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St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt

294 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 294 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Rome, Italy
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 210 (190) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
Instant confirmation

Overview

Make the most of your time at visit St Peter’s Basilica, see the papal crypt on this all-access tour complete with priority entry and climb its dome. Starting early, you’ll see St. Peter’s Square without the large daytime crowds. Tour the basilica to admire Michelangelo’s ‘La Pietà’ among other highlights, and pay a visit to the papal crypt — a site normally missed by other tour groups. Numbers are limited to 20 for a small-group experience. End your tour at the top of the dome for panoramic vistas over the capital. Walks Tours is proud to be an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.

What's Included

  • Entry to the Papal Crypt of St Peter's Basilica
  • Viewing of the Swiss Guard at St Peter's
  • Pre-reserved tickets to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome (with optional elevator access)
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Piazza della Città Leonina
00193 Roma RM, Italy

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Piazza San Pietro
00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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St. Peter's Square

Meet your guide just outside the entrance to St. Peter's Square and head past the crowds, straight into the grand Renaissance-era elegance of the basilica.
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Included

St. Peter's Basilica

Next, it's time for a journey through the basilica itself as your guide shows you the grandeur that defines one of the holiest sites in the Catholic world. Admire the exquisite detail of the baldachin designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, standing amid the space designed by Michelangelo, and then visit the famous bronze statue of St. Peter with the keys to heaven in his hand. Another special experience is waiting for you beneath the basilica as your guide gives you a rare look at the crypts of the Vatican grotto. With more than 100 tombs holding popes, Catholic monarchs, and famous figures, the crypts let you look back through almost 2,000 years of the church's history. Before you part ways with your guide, they'll lead you to an elevator that carries you to the dome's first terrace. From there, you'll be able to climb St. Peter's dome at your own pace. 320 steps lead you up to one of the best views you can get of the city of Rome—from the square below you all the way across the Tiber.
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1 hour 45 minutes Admission Ticket Included

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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the St. Peter’s Basilica Priority Access Tour with Dome & Crypt?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-15693P41

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.86
294 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 294 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
266
4 stars
22
3 stars
2
2 stars
2
1 star
2
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 210 (190) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Entry to the Papal Crypt of St Peter's Basilica
  • Viewing of the Swiss Guard at St Peter's
  • Pre-reserved tickets to St. Peter’s Basilica Dome (with optional elevator access)
  • St Peter's Square
  • Skip the Line Access to St Peter's Basilica
  • Private guide (if option selected)
  • Gratuities
  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • After the terrace where the elevator stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • All guests (including children) must bring ID on the day of their tour.
  • Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
  • The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and must match the names on the ID/Passport. Name changes are not permitted.
  • Walks Tours is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers

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