Private St. Peter’s Basilica Tour with Dome Climb & Crypt
About this activity
Access all areas of St. Peter's Basilica from the dome to the crypt and everything between with priority entry and your own private guide. Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of one of the most important religious monuments in the world. Climb to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
Highlights
- Private English speaking guide for your group.
- Experience St. Peter's Square before the crowds arrive.
- Explore Rome's most famous church in exquisite detail.
- Get an up-close look at the beautiful mosaics.
- Take a rare tour of the papal crypts.
- Guided dome climb to see stunning views of Rome.
Full description
Make the most of your time at St Peter's Basilica on this private, all-access tour for your own group, complete with priority entry, a visit to the papal crypt, and a climb up the dome. Starting early, you'll see St. Peter's Square without the large daytime crowds. Tour the basilica to admire Michelangelo's 'La Pietà' among other highlights, and pay a visit to the papal crypt, a site normally missed by other tour groups. This is a private tour for up to 10 guests, just your own group and a guide, with the pace built entirely around you. End your tour at the top of the dome, with your guide by your side throughout the climb, for panoramic vistas over the capital.
Beat the crowds and take in one of the world's most significant churches at the heart of the Vatican. With a personal guide for your private group, special reserved access, an up-close look at the basilica's interior, and a visit to the papal tombs, you get these remarkable sights with far fewer people around you.
Meet your guide just outside the entrance and head into the basilica's grand Renaissance-era interior. For the next two hours, you'll journey through the building as your guide explains the history and artistry that define one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire an ornate bronze canopy standing over the high altar, take in the soaring dome above it, and see a centuries-old bronze statue believed to bring good fortune to those who touch its foot.
Another experience waits beneath the basilica, as your guide leads you into the crypts below. With more than 100 tombs holding popes, Catholic monarchs, and famous figures, the crypts let you look back through almost 2,000 years of the church's history.
Finally you will take to the elevator that carries you to the dome's first terrace to begin your climb. Here you will be surrounded by intricate mosaic artwork that your guide can explain in more detail, and then 320 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city, from the square below you all the way across the river.
Included / Excluded
- Expert English-speaking guide for your private group
- Priority entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Pre-reserved ticket to St. Peter’s Basilica dome (with elevator access)
- Headsets
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-off
- Gratuities
Meeting point
Start Location
Caffè Leonina, Piazza della Città Leonina, 5, 00193 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a yellow WalksDevour sign. This tour meets at Caffè Leonina, Piazza della Città Leonina, 5. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano.
Get directions →Important information
Know before you book
- This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
- After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.
- Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
Know before you go
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
- The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
- All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
- Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
- All guests must pass through security. For useful information/restrictions about your tour in the Vatican Museum, visit https://m.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani-mobile/en/visita-i-musei/consigli-utili.html
- Only small backpacks and handbags are allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica. Bag check is available at the entrance.
- Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
- Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
Cancellation policy
Cancellations received greater than 7 days prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 7 days of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.
Reviews
Chutes mythiques et impressionnantes mais les explications de la visite sont parfois inutiles et servent à combler le temps.
Activité tout compris avec bateau et vue des chutes des tunnels, la guide était très sympathique et apporte des anecdotes à la visite , merci 🙏🏻
If you’re gonna see Niagara Falls, this is the tour to do it on!
Additional information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)