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Early Dome Climb with Skip-the-line and direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica

2.00 hours

€34

[Per person]

Early Dome Climb with Skip-the-line and direct access to St. Peter’s Basilica

Experience one of the most revered and stunning landmarks in the world. Witness this marvelous and harmonious combination of art, architecture, and religion by joining this early guided tour of the spectacular St. Peter’s Basilica’s Dome along with the world-famous St. Peter’s Basilica.

 

You will get the chance to take part in this unforgettable exclusive guided tour, where you will have an early-morning, priority access to the St. Peter’s Basilica’s Dome. Experience the awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Vatican City and Antient Rome in the first rays of the early morning light. Climb down straight into the St. Peter’s Basilica, avoiding the long and exhausting lines altogether. Descend to the Vatican Grottoes and get to witness the Papal Tombs, that is considered to be one of the most visited places in the Vatican City.  Bask in the marvelousness of this imposing and splendid Basilica with your local highly experienced professional guide.

 

What you can expect

What you can expect

This small-group tour will give you the chance to experience two of the most imposing and world famous architectural, creative, and religious marvels on Earth.

Your tour will start early in the morning in Vatican City, the smallest nation in the world. Meet your licensed, English-speaking guide at the Fountain of the Tiare (Fontana delle Tiare), where you will be accompanied to witness the St. Peter’s Basilica Dome, the tallest Dome in the world. Start the climb to the Dome while listening to the fascinating facts and stories narrated by your guide. Avoid the 231 steps and take the elevator to the first level of the Dome, where the doors will open to the wonder that is Michelangelo’s Dome. From here you will get to admire the views of the interiors of the Basilica from above. Gaze upon the incredible mosaics, the amazing Latin Scripts up close and explore the roof of the basilica. Start you climb up 320 steps on this beautifully crafted and narrow spiral staircase to the very top of the Dome. This quite tiresome climb up will surely be worthwhile the energy spent to reach the top. You will get to admire the view from the highest place within the Vatican. This breathtakingly beautiful panoramic view of the Vatican City, its gorgeous gardens and ancient Rome that includes the Colosseum and the Pantheon will be a once in a lifetime opportunity.

After having admired this splendid panoramic view from what will seem to be and feel as the “top of the world”, you will be able to descend to the St. Peter’s Basilica floors completely avoiding the long and tiresome lines outside. Let your guide accompany you through the beauty that is this marvelous architectural piece admired and revered by the entire world. The Basilica is the largest church in the world and the heart of Christianity, a place of pilgrimage in which millions of people gather every year. Prepare to be enchanted by this baroque masterpiece designed by Bernini and Bramante and to admire breathtaking art works like Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture.

This magnificent creation of Michelangelo is said to have been the perfect sculpture that helped launch his career unlike any previous work he had done. The scene of the Pieta shows the Virgin Mary holding the dead body of Christ after his crucifixion, death, and removal from the cross, but before he was placed in the tomb. This is one of the key events from the life of the Virgin, known as the Seven Sorrows of Mary, which were the subject of Catholic devotional prayers,  it is also said to be the only piece Michelangelo ever signed.

Having soaked up the splendor that is this wonderful basilica, make your way down to the Vatican Grottoes also known as the Papal Tombs. Located inside the Grottoes are the tombs of over 90 Popes, a few monarchs and other church dignitaries, which dates to the 10th century. The Vatican Grottoes is considered to be the most visited place in Vatican City and is an absolute must -see of this glorious nation.

 

Take your chance to get on bord this fantastic tour that will surely create memories that would last a lifetime. Travel back in time and marvel at these ingenious creations by witnessing this marvelous architecture, art, and religious experience that you would have the opportunity to indulge in.

Highlights


ACCESS AND PASS

English-speaking

AUDIO HEADSETS

LEGALLY LICENSED

SMALL GROUP
  • Small group- tour
  • Enjoy an early-morning access to the St. Peter’s Dome
  • Express, skip-the-line entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica
  • Explore the Basilica and listen to the stories about the famous Pietà sculpture
  • Witness the Vatican Grottoes/ Papal Tombs

Detail and notes

Inlcusions
  • Reservation fee
  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Skip-the-line tickets
  • Headsets to hear the guide better

 

 

Exclusions
  • Gratuities (optional)
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
Additional info
  • Due to increased security measures at the attractions some lines may form at the entrance
  • Due to increased security measures attractions, strict rules apply to enter the venues (no knives, no scissors, no glass bottles, etc.). A cloakroom is available.
  • No large backpacks or bulky luggage admitted
  • Good walking shoes are recommended (no coaches)
  • During hot days, wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun
  • Entrance into the Vatican is subject to a strict dress code. Shoulders and knees MUST be covered. We are not responsible for entry denied due to inappropriate clothing.
  • Due to the steep and enclosed nature of the Dome climb, people with fear of heights and uncomfortable with enclosed spaces (claustrophobic) are advised to be cautious.
  • The venues or parts of them could be subject to last minute, unpredictable closures (ongoing restoration, special events). When this occurs, we offer the customers an extended visit of the outside and/or of other attractions according to the advertised total length of the tour
  • Entrance is strictly limited and subject to a strict schedule. If you are late, you cannot be accommodated or refunded
  • Not wheelchair accessible

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Sites visited

  • The St. Peter’s Dome
  • Saint Peter’s Basilica
  • The Vatican Grottoes/ Papal Tombs