Viator
4.6
14 reviews
St Peter’s Basilica Tour, Dome Climb & Papal Tombs I Max 6 People
★ 5.0 (210 reviews, Viator and Tripadvisor) · Operator: LivTours
- 2 h 30 min on the listing; the time can vary by option
- Up to 6 people, up to 15 per booking
- Live guide: English
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Editor's take
LivTours starts with the dome before moving into the Basilica and papal tombs. The St. Peter's Semi Private Tour lasts 2.5 hours with an English-speaking guide and normally 6 guests.
The lift leaves 320 steps for you to climb. Entry to the Basilica and Grottoes is free without a tour. Occasionally, 1 or 2 extra guests join to keep families together. The papal tombs may be closed when you visit.
How many people join LivTours' St Peter's tour?
2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Semi Private Tour | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat 09:15, 14:15, 15:15 | English | €169 |
| Private St Peter’s UPGRADEDome & Papal Tombs: Explore this magnificent basilica from underground crypts to the dome's peak on our St. Peter's Basilica tour. Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes | Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat 09:15, 10:15, 11:15, 12:15, 13:15, 14:15 and more | English, Italian, Portuguese, French | €210 |
What's included
Included
- Tour in a Safe and Semi Private Group of 6 participants
- Tour with a Professional, Local, Expert and Fun Guide
- Descend into the Papal Tombs and Crypts
- Climb to the top of the Dome!
- PRIVATE Option is available!
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and Drink
Tour or official ticket?
The semi-private option costs from €169, compared with €22 for the official dome ticket by lift. The extra pays for guiding throughout the visit. Choose the official ticket if you want the climb and are happy to explore independently.
Meeting point
Piazza della Città Leonina – at the green kiosk (drinks/snacks stand), just outside St. Peter’s Square near the archway into Via di Porta Angelica. Your guide will be holding a LivTours sign. IMPORTANT: You must bring photo ID to guarantee entry.
Itinerary
From the operator: LivTours's own description of the route.
Stop 1
With a maximum of six guests, this semi-private experience combines a relaxed pace, expert storytelling, and privileged access for a memorable visit to the heart of the Vatican.
St Peter's Basilica
Begin with priority access to Michelangelo’s Dome, where you’ll take an elevator part of the way before climbing to the interior gallery. From this unique vantage point, admire the Basilica’s magnificent mosaics up close and enjoy breathtaking views over the interior, including Bernini’s famous Baldacchino above the High Altar.
St Peter's Basilica
Back inside the Basilica, your expert guide will introduce you to its most celebrated masterpieces and hidden treasures. Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s monumental bronze canopy, the bronze Statue of St. Peter, and other remarkable works that reflect centuries of artistic achievement and religious devotion.
St Peter's Basilica
Your tour concludes beneath the Basilica in the Papal Tombs, where many Popes are buried, including John Paul II. This sacred area is also traditionally believed to contain the tomb of St. Peter himself, making it one of the most significant sites in the Catholic world.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Know before you go
From the operator: LivTours's own notes for this tour.
What to wear
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
Access and children
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican.
Route and closures
- Access to the Papal Tombs may occasionally be restricted due to religious celebrations, crowds, special events, or security measures beyond our control, and cannot be guaranteed even when included in the itinerary.
Good to know
- Public transportation options are available nearby
Reviews
5.0 out of 5 from 210 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor together. 99% gave 4 or 5 stars.
Tripadvisor
5.0
196 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 LivTours listing, 11 photos in all.
From the operator
From the operator: LivTours's own description of the tour.
Explore the world's largest church to it's full potential - from the very top with views of the entire city, to the tombs below. In your small group of 6 people and your expert guide, you can truly experience the breathtaking basilica as you climb to the top of the dome to explore Michelangelo's masterpiece, and then to the ground level to enjoy the basilica itself with Baroque and Renaissance art from masters like Bernini, Michelangelo and more.
Read more
Your tour will also include a visit below to the Papal tombs, where the tombs of Pope's from the centuries past lay to rest. This tour is limited to just 6 people to enhance your overall experience and providing a friendly environment with your guide.
