Adventure Collective
St. Peter's Basilica Tour in Rome by Touriks - Rome

St. Peter's Basilica Tour in Rome by Touriks

Romemoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

2–3 hours

Fitness Level

Participants should be comfortable with stair climbing and standing for extended periods.

Overview

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.

Walking Tour
Roma, Lazio

St. Peter's Basilica Tour: Top of Dome to Underground Grottoes

1.75 hrs • Tour in English

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Adventure Photos

St. Peter's Basilica Tour: Top of Dome to Underground Grottoes photo 1

About This Adventure

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.

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. Choose a small-group tour and be impressed by these art & architecture masterpieces.


Highlights

  • Enjoy the quality of a small group of a maximum of 25 participants
  • Climb to the top of the Dome to own a bird's eye view of Rome
  • Get an exclusive close look at the mosaics from the dome’s heights
  • Visit St. Peter’s tomb and marvel at the Pietà of Michelangelo
  • Experience the mystic atmosphere of the underground grottoes

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 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.


Important information

  • Please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the scheduled starting time
  • The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
  • 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
  • An appropriate dress code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes: a moderate amount of walking is involved
  • Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square are not skippable and might take 5-45 minutes
  • Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
  • For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours
  • We suggest you do not trash your empty bottle of water since you can refill it everywhere in Rome for free

Meeting point

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.


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

Book in advance

Tours fill quickly—reserve your spot early to avoid missing out, especially in peak tourist seasons.

Wear comfortable shoes

The Dome climb involves over 300 steps on narrow passages; sturdy, comfortable footwear is a must.

Modest dress code required

Visitors must cover shoulders and knees inside the basilica; bring a scarf or shawl if needed.

Prepare for limited photography

Photography isn’t allowed in the underground grottoes; respect guidelines to preserve the sacred space.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban pigeons that frequent St. Peter’s Square
  • Occasional sparrows nesting in the basilica’s crevices

History

St. Peter’s Basilica was completed in 1626 and remains a monumental example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture under multiple renowned artists, including Michelangelo.

Conservation

Efforts are ongoing to preserve the basilica’s mosaics and structural integrity, balancing thousands of visitors each day with protecting this UNESCO site.

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Adventure Hotspots in Rome

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Necessary for navigating the steep, narrow Dome stairs safely.

Light jacket or scarf

Essential

Useful for cooler weather and to meet dress code requirements.

fall|spring|winter specific

Water bottle

Essential

Stay hydrated during the climb, especially in warmer months.

summer|null specific

Compact backpack

Allows easy carrying of essentials without hindering the tight stairways.