Activities

Vatican: Basilica, Dome and underground early bird tour

from

£44.00

Free cancellation

Language: English

Mobile voucher accepted

Duration: 2 hours

Instant confirmation

Guided tour

Smaller group size

Why you’ll love this…

Admire the stunning frescoes, statues and mosaics of the Basilica and its square
Set foot on the summit of the famous Michelangelo's Dome
Explore the history behind the Vatican Grottoes and Papal Tombs
Entry to the St. Peter's Basilica with our local guide
See beyond the art with an experienced art historian as your guide

What to expect

Be mesmerized by the ancient history of the Vatican City with your local guide, including the marvelous St. Peter’s Square, the heart of the Vatican City, filled with statuesque columns and majestic pilasters. Your guide will walk you through the 1st balcony, decorated with amazing frescoes and works of art close to you up until you reach the summit of the Dome after 320 steps, where a unique panoramic view awaits you over the city center.

Then you'll have some free time to enjoy and take photographs at your own pace, observing from a wide-range view of the Dome’s summit, overlooking some of the ancient monuments including the Roman Colosseum and Pantheon.

You'll be captivated by the interiors filled with masterpieces of the illustrious Bernini and Michelangelo and the remains from the Renaissance and Baroque period. Explore the Vatican’s historic Grottoes and get a closer look at the rooms, chapels and the papal tombs, where many Popes, royalties and other dignitaries are laid to rest.

What's included

Admission tickets to the St. Peter's Dome 1st level and summit
Navigate around the Papal Tombs
Expert English speaking guide
Headsets when needed
Small groups of 15 person

What's not included

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pick-up/drop-off
Skip-the-line tickets

Where

Piazza della Città Leonina, 5/6, 00193 Roma, RM, Italy

Meeting point:

The meeting point is near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. It is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side. Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts. Late arrivals will not be accommodated and not be refunded. Your guide will be meeting you holding a “Loving Rome” flag and will be stationed at the “black tables” of Caffè Leonina (front row), situated beyond the white tables of the kiosk.

What to remember

Accessibility:

Not suitable for wheelchair users or people with impaired mobility
Not suitable for people with serious health conditions or heart problems

Not allowed:

No bare shoulders or knees. Appropriate dress code is required when visiting the Basilica
Weapons, sharp objects, luggages and large bags are not allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica

Know in advance:

In accordance with the attraction regulations, please provide the full names of each participant, preferably as shown on their passport, during the booking process
This service exclusively offers an entry ticket and tour to the Dome, and not skip-the-line access to the Basilica. The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropolis are not part of this tour. Access to the Sacred Door is not included in the tour and requires a separate booking directly through the Vatican website
The lift of the Dome only takes you to the first balcony, to climb up to the main Dome you will have to use the stairs (320 steps) which requires 20 extra minutes
All visitors must pass through a metal detector security check before entering the St Peter's Basilica, during high season the waiting may take up to 30 minutes
The St. Peter's Basilica Dome might not be accessible in case of bad weather conditions

Provider

Loving Rome

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 24 hours before the experience begins.

What people say about this experience

Anonymous
From United Kingdom - March 2025

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Best day in Rome The Basilica is the most beautiful & mesmerising place to visit, without a doubt it's the number 1 experience in Rome
---
From Austria - July 2024

Solo traveller

35 - 44 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5
Anonymous
From United States of America - July 2024

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

My nephew and I had the best time. Truly wonderful host and great in captivating my nephews attention - no question un answered. Strongly recommended ...
Christina Fischer
From Germany - March 2024

Travelled with family

25 - 34 years old

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

Die Tour um 7:30 Uhr war genau richtig, kaum Schlangen vor den Sicherheitskontrollen und die Führung noch nicht überfüllt
Anonymous
From United States of America - May 2023

Excellent
Overall rated
5/5

The tour guide was helpful and made our trip easy. I would highly recommend

Extras

Transfer Between Rome City Center and Fiumicino Airport

Travel comfortably between Rome and Fiumicino Airport completely stress-free and without wasting time.

free cancellation

Available in:

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Likely to sell out

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