St. Peter's Dome Climb, Basilica and Vatacombs Tour

Highlights

• Experience a view of Rome like no other from Michelangelo's majestic dome
• Tour St. Peter’s Basilica literally from top to bottom with this exclusive guide
• Visit the “Vatacombs,” the resting place of former popes beneath St. Peter's
• Relax at the terrace level and take in the view or climb 320 steps to the summit
• See as your guide points out the most interesting landmarks in every direction

Description

Beat the crowds at St. Peter’s Basilica as it opens for the day. Take the lift partway up and make the final ascent on foot—the reward at the top is worth it. Feast your eyes on Vatican City and greater Rome from the tallest dome in the world! Back on terra firma we enter the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica. Fully experience this triumph of art and architecture that’s unmatched anywhere else on earth, where Bernini’s brilliance and Michelangelo’s genius rise above papal tombs and the necropolis of St. Peter himself. Meet your expert Vatican guide by St. Peter’s Square and leave Rome behind you as you cross into Vatican City and enter St. Peter’s Basilica just as it opens to the public. Once inside, get ready to take in the most spectacular views of Rome as the elevator carries you up to the terrace level of the basilica (or walk if you prefer and earn yourself a gelato later)! At the terrace level you can decide whether to relax and take in the view or climb the remaining 320 steps up to the summit, where the breathtaking view of Rome and beyond is simply unforgettable. Your guide will point out all the most interesting historical landmarks in every direction, be they in Vatican City, the wider city of Rome, or further afield. At this point, take as many photographs as you can; you’re a very long way up and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime climb, so don’t hold back! As what goes up must come down, join us on a descent into the lower level of the basilica to experience the “Vatacombs,” a series of grottoes containing papal crypts and effigies crafted by the most celebrated artists of the centuries. Next on this adventure will be an in-depth tour of St. Peter’s Basilica—an absolute triumph of art and architecture unmatched anywhere else on earth. This is where Bernini’s brilliance and Michelangelo’s genius rise above holy papal tombs and the necropolis of St. Peter himself.

Includes

Vatican tour guide Early start inside St. Peter’s Basilica Entrance fees Lift part of the way to the summit

Important Information

• There is a strict dress code at the Vatican where both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees
• On the days immediately surrounding religious holidays at the Vatican alterations to tours may be necessary due to partial closings of areas normally included in this tour. The tour of the Basilica itself will be extended if the Papal Tombs underneath St. Peter's Basilica are closed
• Due to the route covered and/or the means of transportation used, it is not possible to participate in this tour using a wheelchair, scooter, or other aid. Please contact us to inquire about customized tour options for guests with mobility challenges

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund