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Tours & experiences

Early Morning St Peter’s Basilica with Dome and Crypt Group Tour

About this experience

S.T PETER'S BASILICA'S MOST COMPLETE, AMAZING EARLY MORNING GUIDED TOUR.
St. Peter's Square, Basilica, Grotteos, Crypts, Tomb, and climbing the Dome guided Tour and Tickets.
Meet your guide early near St. Peter's Square, and visit St. Peter’s Basilica at its quietest before the crowds descend.
By an elevator, head up to the first level of the dome and the balcony. Admire the Basilica’s inside view of the dome on the Bernini’s canopy below and the array of incredible mosaics that circle the dome. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the dome, the highest point within Rome, for breathtaking views of the Eternal City.
Come down from the Dome and enter the Basilica with your guide, walk through the highlights, and see the ‘Pietà’ of Michelangelo and all the masterpieces adorning the Basilica before descending to the underground crypts. Here, you can see Saint Peter's Tomb and the burial spot of hundreds of popes.
After the tour, spending extra time in the Basilica is possible.

At a glance

  • Duration: 3 hr

Choose your tour option

Select a date and travellers to compare current prices and departure times.

Guided Tour in English
Visita Guidata in Italiano
Visite Guidée en Français
Visita Guiada en Español

Plan your experience

Time on the tour3 hr
Guide languagesEnglish (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide)

Set aside 3 hr for the experience itself, with additional time to reach your meeting or pickup point.

Compare the available options before choosing: their itinerary, inclusions and pickup arrangements can differ. Check the price for your date and whole group.

Before you go

  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/ attraction. Only very small bags are allowed. Please do not bring these items with you on the day of your tour as there are no cloakrooms at the monument.
  • For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened. To facilitate the security checks please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray

What is included

  • On-site assitance
  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Dome
  • Tickets to climb St Peter's Basilica Dome
  • Guided tour of St. Peter Basilica

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour

Itinerary and highlights

St Peter's Square, the heart of Vatican City, the smallest state in the world, which was in antiquity occupied by Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians, including St. Peter, were martyred.

Churches don’t get bigger than St. Peter’s Basilica, in every sense of the word. Not only is it physically colossal, but it’s also the home of the Catholic Church. Enter the historic walls of Vatican City, the residence of the Pope, to discover the focal point of a historical and spiritual pilgrimage.

The dome was designed by Michelangelo who worked on the basilica's construction beginning in 1547.
Once on top of the Dome, you will have a bird's-eye view of Vatican City as well as a breathtaking panorama of Rome, spread out 136m below.

Meeting and pickup information

  • Please meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato 5. Please be at the meeting point 20 minutes before the starting time.

Languages and tickets

  • English — Guide
  • Italian — Guide
  • French — Guide
  • Spanish — Guide
  • Mobile Only

Tour operator

  • Vatican Guided Tours

Meeting points and locations

Accessibility and practical details

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 20 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.
  • A dress code is required to enter places of worship and Vatican Museum. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
  • 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
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • The activity can suffer 20/30 min variation due to organizational resons
  • Please be advised capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure This could also influence the smooth running of the tour especially on national holidays and events.
  • Cancellations, changes or issues due to weather, security and events held by the monument are beyond our control and are directly decided by their administration team. These issues will be reviewed by us and dealt with on an individual basis but are the responsibility of the monument.
  • Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card
  • Note: tour will not operate on religious holidays
  • WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO VISIT THE BASILICA DURING RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS AND CEREMONIES (Audiences, Beatifications, Masses of the POPE). The Basilica is often subject to sudden closures. In these cases it is not possible to guarantee access to the Basilica.
  • Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
  • All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security.
  • Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/ attraction. Only very small bags are allowed. Please do not bring these items with you on the day of your tour as there are no cloakrooms at the monument.
  • For security reasons all visitors and their luggage shall be screened. To facilitate the security checks please insert any object (including mobile phone) in the bag/backpack or in the tray to be included in the X-ray
  • No change on a booking can be accepted after 24hrs to the starting time of the tour. In that instance, no refund will be issued.
  • For the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is canceled, you will not be entitled to a refund.
  • Pets are not allowed
  • Not recommended for travellers with claustrophobia
  • Not recommended for travellers with vertigo
  • Not recommended for people with those with walking disabilities or walker users

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Questions about this experience

How long is this experience?
The supplier lists a duration of 3 hr. Check your chosen tour option for its specific itinerary.
Which guide languages are listed?
English (live guide), Italian (live guide), French (live guide), Spanish (live guide).
What ticket format is listed?
Mobile ticket.
What ticket age bands are listed?
Youth tickets: age 4–16; Adult tickets: age 17+. Check the practical details for participation requirements.
What accessibility information is provided?
Due to uneven surfaces, this tour is not recommended for those with walking disabilities or using a wheelchair.
What is the cancellation policy?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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