St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes: Guided Tour + Dome Climb, Rome, Italy, Vatican City Pass.

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Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes: Guided Tour + Dome Climb

Q: What does the St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes: Guided Tour + Dome Climb include?

This tour includes entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, access to the Vatican Grottoes, and access to St. Peter's Dome. You'll also have a live guide to lead you through the Basilica and its historic features, with entry to ensure a smooth experience.

Q: What will I see during the tour?

During the tour, you'll explore St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Altar beneath Bernini's Baldachin, and the Vatican Grottoes, where past pontiffs are buried. You will also have the chance to climb to the Dome for spectacular views of Rome.

Q: What does the Dome climb involve?

The Dome climb begins with an elevator ride to the first level, followed by a climb up to the top, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Vatican and Rome. This is one of the highlights of the tour, offering a unique perspective of the city.

Q: Where do I meet my guide?

You will meet your guide outside the activity provider's office at Borgo Vittorio 38, just a 1-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. Look for the green and pink Best in Rome Tour logo. Don’t forget to show your voucher to the guide.

Q: Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

This tour is not wheelchair accessible, as there are stairs involved in the Dome climb and some areas within the Basilica that may be difficult to access for those with mobility challenges.

Q: How long is the wait to enter St. Peter's Basilica?

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge, but during peak times, you might experience wait times of up to 30 minutes, especially from June to August. Skip-the-line entry is included to help reduce the wait.

Q: What should I wear for the tour?

As with all Vatican attractions, knees and shoulders must be covered. No hats, sunglasses, or sleeveless tops are allowed, and shorts are prohibited. Please avoid wearing clothing with rips, tears, or transparent material.

Q: Are the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel included in this tour?

No, this tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel. It focuses on St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes, and the Dome climb.

Q: What is not included in the tour?

The tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or Necropolis. However, these attractions are available through other tours or tickets.

Q: Is there a dress code for St. Peter's Basilica?

Yes, knees and shoulders must be covered when entering St. Peter’s Basilica. Additionally, avoid wearing shorts, low-cut tops, or clothing with rips or tears.

Guided Tour

Rome
Italy

Book St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes: Guided Tour + Dome Climb tickets online and uncover its history with an expert tour guide.

From

€43

per person

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About

Start time:

8:30 AM

Duration:

2 hours

Smartphone tickets accepted

Instant ticket delivery

Skip the Line

Max group size:

Free cancellation

Free rescheduling

Live guides:

German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese.

Overview

Visit St. Peter's Square, the crown jewel of Vatican City, to learn about its architecture and the optical illusions envisioned by Bernini.

Your guide will point out the two 'secret' spots within the square's expanse and the artwork inside St. Peter's Basilica.

The tour guide will escort you through the Basilica's standout features, including the incredible Papal Altar nestled under Bernini's Baldachin.

Next, venture into the Papal Grottoes, the expansive crypt tucked beneath the Basilica and a sight not to be missed. Also, you get a chance to climb to the dome.

Attractions

St. Peter's Basilica

St. Peter's Dome

Vatican Grottoes

St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes: Guided Tour + Dome Climb

3 attractions are available.

What's Included

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica

Access to the Vatican Grottoes

Access to St. Peter's Dome

Elevator access

Live guide

Guided tour

Headset to hear the guide

What's Not Included

Skip-the-line entry

Entrance to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Instructions

Meet your guide outside the activity provider's office at Borgo Vittorio 38
Look for the green and pink Best in Rome Tour logo
The meeting point is just a 1-minute walk from St. Peter's Basilica
Show your voucher to the guide
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

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.

The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Necropolis are not included

Knees & shoulders must be covered

No luggage allowed inside

Tips

This tour combines history and views, so bring your curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes.
You’ll be walking through the Papal Grottoes, so don’t miss this unique underground experience.
If you're planning to visit the Dome, be ready for the 320-step climb to enjoy one of Rome’s most incredible views.
Be aware of potential long lines at security and entry, especially during peak times.
Bring your own headphones just in case, and make sure they’re compatible with the guide’s audio system.
Enjoy the guided tour through the Basilica’s art and history—don’t rush and take time to appreciate the details.

How to Get There

Address

Piazza San Pietro, 120, Rome, Italy

This tour includes entry to St. Peter’s Basilica, access to the Vatican Grottoes, and access to St. Peter's Dome. You'll also have a live guide to lead you through the Basilica and its historic features, with entry to ensure a smooth experience.

During the tour, you'll explore St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Altar beneath Bernini's Baldachin, and the Vatican Grottoes, where past pontiffs are buried. You will also have the chance to climb to the Dome for spectacular views of Rome.

The Dome climb begins with an elevator ride to the first level, followed by a climb up to the top, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Vatican and Rome. This is one of the highlights of the tour, offering a unique perspective of the city.

You will meet your guide outside the activity provider's office at Borgo Vittorio 38, just a 1-minute walk from St. Peter’s Basilica. Look for the green and pink Best in Rome Tour logo. Don’t forget to show your voucher to the guide.

This tour is not wheelchair accessible, as there are stairs involved in the Dome climb and some areas within the Basilica that may be difficult to access for those with mobility challenges.

Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica is free of charge, but during peak times, you might experience wait times of up to 30 minutes, especially from June to August. Skip-the-line entry is included to help reduce the wait.

As with all Vatican attractions, knees and shoulders must be covered. No hats, sunglasses, or sleeveless tops are allowed, and shorts are prohibited. Please avoid wearing clothing with rips, tears, or transparent material.

No, this tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel. It focuses on St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes, and the Dome climb.

The tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, or Necropolis. However, these attractions are available through other tours or tickets.

Yes, knees and shoulders must be covered when entering St. Peter’s Basilica. Additionally, avoid wearing shorts, low-cut tops, or clothing with rips or tears.

If you are delayed and miss the tour, there will be no refund. It’s important to arrive at the meeting point on time to ensure you don’t miss your scheduled tour.

No, large bags and luggage are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica. Please bring only small personal items that fit comfortably with you.

Guided Tour