Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, Dome, and Vatican Grottoes Tour

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Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, Dome, and Vatican Grottoes Tour

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Discover St. Peter's Basilica on a guided tour with a local guide, with entry tickets included. Enjoy a rare bird's- eye view over Rome with this tour that includes a climb to the top of its dome.

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Highlights

Be entertained by fascinating stories about the building's long history
Climb to the top of the Dome to admire panoramic views of the Vatican gardens
Admire the Basilica's array of impressive marble, ceilings, and mosaics
Explore the underground grottoes and marvel at the ancient frescoes
Benefit from the knowledge of a local guide who is also an art historian

Description

The most famous and the biggest square of the Vatican City. In the middle of the huge square enjoy the Obelisk from Egypt (over 2550 years old). 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. After entering the Basilica, you will discover the beautiful artworks that fill its space. While walking on the colorful marbles, you will be mesmerized by the enormous dimension of the building and the ceilings entirely covered in gold. Here the guide will take you through the main highlights. You will discover the incredible Papal Altar under Bernini's Baldachin, and marvel at Michelangelo's other timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you explore the most important church in the Christian world. Enjoy a visit to the Papal Grottoes, the vast crypt under St. Peter's Basilica. Built 3 meters below the level of the Basilica, they are located just under the great altar in the middle of the central nave. Here, you can see where hundreds of popes and members of royalty have been buried since the 11th century. Enjoy a 360 degrees view over the marble floors and take an exclusive and close-up look at the mosaics of the dome, designed by Michelangelo.From the highest point within vatican, admire breathtaking and panoramic views of the city, including the vatican gardens below. Keep your camera ready to click beautiful panoramic views.

Includes

Tour guide Skip-the-line entry (if option selected) St. Peter's Basilica tour Entry tickets to the dome by Elevator (if option selected) Headsets to hear the guide

Important Information

Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & Necropolis are not included. knees & shoulders must be covered Please note that skip the line isn't possible. All visitors must pass through security check line like airport. It might take 10-120minutes during high season. During bad weather might not be possible to climb up the dome. In that case you can ask for partial refund. St. Peter's Basilica is subject to unforeseen closures due to Vatican affairs. In the event this happens, the tour operator will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule. In the rare event the underground is closed, you will spend extra time in the basilica and St. Peter's Square. You will also need to wait in line to climb up to the dome. The wait time may range from 5 to 70 minutes.