Access all areas of St. Peter's Basilica with priority entry and immerse yourself in the history and architecture of one of the most important religious monuments in the world. Climb up 231 steps to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Rome.
St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt
Summary Description
Highlights
- Get priority reserved access to St. Peter's Basilica.
- Experience St. Peter's Square before the crowds arrive.
- See stunning views of Rome from the top of the basilica.
- 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.
Description
Make the most of your time at visit St Peter’s Basilica, climb its dome, and see the papal crypt on this all-access tour complete with priority entry. Starting early, you’ll see St. Peter’s Square without the large daytime crowds, then head to the top of the dome for panoramic vistas over the capital. Tour the basilica to admire Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ among other highlights, then finish with a visit to the papal crypt — a site normally missed by other tour groups. Numbers are limited to 20 for a small-group experience. Walks Tours is proud to be an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
Beat the crowds and admire St. Peter's Basilica in all its glory as you explore the solemn grandeur at the heart of the Vatican. With a small group, special reserved access, an up-close look at the cathedral, and a visit to the papal tombs, you get these remarkable sights almost to yourself.
Meet your guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and head past the crowds, straight into the grand Renaissance-era elegance of the basilica. An elevator carries you to the dome's first terrace, where you're surrounded by its beautiful artwork, and then 231 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome—from the square below you all the way across the Tiber.
Next, it's time for a journey through the basilica itself as your guide shows you the grandeur that defines one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire the exquisite detail of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing amid the space designed by Michelangelo, and then visit the famous bronze statue of St. Peter with the keys to heaven in his hand.
Another special experience is waiting for you beneath the basilica as your guide gives you a rare look at the crypts of the Vatican grotto. 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 before you part ways with your guide at the tour's end.
Included / Excluded
- Expert English-speaking guide
- Skip the line access to St. Peter’s Basilica
- Pre-reserved ticket to St. Peter’s Basilica dome (with elevator access)
- Headsets
- Gratuities
- Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Start / End Locations
Start Location: Piazza della Città Leonina, 5, (Caffè Leonina), Rome, IT
Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Caffè Leonina, Piazza della Città Leonina, 5. The closest metro stop is Ottaviano.
Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Fj3k1uXEw3MhJhaL7
Commentary
Guide : English
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.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
- 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.
- Please note: starting December 2024, access to St. Peter's Basilica may be limited due to the Vatican's Jubilee Year 2025, which includes special events and ceremonies. These closures are determined by the Vatican and are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
- 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
Cancellation Cutoff: 7 days
Cancellation Notes: 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.
Points of interest
Terms and Conditions
Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.
Additional Information
Ticket age ranges:
- Adult (15+)
- Child (2-14)
- Infant (0-1)
Redemption Information
Tickets will be held at the box office
About operator:
Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.
In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...
Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.
Basic Information
- Duration: 165 minutes
- Max Group Size: 20
- Category: Attractions / Museums
Other products
