St. Peter's Basilica Dome & Grottos Tour by Touriks
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be in reasonable physical condition able to climb approximately 300 narrow steps and stand for extended periods.
Overview
Take a private guided trek from St. Peter’s Basilica’s towering dome to its hidden underground grottos. Discover art, history, and panoramic views with Touriks, deep inside Rome’s iconic landmark.
Private Tour of St. Peter's Basilica from the Top of Dome to the Underground Grottos
149€ • 105 min • The best panoramic view of Rome
Select participants and date
Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Experience an exclusive guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, featuring a climb to Michelangelo's Dome for breathtaking panoramic views of Rome. Explore the Basilica's stunning art, including the Pietà, and delve into the underground grottos. Conclude your journey in St. Peter's Square, marveling at its architectural grandeur.
Enjoy the most complete guided tour of the largest Basilica in the world.
Combine a quality-guided experience of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with a climb to the top of the Dome for the best panoramic view of Rome.
Highlights
- Get access to the most exclusive experience of St. Peter's Basilica
- Enjoy the quality of a private tour
- Climb to the top of Michelangelo's Dome
- Admire the breathtaking view of Rome from the Dome's balcony
- Marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's colonnades
- Get access to the underground grottos
- Enjoy full on-site assistance
About
Meet your guide in St. Peter's Square and start your tour climbing your way up to the top of the dome of the Basilica. Enjoy a bird's-eye view over the basilica's floor and get the chance to take an exclusive close look at the mosaics of Michelangelo's dome.
Go even higher and find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the astonishing panorama over Rome and beyond it. From the height of 136 meters, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments, as well as the boundaries of the Vatican State. Enjoy a breathtaking view over St. Peter's Square and the Vatican gardens.
Descend directly into the Basilica avoiding the long lines at its entrance. Be humbled by its dimensions and understand why it took 150 years to rebuild. Be amazed by the colorful marble pavements and the astonishing mosaics all around you.
Get guided through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic art by Canova and Bernini, among others, and the 30-meters-high canopy made of the bronze removed from the rooftop of the Pantheon.
See the much-worshiped statue of St. Peter and get emotional in front of the Pietà of Michelangelo. Appreciate its expressive power and delicate beauty.
Go further down into the underground grottos and see the tomb of St. Peter. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and be amazed by the beautiful frescoes.
Finish your tour in St. Peter's Square and perceive the all-embracing character and purpose of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects created by its designer, Bernini. Find the two "special" spots in the square and go in search of the mysterious heart-shaped cobblestone.
Important information
- An instant confirmation will be received at the time of booking
- This is a private tour
- Please be at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts in order to complete the signup and setup the headsets
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the Basilica: knees and shoulders should be covered
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
- This tour is not wheelchair-accessible
- This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
Meeting point
Meet your guide in Largo del Colonnato 5. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please arrive 5 minutes before your scheduled start time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the starting time of the experience
- Full refunds are not possible for cancellations made after the 24 hours
- Amendments are not allowed after 24 hours and are always subject to availability and price changes
- No refunds in case of no-show on the part of the customer
- If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or a full refund
- If the tour is canceled due to COVID-19 issues, Touriks grants a full refund (not vouchers)
Adventure Tips
Wear sturdy shoes
The climb up the dome involves narrow, uneven stairs—closed-toe shoes with good grip are essential.
Stay hydrated
Bring a water bottle, especially in summer when temperatures inside the dome can rise rapidly.
Arrive early
Early bookings help avoid peak crowds, making the ascent and grotto visits more comfortable and quiet.
Respect the dress code
Modest attire is required inside the basilica and grottos: shoulders and knees should be covered.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Pigeons frequent St. Peter's Square
- European swifts nest in the colonnades during warmer months
History
St. Peter's Basilica was completed in the 17th century and is one of the largest churches in the world, famed for its Renaissance architecture by Michelangelo and others.
Conservation
The basilica and Vatican City maintain strict preservation policies, balancing tourist access with protection of priceless art and historic structures.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
To safely navigate the dome’s steep, uneven stairways.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated during the climb is crucial, especially on warm days.
summer specific
Layered clothing
Indoor temperatures vary, and the grottos can be cool and damp, so layers help maintain comfort.
spring|fall|winter specific
Camera or smartphone
For capturing the basilica’s art and unmatched panoramic city views from the dome.