Dome Climb & St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
Description
Enjoy the visit of some of the world’s most significant works of art and hear some of the history and stories surrounding the magnificent locations where they are housed. Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view. Enjoy this superb private 2-hour walking tour.
Tour Options
Itinerary
The Dome of St. Peter's Basilica is best seen from an up-close perspective. A short lift ride will take you to the main level inside the vault. From here, you’ll have a fantastic view of the staggering mosaics and stunning elaborate embellishments. This view affords the best perspective to appreciate the artisans’ skills and techniques used to create such intricate work. Climb up the 281 steps to the highest point of the Dome for one of the best views of the entire city of Rome, and your guide will show you landmarks and points of interest from this birds-eye view.
is traditionally an entrance portal located within the Papal major basilicas in Rome. The doors are normally sealed by mortar and cement from the inside so that they cannot be opened. They are ceremoniously opened during Jubilee years designated by the Pope, for pilgrims who enter through those doors may piously gain the plenary indulgences attached with the Jubilee year celebrations.
It is then time for a tour of St. Peter’s Basilica where you will explore the numerous side chapels with their hidden crypts. You will see Michelangelo’s Pietà and your guide will explain why this is the only work that he signed. You will gain an appreciation of the mastery that went into the creation of Bernini’s altarpiece and learn how Michelangelo triumphed over his contemporaries for the honour to paint St. Peter’s magnificent dome. There is still more to see though below ground level. You guide will lead you below ground to the papal crypt where, over the centuries, many of the Popes have been interred. This special place is a site of pilgrimage for many Catholics. Although talking is allowed, before you enter the crypt you guide will tell you where the most important popes are laid to rest.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- READ CAREFULLY: Because of the Papal events in the Vatican some areas might get closed last minute without previous notice. This has already happened this year and can happen again during your Vatican tour: the Sistine chapel and/or the Basilica of Saint Peter might not be accessible. In case of such events our tour guide will provide you with a valuable alternative focusing the tour inside the Vatican museums.
Reviews(10)
Guide was knowledgeable, engaging and attentive! Loved the tour! I highly recommend this tour. It did not disappoint!
We had a great tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica with Francesco. He was informative and interesting - striking the right balance between the two! We booked two tours with him over two days and greatly enjoyed both. He also answered our random Rome history questions. Highly highly recommend!
Booked this tour and then vendor changed time 2 days prior with no reason. We asked to keep our original advertised start time, and were told there was no availability. Spent hours rearranging our schedule and scrambling for a new tour last minute. Terrible service.
Because we had a private tour guide and the crowds were not as bad (per the guide), we were able to complete this tour in 90 minutes instead of 3 hours, which was huge given that we were also touring the Colosseum the same day (which I do not recommend trying to do both of these in one day). My overall opinion of the Vatican - well, it was certainly aesthetically impressive.
Our tour guide Francesco was awesome ! He had so much knowledge and history of the Vatican . He gave us some great tips for what to look for in the art of the Sistine Chapel which made it fun for our group of 12. Six of them were teenagers and they had a great time too!
Our tour with Claudia was EXCEPTIONAL! Thanks to her for such a personal and warm experience. Her fund of knowledge is exceptionally broad, and she is facile and conversant easily in English and several other languages. She is engaging and personable, our group of 4 had a lovely time. Highly recommend Claudia as a guide in Rome and are looking forward to having a second tour experience with her.
Anna was fantastic and so very articulate and helpful. I would highly rate her and the experience! This was money well spent. If you value your time and want a first class experience then Anna is the right choice!
Thomas, an archaeology professor, was our guide. So knowledgeable, passionate about this city, personable, and accommodating. (I was in a wheelchair).
We thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Francesco was very informative and communicated well with all members of our family aged 10 and up. Exceeded our expectations. We would highly recommend this tour.
We absolutely loved our 3-hour Vatican tour with Francisco. He was so friendly and full of interesting knowledge. The hotel pick-up was fantastic, and Francisco was waiting for us upon our arrival. We had a great day and would highly recommend this tour and our wonderful guide, Francisco!
