Rome Vatican St Peter’s Basilica & Dome Private Tour & Breakfast
Visit the Vatican before the crowds descend. Discover St. Peter’s Square, the most famous square in the world, surrounded by Bernini’s imposing colonnade, composed of 284 columns, on top of which stand 140 statues, and admire the Vatican obelisk.
Reach the first level of the Dome and go to the panoramic balcony. Enter the Dome, admire the incredible mosaics, and see Bernini’s Baldachin. Continue climbing the spiral staircase and, from the highest point in Rome, admire breathtaking 360-degree views.
Reach the roof of the Basilica and have breakfast with a cappuccino and a Cornetto.
After breakfast, reach the Portico of the Basilica, where you can pick up your audio guide to discover the interior.
This colossal Basilica, erected on the burial place of St. Peter, houses many masterpieces of the most influential artists: admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the tombs of the Popes. Descend into the crypts, where you can visit the tomb of St. Peter.
What’s included?
- St. Peter’s Square Guided tour
- St. Peter’s Dome Guided Tour and Tickets and Elevator to the roof of the Basilica
- Breakfast on the roof of St. Peter’s Basilica (Cappuccino and Cornetto)
- St. Peter’s Basilica Paper map, audioguide Audio guide in Italian, English, Spanish, and French
- Panoramic balcony access and Spiral staircase climb to the top of the Dome
Exclusions
- Guided tour of the Basilica (only visit with audioguide)
- Gratuities
- Pick Up and Drop Off
Please Note
- Public transportation nearby
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- Not recommended for people with back problems
- Not recommended for people with heart conditions
- The duration can be between 120/150 Minutes.
- Everyone entering the basilica must pass through the security check that can take 10/60 minutes, depending on the season.
- Vatican City dress code, which requires covered shoulders and knees.
- Audio guide pickup between 9:00 and 16:00 at St. Peter’s Basilica
- Available audio guide languages: Italian, English, French, and Spanish.
- You must leave an identity document (ID or passport), which will be returned to you when the device is returned.
- If the Dome Guided tour is canceled due to adverse weather and the Basilica is closed for religious events, it can be rescheduled and partially refunded. However, you will receive a refund if you cannot change the date or if one or both services are canceled.
- It will be sufficient to show your reservation to your tour guide
- The dome’s terrace might not be accessible in bad weather conditions.
- The tour will not operate on religious holidays, and visiting the basilica during these holidays and ceremonies is impossible.
- If the bar on the rooftop is closed, a partial refund of Euro 4,00 per person will be refunded.
- Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted. Only small bags are allowed.
- Climbing the dome requires a spiral staircase with 320 steps. You can wait on the first terrace if you do not want to reach the top.
- You must be on time at the meeting point. If you are delayed more than 10 minutes, the entire tour or part of it can be canceled.
- The meeting is at Largo del Colonnato 5, (IN FRONT OF GALLERIA SAN PIETRO SHOP). Your tour guide will have a signboard reporting TOUR IN THE CITY. The duration can be between 120/150 Minutes.
- Everyone entering the basilica must pass through the security check that can take 10/60 minutes, depending on the season.
- Vatican City dress code, which requires covered shoulders and knees.
- Audio guide pickup between 9:00 and 16:00 at St. Peter’s Basilica
- After the security checks, the meeting point is at the desk under the portico of St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Available audio guide languages: Italian, English, French, and Spanish.
- You must leave an identity document (ID or passport), which will be returned to you when the device is returned.
- It will be sufficient to show your reservation to your tour guide
- If the Dome Guided tour is canceled due to adverse weather and the Basilica is closed for religious events, it can be rescheduled and partially refunded. However, you will receive a refund if you cannot change the date or if one or both services are canceled. The dome’s terrace might not be accessible in bad weather conditions. The tour will not operate on religious holidays, and visiting the basilica during these holidays and ceremonies is impossible. If the bar on the rooftop is closed, a partial refund of Euro 4,00 per person will be refunded. Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted. Only small bags are allowed. Climbing the dome requires a spiral staircase with 320 steps. You can wait on the first terrace if you do not want to reach the top.
- You must be on time at the meeting point. If you are delayed more than 10 minutes, the entire tour or part of it can be canceled.
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Visit the Vatican at the quietest time before the crowds descend. Meet your guide and visit St. Peter’s Square, the most famous square in the world that symbolizes the universal embrace of the Church. It is surrounded by the imposing colonnade of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, composed of 284 columns arranged radially in four rows, on top of which stand 140 statues over three meters high. In the center of the square, you can also admire the Vatican obelisk from the circus of Caligula and Nero.
Enter the Dome, admire the incredible mosaics inside, and look over Bernini’s Baldachin and the splendid mosaics. Continue climbing the spiral staircase to the top of the Dome (320 steps) from the highest point in Rome and admire breathtaking 360-degree views of Rome, the Vatican City, and its gardens. Descend from the Dome, meet your tour guide on the roof of the Basilica, and have breakfast, a cappuccino, and a Cornetto in an incredible location.
Descend from the roof and reach the Portico of the Basilica, where you can take your audio guide to visit the interior of the Basilica. St. Peter’s Basilica is an impressive symbol of religion and architectural genius. This colossal Basilica, erected on the burial site of St. Peter, houses many masterpieces of the most influential artists in art history—Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the Popes’ tombs and St. Peter. Head underground to the grottoes and crypts, where you can visit St. Peter’s tomb and the monumental tombs of many popes over the centuries. You can enhance your visit to the ‘Portico’ of St. Peter’s Basilica with an audio guide and a paper map. This convenient tool allows you to delve into the Basilica’s rich history, uncover its hidden secrets, and marvel at its most extraordinary monuments. The audio guide is available in Italian, English, Spanish, and French from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., allowing you to explore at your own pace.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Largo del Colonnato, 5
5 Largo del Colonnato, 00193 RM Roma, IT
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25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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