Beat the crowds and admire St. Peter's Basilica in all its glory as you explore the solemn grandeur at the heart of the Vatican. With a small group, special reserved access, an up-close look at the cathedral, and a visit to the papal tombs, you get these remarkable sights almost to yourself. 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. For the next two hours, you'll 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 parting ways with your guide, they'll lead you to the elevator that carries you to the dome's first terrace to begin your dome climb. You'll be surrounded by its beautiful artwork, and then 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.

Important to know

Not suitable for:

Guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs, and strollers

Know in advance:

Due to the religious nature of the Vatican, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. The tour operator cannot be held responsible for those denied entry
After the terrace where the lift stops, there are still 320 steps to climb to reach the very top
This tour operator is an Accredited Tour Operator with an official ticketing agreement with the Vatican Museums.
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.

Remember to bring:

A valid ID (that applies also to any children booked on the tour)

What people say about this experience

4.6/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 45 reviews

Review categories

Staff

4.7/5

Safety

4.7/5

Service

4.7/5

Value for money

4.7/5

All ratings (45)

5 stars (28)

62%

4 stars (14)

31%

3 stars (3)

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

M
MatsJ
Traveled with family
November 1, 2025
4.6
United States of America
Gruppen kändes lite för stor för att vara en VIP-grupp.
A
Anynom
Solo traveler
August 23, 2025
5
Germany
Eine sehr schöne Veranstaltung mit einer sehr kompetenten Führerin. Diese würde ich nächstes Mal auf jeden nochmal buchen!
T
TUI Musement Traveler
July 20, 2025
4
Germany
Leider statt einer 3 ständigen Tour nur 2. Waren aber auch nur zu zweit, Hatten nicht so das Gefühl das unser Tourguide begeistert war nur mit uns zu gehen. Wurden dauernd gefragt ob wir überhaupt dieses oder jenes anschauen möchten z.B. Krypta, heiliges Tor ) , auf der Kuppel waren wir alleine.
F
Frank S
Traveled as a couple
October 21, 2024
5
United States of America
T
TUI Musement Traveler
November 25, 2023
5
United Kingdom
Excellent tour guide. Very informative and asnwered all questions asked.
T
TUI Musement Traveler
May 20, 2023
5
United States of America
Julia was an excellent guide. She is very knowledgeable and made the excursion fun and memorable. The tour was one we will always remember as special.