Tour VIP Basílica de San Pedro + Subida a la cúpula y cripta

Información

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 its 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.

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 Pietà. 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.

Meeting/pick-up point: In front of "Bar Polese", in Piazza Città Leonina, just outside St. Peter's Square. Take the Red Line metro and get off at the "Ottaviano/San Pietro" stop. Exit to the street level and walk down Via Ottaviano, cross straight through Piazza Risorgimento, and proceed on Via di Porta Angelica. At the end of Via di Porta Angelica you will see three arches ("Il Passetto"), which would lead you into St. Peter's Square. Your tour meeting point is located to your left, just before these three arches, in front of "Bar Polese" (in Piazza Città Leonina).
Duration: 2.5 hours.
Start/opening time: At 8:15am. Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the tour start time.
Languages: English.
Dress code: Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. It is sufficient to bring extra coverings with you and put them on before our entrance to the holy areas.
Others: Included: pre-reserved tickets to climb St Peter’s Basilica Dome with elevator access.
Not included: hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Small groups of max 15 people.
We are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour.
St. Peter's Basilica is subject to unforeseen closures due to Vatican affairs. In the event that this happens, Walks of Italy will contact you as soon as possible to reschedule. In the rare case that the tombs are closed we will spend extra time in St. Peter's Basilica and Square.
Small bags and umbrellas are permitted inside the Basilica. However, large bags and objects must be left at the bag check situated at the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, next to the official audio-guides desk.
Please note that skip the line access is not possible at the dome or at St. Peters Basilica's security line (although it is possible for guests entering via the Vatican Museums, who use a different door), so you may need to spend some time in unavoidable queues. Your guide will use the time well though, entertaining you with stories and pointing out the incredible details of St. Peter's Square.