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.
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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.
Wildlife
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.
Touriks
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.
Touriks is a Rome-based tour operator located in Roma, Lazio that specializes in guided cultural and archaeological experiences across the city and Vatican area.
Specializing in in-depth guided visits of St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square, Touriks offers semi-private, private, and small-group formats that include dome climbs, visits to the underground grottoes, and guided exploration of St. Peter’s tomb.
The company also guides visitors through Rome’s subterranean heritage, including Roman Catacombs, the underground temples of San Clemente, and other proto-Christian basilicas. Selected catacombs tours include private transfer options noted in tour descriptions.
Touriks’ program includes a broad range of Rome itineraries: Colosseum underground and arena tours, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill walks, Pantheon and Navona Square visits with access to underground sites, Caracalla Baths and Circus Maximus visits, Trastevere walks with subterranean sites, and guided visits to Castel Sant'Angelo and the Borghese Gallery.
Individual tour descriptions emphasize major artworks and architectural highlights such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, the mosaics of St. Peter’s, and Bernini’s design of St. Peter’s Square. Touriks is featured on The Adventure Collective, where its Rome tours are listed with factual itineraries and booking details.
All tour listings state location, format, and options so travelers can select dome climbs, underground grottoes, transfers, or private and small-group experiences when available.
Location
Roma, Lazio
Based in Rome, Italy
Group Options
Private & Small-Group
Private, semi-private and small-group tours
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Listed on The Adventure Collective
Highlights
Basilica to Catacombs
Tours from St. Peter’s to undergrounds
Select a St. Peter’s Basilica tour, dome climb, catacombs visit or Colosseum experience and secure a guided Rome itinerary that fits travel style.
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.
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
Layered clothing
Indoor temperatures vary, and the grottos can be cool and damp, so layers help maintain comfort.
spring|fall|winter
Camera or smartphone
For capturing the basilica’s art and unmatched panoramic city views from the dome.