Complete St. Peter’s Basilica Tour with Dome Climb and Crypt

St. Peter’s Basilica is the most important church in Christendom and this is the most complete tour of the Basilica available. From the heights of the immense dome to the depths of the Papal Crypt and all the fantastic art in between, you’ll explore every corner of this amazing church and come away in even more awe of it’s grandeur than when you started.

Your tour starts early, before the crowds arrive. After exploring St Peter’s Square and seeing the Swiss Guard, you’ll head for St. Peter’s Basilica dome. You and your intimate group of 15 people or fewer will take the special elevator to the first terrace of the Dome to admire the beautiful mosaics up close as your guide points out details you might otherwise miss.[readmore]To reach the top of the dome you have to climb 231 steps (there’s no elevator) but the view alone is worth the effort. In fact, it’s the single best view of Rome,  stretching from St Peter’s Square across the Tiber and beyond. When you come down from the dome your expert guide will lead you on a full tour of the Basilica, from Bernini’s colossal baldachin to Michelangelo’s heart-wrenching Pietá. You’ll also discover the small details, stories, history and lore that are packed into every nook and cranny of this nearly 400-year-old building, including why everyone is so intent on rubbing the foot of a certain statue.

Finally, your tour will include a rare visit to the Papal Crypt where your guide will point out the most significant tombs. It’s forbidden to speak inside the Crypt (it’s a sacred site) but before you enter, your guide will tell you the stories of the men buried in them.