Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 2 hours Private tour

out of 5

3 reviews

5.0

Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Enjoy the visit of some of the world’s most significant works of art and hear something of the history and stories surrounding the magnificent locations where they are housed.

Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the

best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you

landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.

Enjoy this superb private 2-hour walking tour

Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Architecture Tours Cultural Tours Art Tours Walking Tours Short term availability Weather Dependent - Weather-Proof

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Confirmed within 48 hours
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English, Italian
Operated by: Vatican Private Tour Guide

Ages: Infants (0–4 years) · Children (5–17 years) · Adults (18–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Local guide
Included: Local Taxes
Included: Private tour
Included: Professional art Historian guide
Included: Guaranteed to skip the long lines

Not included

Not included: Private transportation
Not included: Food and drinks
Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

St. Peter's Basilica

30 min Admission included

The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is best seen from an up-close perspective. A short lift ride will take you to the main level inside the vault. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of the staggering mosaics and stunning elaborate embellishments. This view affords the best perspective to appreciate the artisans’ skills and techniques used to create such intricate work.

Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
The Holy Door

30 min Admission included

is traditionally an entrance portal located within the Papal major basilicas in Rome. The doors are normally sealed by mortar and cement from the inside so that they cannot be opened. They are ceremoniously opened during Jubilee years designated by the Pope, for pilgrims who enter through those doors may piously gain the plenary indulgences attached with the Jubilee year celebrations.
St. Peter's Basilica

one hour Admission included

It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome.

There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

At the obelisk in St Peter's Square.

Your guide will have a sign with your name.

End point

At the obelisk in St Peter's Square.

Your guide will have a sign with your name.

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

If you cancel	You get back
Less than a day before	0%

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
Subject to favorable weather conditions. If the Dome is closed due to poor weather, you will be given the option for an alternative path inside the Museums, but no refunds if one of the areas is closed will be given.
READ CAREFULLY: Because of the growing popularity of the current pope Francis and his intense activity in organising mass events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during you Vatican tour. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to the Jubilee the Basilica might not be accessible as part of the tour. Unfortunately, we know that very last minute. In any case, you can go there after the tour, queuing.