Guided tour

Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Papal Tombs & Dome Climb Tour

4.5  / 5826 reviews
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Guided tour
Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Papal Tombs & Dome Climb Tour
4.5  / 5826 reviews

Experience the wonders of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica on a guided walking tour. Explore the historic papal tombs underground, then ascend to the Dome for panoramic views of Rome.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 2.5 hours
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French, Spanish
Small group available

Experience

Itinerary

  • getyourguide-logo-icon.svg

    Starting location:

    Largo del Colonnato, 5

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    Saint Peter's Square

    Visit, Guided tour

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    St. Peter's Basilica

    Visit, Guided tour

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    La Pieta

    Visit, Guided tour

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    Vatican Grottoes

    Visit

  • main-stop-icon.svg

    St Peter's Basilica Dome

    Photo stop, Visit

Main stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Climb to the top of the Dome to admire panoramic views of Rome
  • Marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and many more
  • Listen to stories about the popes buried in the Papal Tombs
  • Admire the Basilica's array of impressive marble, ceilings, and mosaics
  • Explore St. Peter's Basilica with an art historian guide

Full description

Experience our exclusive "St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour with Dome Climb" for an extraordinary journey through the Vatican's treasures. Limited availability makes prompt booking advisable. Uncover the rich history of St. Peter's Square and marvel at the awe-inspiring St. Peter's Basilica, adorned with masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini. Guided by an expert historian, you'll gain insights into the architectural marvels and the historical significance of this iconic landmark. Join us to explore the hallowed Papal tombs, where the legacies of the interred Popes await discovery. Your guide will illuminate the stories behind these influential figures, bringing history to life with captivating narratives. Afterward, ascend to the dome for breathtaking panoramic views of the Vatican Gardens and the sprawling city of Rome. Your knowledgeable guide will provide commentary, enriching your experience with historical context and fascinating anecdotes. Led by an expert historian, this immersive tour guarantees a deep understanding of the Vatican's most significant landmarks. Don't miss this unique opportunity to unravel the secrets of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal tombs. Secure your spot now and embark on a journey through centuries of history and art.

Includes

  • Official guide
  • Headsets where appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
  • Tickets for the elevator to the dome
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Skip-the-line entry

Not suitable for

  • Children under 2 years
  • People with claustrophobia
  • People with vertigo
  • Wheelchair users

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Upon reaching the designated meeting point, look for the tour coordinator holding a Red sign labeled "Tix & Tours". It's crucial to have your voucher ready for check-in.

Open in Google Maps ⟶

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • Long-sleeved shirt

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • 1. Dress Code: Proper attire covering knees and shoulders is required for this religious setting.
  • 2. Security: Expect airport-style checks, with potential wait times of 10 to 120 minutes, especially during busy periods.
  • 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter's Basilica may close due to Vatican events; we'll reschedule your visit promptly if needed.
  • 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we'll explore the Basilica and St. Peter's Square longer.
  • 5. Exclusions: This tour doesn't include Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel entry.

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 826 reviews

Review summary

  • Value for money
    4.3/5

Filter

By star rating

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E
Elizabeth – United StatesOctober 11, 2024  – Verified booking
The tour itself was great! We had a lovely guide who gave great information about the art, history and religion of the basilica. Unfortunately, with the long lines we had to leave before getting to climb the dome in order to make our next tour of the Vatican Museums. I understand this is due to the volume of crowds, not the tour coordination, but I still wish we had time for the full experience. For reference, we had his tour at 12:30 p.m., and it was scheduled to conclude at 3 p.m.; at 3:45 p.m. we were still in line for the dome climb so we left in order to make our 4:30 p.m. Vatican Museum tour meeting point which was a 30 minute walk away. My advice is to allow yourself 4 hours for this tour, just to be safe. There were other areas I would have liked to look at again, so allowing more time is always best.
Helpful?
Q
Quenne – United KingdomOctober 10, 2024  – Verified booking
Frederick /Frederico was very enthusiastic and knowledgeable. He shared really good stories from the past and about the main history of the Vatican and St Peter’s Basilica. It was worth the money.
Helpful?
c
cindy – SpainOctober 10, 2024  – Verified booking
Federico was an incredible guide! He has a remarkable ability to immerse you in the learning experience and keep you in suspense weaving fascinating and unexpected stories about the origins of the Basilica di San Pietro, the tombs, and much more. He’s shown himself to be a master narrator (as a teacher I appreciate seeing this skill in others). His professionalism and warm demeanor made us feel completely at ease throughout the tour. I absolutely loved it!
Helpful?

Product ID: 529228

Activity provider:Tix & Tours

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