St Peter’s Basilica Tour, Dome Climb & Papal Tombs I Max 6 People
Description
Explore the world's largest church to it's full potential - from the very top with views of the entire city, to the tombs below. In your small group of 6 people and your expert guide, you can truly experience the breathtaking basilica as you climb to the top of the dome to explore Michelangelo's masterpiece, and then to the ground level to enjoy the basilica itself with Baroque and Renaissance art from masters like Bernini, Michelangelo and more. Your tour will also include a visit below to the Papal tombs, where the tombs of Pope's from the centuries past lay to rest. This tour is limited to just 6 people to enhance your overall experience and providing a friendly environment with your guide.
Tour Options
Itinerary
With a maximum of six guests, this semi-private experience combines a relaxed pace, expert storytelling, and privileged access for a memorable visit to the heart of the Vatican.
Begin with priority access to Michelangelo’s Dome, where you’ll take an elevator part of the way before climbing to the interior gallery. From this unique vantage point, admire the Basilica’s magnificent mosaics up close and enjoy breathtaking views over the interior, including Bernini’s famous Baldacchino above the High Altar.
Back inside the Basilica, your expert guide will introduce you to its most celebrated masterpieces and hidden treasures. Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s monumental bronze canopy, the bronze Statue of St. Peter, and other remarkable works that reflect centuries of artistic achievement and religious devotion.
Your tour concludes beneath the Basilica in the Papal Tombs, where many Popes are buried, including John Paul II. This sacred area is also traditionally believed to contain the tomb of St. Peter himself, making it one of the most significant sites in the Catholic world.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican.
Reviews(180)
Michela was fantastic and a lot of fun! Full of energy and knowledge. Can’t wait to use LivTours again
Brando did a phenomenal job. Very witty and informative. Highly recommend him!
Brando was an exceptional guide! Full of knowledge and made our tour extra special
Gabriella was absolutely amazing! So knowledgeable and the kids and adults had an incredible experience. Thank you Gabriella!!
Alexandra was amazing! She gave such a thorough and personal tour and was a true wealth of knowledge! We thoroughly enjoyed our experience.
Brando was the best tour guide! He was so knowledgeable and attentive to what we wanted to see. He stayed a step ahead of the crowds and tailored the order of what we saw perfectly. We loved his approach of focusing more on “the why” of the historic elements and their meanings versus just dates and straight facts. It was such a memorable trip and we got to see everything we wanted to see! We got there in the morning and had almost no lines. And despite the intense heat, all of us (teens to seniors) were able to see all the items on the itinerary. The basilica main floor wasn’t too crowded when we arrived but quickly filled up and Brando effortlessly worked around it. We climbed the Basilica dome, saw the major basilica highlights and even got to go to the underground tombs and see St. Peter’s tomb! It was perfect!
Brando was an amazing guide. He was so friendly and informative. He was very enthusiastic and made the experience perfect for our family. He answered all of our questions and was so accommodating!
We had a superb experience - our guide Chiara was knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and so great with my 5 and 8 year old. Logistics were easy.
Gabriella from Livtours was awesome. Just two of us on the tour which made it very personal. Not only did Gabriella provide us with a comprehensive tour of the Basilica, but she also had an extensive knowledge of papal history. She also took photos of my husband and myself as we toured around the Basilica . We highly recommend Livtours for anyone visiting the area.
Selenia was so well versed. We had many questions and she answered everything!
