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Vatican City: Basilica, Dome & Papal Tombs Early Bird Tour

Vatican City: Basilica, Dome & Papal Tombs Early Bird Tour

€ 55

Meeting point

Piazza Della Città Leonina, 00193

Duration

2 Hours

Language

English

Group

1-15

The tour includes

Fast entry to the St. Peter’s Basilica and Square
Access to the St. Peter’s Dome 1st level and summit
Papal Tombs Tour
English-speaking guide
Headsets when needed

Not included in the tour

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Tips

Description

Uncover the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City on this guided walking tour. Visit sites like St. Peter’s Square and Basilica in the morning light before the crowds arrive for the day. Meet your guide in Piazza della Città Leonina and dive into the ancient history of the Vatican City. Admire the statuesque columns and majestic pilasters in St. Peter’s Square.

Walk through the walk close to the 1st balcony which is decorated with amazing frescoes. Enter the Basilica with skip-the-line access and reach the summit of the Dome after 320 steps, where you are rewarded for the climb with views of the city center. Have some free time to enjoy views of monuments like the Roman Colosseum and Pantheon.

Be captivated by the Basilica’s interiors which are filled with masterpieces from masters like Bernini and Michelangelo. See pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Follow your guide towards the Vatican’s historic Grottoes to get a closer look of the rooms, chapels, and the papal tombs, where many Popes, royals, and other dignitaries are laid to rest.

Additional information

Not suitable for:

Wheelchair users
People with walking difficulties
People with heart problems
People with Vertigo
Claustrophobic

What to bring:

Passport or ID card
Comfortable shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing

Not allowed:

Shorts
Baby strollers
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts
Backpacks
Umbrellas
Tripod
Animals
Potentially dangerous objects

Know before you go:

All visitors must pass through airport-style security check before entering the Basilica
During high season the waiting time may be up to 30 minutes
The elevator’s Dome only takes you to the first balcony, to climb up to the main Dome you will have to use the stairs (320 steps) which requires and 20 extra minutes
The roof might not be accessible during bad weather conditions
The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Necropoli are not part of this tour
Guests arriving after the departure time cannot be accommodated and tickets will not be refunded after the departure time
Before the activity starts, please provide us your complete passport names and birthdays because the attractions required this information then bring your ID or passport during the activity that should be identical with the provided names during booking

Highlights

View from the roof of the basilica

Experience the beauty of the Rome with views from the roof of the Basilica.

The Vatican Grottoes and Papal Tombs

Step back in time with the history behind the Vatican Grottoes and Papal Tombs.

Fast-track entry

Get a fast-track entry to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world.

St. Peter's Basilica

Admire the stunning frescoes, statues and mosaics of the Basilica and its square.

Bernini and Michelangelo

Discover decorations painted and carved by masters like Bernini and Michelangelo.

Meeting point

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts. Entrance to the Basilica requires a strict dress code. Please cover your knees and shoulders. The meeting point is at Piazza Della Città Leonina 00193 near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk. Our staff will be meeting you holding a “Loving Rome” flag and escorting you through the main entrance.