Ascend St. Peter’s Basilica’s Dome and descend into the Vatican’s hidden crypts with Touriks’ carefully curated small group tour. Experience art, architecture, and sweeping views all in one unforgettable journey.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable with prolonged standing, walking, and climbing narrow stairs.
Wildlife
History
St. Peter’s Basilica began construction in 1506 over what is believed to be the tomb of Saint Peter, marking it as a center of Christian pilgrimage.
Conservation
The Vatican practices ongoing preservation efforts for the basilica’s artworks and architectural elements, balancing tourism and heritage protection.
Touriks
Ascend St. Peter’s Basilica’s Dome and descend into the Vatican’s hidden crypts with Touriks’ carefully curated small group tour. Experience art, architecture, and sweeping views all in one unforgettable journey.
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 comfortable shoes
The climb to the Dome involves steep stairs and narrow passages—sturdy footwear will keep you steady.
Arrive early to avoid crowds
Morning tours tend to be less crowded, offering a quieter experience inside the basilica and at the Dome.
Prepare for security checks
Like all Vatican sites, expect metal detectors and bag inspections—pack light to expedite entry.
Limited mobility alert
The stairs to the Dome and underground crypts are narrow and uneven, making this tour challenging for those with mobility issues.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supports your feet during stairs and uneven flooring within the basilica and Dome.
Light backpack or daypack
Helps carry essentials like water and a camera without hindrance on tight stairways.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during hot weather climbs.
summer
Layered clothing
Temperatures vary inside and outside the basilica, so layers offer breathable comfort.
fall|winter|spring