VIP St. Peter's Basilica tour with Dome climb and Papal Crypt
Attractions & guided tours

VIP St. Peter's Basilica tour with Dome climb and Papal Crypt

4.6/5
Excellent
Based on 45 reviews
from
£45.00
Free cancellation
Language: English
Mobile voucher accepted
Duration: 2 hours 45 minutes
Why you’ll love this…
  • 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.
What to expect

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.

Read more
What's included
  • check Guided walking tour
  • check Entrance ticket
  • check Individual headset
  • check Local guide
What's not included
  • x_not_included Tips (optional)
  • x_not_included Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Where

Piazza della Città Leonina, 7, 00193 Roma RM, Italy

Meeting point:
Kindly meet 15 minutes before departure time in front of 'Caffè Leonina, in Piazza Citta' Leonina, just outside St. Peter's Square. Take the Red Line metro and get off at the "Ottaviano/San Pietro" stop.
What to remember

Not suitable for:

  • Guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, and strollers

Know in advance:

  • The skip-the-line access is not possible at the dome or at St. Peter's Basilica security line (although it is possible for guests entering via the Vatican Museums, who use a different door), so you may need to spend some time in unavoidable queues. Your guide will use the time well though, entertaining you with stories and pointing out the incredible details of St. Peter's Square
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. The tour operator cannot be held responsible for those denied entry
  • After the terrace where the lift stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top
  • This tour operator is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.

Remember to bring:

  • A valid ID (that applies also to any children booked on the tour)
Read more
Provider
Walks LLC
Booking fee
Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.
Cancellation policy
Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Excellent

4.6/5

Based on 45 reviews from verified customers

62%
31%
7%
0%
0%

Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Value for money

4.7/5

  • Anonymous

    From Germany - July 2025

    Great

    Overall rated

    4/5

    Leider statt einer 3 ständigen Tour nur 2. Waren aber auch nur zu zweit, Hatten nicht so das Gefühl das unser Tourguide begeistert war nur mit uns zu ...

  • Frank S

    From United States of America - October 2024

    Travelled as a couple

     

    35 - 44 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Reg B

    From United States of America - November 2023

    Travelled as a couple

     

    45 - 54 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Der Treffpunkt war gut zu finden und wir waren in einer relativ kleinen Gruppe (ca. 10 Person). Unser Guide war exzellent, sehr informativ und sehr en ...

  • Anonymous

    From United Kingdom - November 2023

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    Excellent tour guide. Very informative and asnwered all questions asked.

  • Anonymous

    From United Kingdom - October 2023

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

  • Aimee

    From United States of America - August 2023

    Travelled as a couple

     

    18 - 24 years old

    Excellent

    Overall rated

    5/5

    The tour guide we had was so lovely! He made the tour really interesting. It was by far my favourite excursion during my time in Rome! The climb up to ...

You might also like

Transfer Between Rome City Center and Fiumicino Airport
Extras

Transfer Between Rome City Center and Fiumicino Airport

Travel comfortably between Rome and Fiumicino Airport completely stress-free and without wasting time.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, it, fr, es 

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel small-group tour with basilica visit
Must see
Attractions & guided tours

Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel small-group tour with basilica visit

Book your small group tour of the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Take advantage of a expert local guide and skip-the-line entrance.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

VIP St. Peter's Basilica tour with Dome climb and Papal Crypt
Must see
Attractions & guided tours

VIP St. Peter's Basilica tour with Dome climb and Papal Crypt

Enjoy a VIP tour of St Peter's Basilica and climb the dome to admire Rome. Descend into the Papal Crypt for a rare guided tour with a small group.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Villa Borghese Guided Ebike Tour
Activities

Villa Borghese Guided Ebike Tour

Cycle through Villa Borghese's picturesque landscapes on an e-bike tour. Discover ancient ruins, secret gardens, and stunning views.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, it, fr, es 

Palazzo Venezia reserved entrance with the Museum of the Risorgimento
Activities

Palazzo Venezia reserved entrance with the Museum of the Risorgimento

Visit the Vittoriano Monument and the Museum of the Risorgimento and marvel at the masterpieces inside Palazzo Venezia.

free cancellation
Instant Confirmation
Pompeii and Herculaneum Small-Group Tour From Rome
Attractions & guided tours

Pompeii and Herculaneum Small-Group Tour From Rome

Experience an unforgettable excursion travelling from Rome to Naples by fast train and visiting the archaeological sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum with an expert guide!

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Catacombs entry ticket and guided tour with transfer
Activities

Catacombs entry ticket and guided tour with transfer

Reach the biggest catacomb in Rome with an audio-guided shuttle bus ride and discover the life of the early Christian communities.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de, +1  pl

Restricted areas tour of Gladiator's Arena and Roman Forum
Attractions & guided tours

Restricted areas tour of Gladiator's Arena and Roman Forum

Dive in ancient history with an expert, English-speaking guide who will help you relive the glory days of one of the most important complexes in history!

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Crypts and Catacombs of Rome Skip-The-Line Tour
Attractions & guided tours

Crypts and Catacombs of Rome Skip-The-Line Tour

Book your Crypts and Catacombs of Rome skip-the-line tour and take a step back in time as you explore the early Christian art, crypts and catacombs with your guide.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Colosseum, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Experience
Activities

Colosseum, Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Experience

Travel back in time to the center of daily life in ancient Rome at the Forum, and explore the Colosseum and the Vatican Museums.

Duration 48 hours
Available in:

en, it, fr, es 

Instant Confirmation