grottoes.
About
Duration:
1 hour 45 minsSmartphone tickets accepted
Instant ticket delivery
Skip the Line
Max group size:
25Free cancellation
Free rescheduling
Live guides:
German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese.Overview
Meet your guide in St. Peter's Square and start your tour climbing to the top of the dome of the Basilica. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floor and get the chance to take an exclusive close look at the mosaics of the dome.
Go even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond it.
From here, descend directly into the Basilica and avoid the long lines at its entrance. Marvel at the colorful marble, golden ceilings, and impressive mosaics. Get guided through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassical art by Canova and Bernini, among others. Get emotional in front of the Pietà of Michelangelo and appreciate its expressive power and delicate beauty.
Go further down into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes. Finish the tour in St. Peter’s Square and soak up its majestic architecture.
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
Guided tour of Dome
Instructions
- Meet your guide at the meeting point at Largo del Colonnato 5. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide
- Look for the yellow sign with the TOURIKS logo on it
- Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time.
- Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide
- Bring your own wired headphones (just in case)
- 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
The visit is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo
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
Not wheelchair-accessible
Tour subject to weather and liturgical events
320 steps to climb up the dome
Tips
- This small-group tour provides a more intimate experience, so ask questions and engage with the guide.
- Be prepared to climb the Dome and take in the amazing views, but wear comfortable shoes for the hike.
- Stay after the tour to explore the Basilica further—it’s large and full of hidden treasures.
- Keep in mind the strict dress code, as the Vatican requires modest clothing.
- The tour is not wheelchair-accessible, so plan accordingly if you have mobility concerns.
- Arrive 20 minutes early to meet your guide at the correct meeting point and avoid delays.
How to Get There
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Vatican Grottoes: Small Group 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 Basilica’s masterpieces, along with entry for a smoother experience.
The tour begins with a climb to the top of the St. Peter’s Dome, where you’ll take in breathtaking views of Rome. Inside the Basilica, you’ll admire the Pietà by Michelangelo, works of art by Canova and Bernini, and the beautiful mosaics and frescoes. You’ll then visit the underground Vatican Grottoes, including St. Peter’s tomb.
The Dome climb includes a guided ascent with 320 steps, offering incredible views of the Basilica’s mosaics and a stunning panoramic view of Rome from the top balcony.
You’ll meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato 5, just outside the Basilica, before entering St. Peter’s Square. Look for the yellow sign with the TOURIKS logo. Be sure to arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled time.
No, the tour is not wheelchair accessible, as there are stairs involved in the Dome climb and some areas may be difficult to access.
This tour is not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo, as there are many steps to climb in the Dome, and some areas can be confined. Please consider your comfort level before booking.
While entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge, there may be a wait of up to 30 minutes, especially from June to August. entry is included to minimize your wait.
You must adhere to the Vatican’s dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered. No hats, sunglasses, sleeveless tops, or shorts are allowed, and clothing should be free from rips or tears. Please ensure your outfit complies with these requirements.
No, strollers are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Unfortunately, there will be no refund if you arrive late. Please ensure you arrive at the meeting point on time to avoid missing the tour.
This tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel. However, it provides comprehensive access to St. Peter’s Basilica, the Dome, and the Vatican Grottoes.
The climb to the Dome involves 320 steps, which may be strenuous. Please ensure you are physically able to manage this climb before booking the tour.
St. Peter's Basilica, Dome & Vatican Grottoes: Small Group Guided Tour
- Rome
- 1 hour 45 mins
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