• St. Peter’s Square - Join your tour guide to explore St. Peter’s Square. This grand square, encircled by an impressive quadruple colonnade, showcases the largest church in the Christian world: St. Peter’s Basilica (Basilica di San Pietro). It is the heart of Vatican City, the world’s smallest state, which was once the site of Nero’s circus and gardens, where many Christians, including St. Peter, were martyred. At the center of this 320-meter-wide piazza stands an Egyptian obelisk brought to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD. In 1656, Bernini began constructing the quadruple colonnade of 284 columns in 88 rows, symbolizing the “gathering of Christendom.” From two marked points in the square, the four concentric rings of columns appear to merge into one. The balustrade supported by the columns is adorned with 140 statues of saints. The grand entrance of the basilica is flanked by statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul.

• Cupola di San Pietro - The dome, designed by Michelangelo, was part of the basilica’s construction in 1547. The climb has two levels: the first takes you inside the dome, offering stunning views of the basilica below and a close look at the mosaics. Visitors can either walk the 320 steps or take the elevator, which also includes a visit to the roof, behind the statues of Jesus and the Apostles. The second part of the visit is optional and suited for the more adventurous. It involves climbing 320 steps that become increasingly narrow and winding, ending in a tight, corkscrew staircase. Those with claustrophobia may want to skip this. However, reaching the top of the Dome provides a bird’s-eye view of Vatican City and a breathtaking panorama of Rome, 150m below.

• St. Peter’s Basilica - After visiting the Dome, enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Churches don’t come larger than St. Peter’s Basilica, in every sense. It is not only physically immense but also the home of the Catholic Church. Step inside the historic walls of Vatican City, the Pope’s residence, to discover the focal point of a historical and spiritual pilgrimage. One of the apostles and the first Pope, St. Peter was crucified in Rome in 64 AD. There is strong evidence suggesting his body is buried beneath the Basilica’s main altar. Architecture enthusiasts will find St. Peter’s a stunning example of style. Even if the spiritual aspect isn’t appealing, the magnificence of the building is undeniable. As St. Peter’s isn’t the official seat of the Bishop of Rome, it’s not technically a cathedral but remains a grand church. Begun in 306 AD, St. Peter’s took over 1,300 years to be completed in 1626.

• Vatican Grottoes - EXPLORE THE VATICAN GROTTOES - The Vatican Grottoes is an extensive underground burial site beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. A grotto is essentially a cave, either artificial or natural, used for burial purposes. The Vatican Grottoes house the tombs of numerous popes and saints. In fact, it is the resting place of 91 popes and other church dignitaries such as cardinals, dating back to the 10th century and beyond. Additionally, the grottoes include tombs of secular monarchs like Queen Charlotte of Cyprus, the Stuarts, and Queen Christina of Sweden. The grottoes are situated above the necropolis, where the holy tomb of St. Peter the fisherman, the first bishop of Rome (Pope), can be found.

• Private Tour Guide for the Full Tour
• Tickets to the Elevator to St Peter’s Basilica Dome

• Food and drinks
• Gratuities
• Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Guided Tour and tickets
• Hotel Pick Up and Drop Off

Join our exclusive private tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, explore the Necropolis beneath the Basilica, and ascend the Dome for a stunning panoramic view of Rome. Begin your journey at St. Peter’s Square, where you can admire the architectural marvels crafted by Italian Renaissance masters, Gianlorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo.

Enter the basilica, take the elevator to the dome, and climb 330 steps to reach the pinnacle of Michelangelo’s masterpiece. Relish the breathtaking view over the entirety of Rome.

After descending from the dome, you will directly enter the Basilica to appreciate the unparalleled triumph of art and architecture, while learning about the significance of this iconic landmark. Witness Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Canopy. The entire interior of St. Peter’s Basilica is adorned with artifacts from the most renowned Italian artists of the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The basilica is home to relics of numerous Saints and 90 tombs, including that of the first pope, St. Peter the Apostle.

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Activity not recommended for people with motor lag
• 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
• There is no refund on reservation fees and tickets of monuments that are closed due to event that is out of our control.
• If this is not possible, we will operate the tour and will include other sites to compensate for the site/s being closed. No refund is given on unused tickets due to events that are out of our control.
• To Climb the Dome there is a spiral staircase of 320 steps. You cannot skip the stairs, so be prepared.
• Customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per “No Show” rules you will not be entitled to a refund.
• Cancellations, changes or issues due to weather, security and events held by the monument are beyond our control and are directly decided by their administration team. These issues will be reviewed by us and dealt with on an individual basis but are the responsibility of the monument.
• Without notice the Basilica or parts of it can be closed for unforeseeable events. In this case, partial refund can be requested.
• Every refund request MUST be done within and not later than 48 hours from the day of the tour
• Not recommended for travelers with walking problems

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.