moderate
2–3 hours
Participants should be comfortable with stair climbing and standing for extended periods.
Ascend St. Peter’s Dome for sweeping city views, then descend into the basilica’s secret underground grottoes. Join Touriks for a small-group, immersive journey through Rome’s spiritual heart.
1.75 hrs • Tour in English
Embark on an unforgettable guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest. Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the Dome, explore stunning mosaics, and marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà. Delve into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb, all while enjoying the intimate setting of a small group.
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. Choose a small-group tour and be impressed by these art & architecture masterpieces.
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 marble floor and get the chance to take an exclusively close look at the mosaics of the dome.
Go even higher to find yourself at the top balcony and be amazed by the spectacular panorama over Rome and beyond it. From the height of 136 meters, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other iconic monuments and see the boundaries of the Vatican State. Take delight in a breathtaking view of St. Peters Square and the Vatican gardens.
Descend directly into the Basilica and avoid the long lines at its entrance. Be humbled by its magnificence and understand why it took 150 years to rebuild. Marvel at colorful marbles, golden ceilings, and impressive mosaics all around you.
Get guided through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic art by Canova and Bernini among others. Be impressed by the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and discover its connection with the Pantheon. Get emotional in front of the Pietà of Michelangelo and appreciate its expressive power and delicate beauty.
Go further down into the underground grottoes and visit St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.
Finish your tour in St. Peters Square and perceive the all-embracing character and purpose 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.
Meet your guide in Largo del Colonnato 5. Look for the yellow label with the TOURIKS logo on it. Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks. Do not go through the metal detectors before meeting the guide.
Tours fill quickly—reserve your spot early to avoid missing out, especially in peak tourist seasons.
The Dome climb involves over 300 steps on narrow passages; sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.
Visitors must cover shoulders and knees inside the basilica; bring a scarf or shawl if needed.
Photography isn’t allowed in the underground grottoes; respect guidelines to preserve the sacred space.
St. Peter’s Basilica was completed in 1626 and remains a monumental example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture under multiple renowned artists, including Michelangelo.
Efforts are ongoing to preserve the basilica’s mosaics and structural integrity, balancing thousands of visitors each day with protecting this UNESCO site.
Necessary for navigating the steep, narrow Dome stairs safely.
Useful for cooler weather and to meet dress code requirements.
fall|spring|winter specific
Stay hydrated during the climb, especially in warmer months.
summer|null specific
Allows easy carrying of essentials without hindering the tight stairways.