Guided tour

Rome: St Peter’s Basilica Early Morning Tour with Dome Climb

Activity provider: Loving Rome
Guided tour

Rome: St Peter’s Basilica Early Morning Tour with Dome Climb

Activity provider: Loving Rome
Likely to sell out

From US$ 31.25 per person

Likely to sell out

Discover the beauty and history of St Peter’s Basilica on a guided morning tour with skip-the-line tickets. Climb up to the top of the dome for panoramic views of Rome.

About this activity

Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions
Special health and safety measures are in place. Check your activity voucher once you book for full details.
Duration 45 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide
English

Experience

Highlights
  • Be transported back to history as you witness the beauty of St Peter’s Basilica
  • Get immersed in the atmosphere of St. Peter's Square before the crowds arrive
  • Climb to the top of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica to see the stunning views
  • Explore the Basilica and listen to the stories about the famous Pietà sculpture
  • Learn the history, interesting stories, and facts from your experienced guide
Full description

Explore the beautiful surroundings of St Peter’s Square and the Vatican City on an extraordinary tour with a local guide. Climb the dome and visit the basilica in the early morning before the crowds arrive with skip-the-line tickets.

You will see the first viewing point through the elevator of the dome. Start climbing the remaining steps toward the summit while hearing fascinating facts and stories from your guide.

Witness a breathtaking view of Vatican City and its iconic seven hills. Keep your camera ready to click photographs of the beautiful panoramic views from the top of the famous Vatican summit. 

After admiring the splendid views, come down from the dome to enter the basilica. Enjoy the privilege of instant access and stroll through the area at your own pace.

Marvel at the magnificent creation of St. Peter's Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietá. Discover every tiny detail of the historic building and admire the masterpieces adorning the space.  

Includes
  • Early morning access to the St Peter's Basilica and Square
  • Entrance ticket to the St Peter's Dome
  • Guide
  • Headsets when needed
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Tips
Not suitable for
  • People with claustrophobia
  • People with heart problems
  • Wheelchair users
  • People with vertigo

Select participants and date

Participants

Date

Meeting point

Please meet your guide near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. The meeting point is at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk. Your guide will be holding a sign with LOVING ROME written on it.

Open in Google Maps ⟶
Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable shoes
  • FFP2 mask

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

  • The elevator of the 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 require 20 extra minutes
  • The St. Peter's Basilica Dome might not be accessible during bad weather conditions
  • You have to pass through a metal detector security check before entering St Peter's Basilica
  • The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropoli are not part of this tour
Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 318 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.5/5
  • Value for money
    4.4/5

Sort by:

Traveler type:

Star rating:

This tour was very cool and definitely worth it! You may have to get up a little mire early but you will get a free sight at the church. The guide was very cool too and his English almost perfect, so very easy to understand. But you should plan more time for this tour, it took us about two hours and not one as it was described in the app.

Read more

March 26, 2023

My tour guide was outstanding. Even though a bit frustrated with us booking another tour 45 minutes later. And the gates did not open at the precise time. He allowed me to go to the top to see the beautiful view and race back down. He even held the elevator for me. And he gave me precise directions to my next meeting point. Thank you.

March 26, 2023

The tour is perfect, you really get to see everything and in a good amount of time but you better hope you get Alec as your tour guide. He just makes everything so much more interesting than it is if you’d go on your own and really helps you embrace the location your at. He was nice and really well organized. I’ve done many guided tours in my life and he has to be up the as one of the best tour guides I’ve had.

Read more

March 26, 2023

Product ID: 415631