Viator
5.0
12 reviews
Private Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes
★ 4.8 (44 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor) · Operator: TOURIKS
- 1 h 30 min on the listing; the time can vary by option
- Private, up to 15 per booking
- Live guide: Portuguese
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Editor's take
The dome climb is entirely by stairs on TOURIKS' private tour. On the English Tour option, you visit St Peter's Basilica and the Grottoes before climbing 551 steps. The route takes 90 minutes for your own party.
Pick this if you want a private art historian and can manage the full climb. The lift is excluded. Security queues add time before the 90-minute route. The Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel are outside this tour.
Which languages does the private TOURIKS tour offer?
6 options. Prices are per adult for a party of two, the usual lowest price of each option. The booking page shows the price for your date.
| Option | When | Guide | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portuguese TourPrivate tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Portuguese | Daily 08:45, 14:00 | Portuguese | €349 |
| French TourPrivate tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in French | Daily 08:45, 14:00 | French | €349 |
| English TourPrivate tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in English | Daily 08:45, 14:00 | English | €349 |
| German TourPrivate tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in German | Daily 08:45, 13:30 | German | €349 |
| Spanish TourPrivate tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Spanish | Daily 08:45, 14:00 | Spanish | €349 |
| Italian TourPrivate tour: Select this option for Private guided tour in Italian | Daily 08:45, 13:30 | Italian | €349 |
What's included
Included
- Entry fees to the top of the Dome (by stairs)
- Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Private art-historian guide
Not included
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
- This tour does not skip the line
Tour or official ticket?
From €349 per person against €17 for an official dome stair ticket, the extra pays for a private art historian. The Basilica and Grottoes are free to enter. Book the official ticket if you only want to climb and explore on your own.
Meeting point
Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato, 5, by the first columns of the Colonnade. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please be at the meeting point 5 minutes before the starting time. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square.
Itinerary
From the operator: TOURIKS's own description of the route.
St Peter's Square
Start your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects as were thought by its designer, Bernini, and find the two "special" spots in the square.
St Peter's Basilica
Then head towards the Basilica to be amazed by its magnificence. See why it took 150 years to rebuild and marvel at the golden ceilings and the impressive mosaics all around you. Let your art-historian guide lead you through renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art.
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Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".
Vatican Grottoes
Descend into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.
St Peter's Basilica
Then climb your way up to the top of the Dome by stairs. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome. Climb even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond.
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Spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments from the height of 136 meters. Enjoy a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Know before you go
From the operator: TOURIKS's own notes for this tour.
Tickets and ID
- The dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather conditions. In that case, you can either ask for a partial refund and visit the Basilica and the grottoes or decide to cancel the tour for a full refund
- Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. The tickets are nominative, therefore, failure to present a voucher with all travellers' full names may result in denied entry
- Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry
What to wear
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
Access and children
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour
Route and closures
- The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
- St. Peter Basilica or its dome can be subject to partial unforeseen closures due to Vatican Administration
- PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged
- Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica
Good to know
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
- Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes
- Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
- Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
- Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
Reviews
4.8 out of 5 from 44 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor together. 95% gave 4 or 5 stars.
Tripadvisor
4.7
32 reviews
As shown on Viator, read . The rating is for the whole listing, not for one option, and we do not have the review texts.
Photos
From the TOURIKS listing, 15 photos in all.
From the operator
From the operator: TOURIKS's own description of the tour.
Combine a thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with a climb to the top of the dome (by stairs) for the best panoramic view of Rome. Discover marvels of art and architecture created by world-famous masters of the Renaissance with a private art historian. PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica.
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As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged. The Dome climb is by stairs only; the elevator is not included in this tour.
