This was the worst tour and completely inaccurate according to our itinerary. First, it was supposed to start at 8::15 and last about 90 minutes. We received a text early in the morning that we had a change in start time and location, which was very confusing for us, web. We met our guide she said we couldn’t get Iinto the Basilica until 9:30 and we had to stay outside for an hour. Our itinerary included a dome tour but she told us that was not included in the price. I spent the entire time trying to contact the tour operator through Viator for a refund as this was completely inaccurate according to our itinerary that was sent to us- and we had a Vatican tour scheduled at 10:30. Very disappointing that I only received a partial refund as I literally spent the entire time inside the Basilica on my phone trying to get a refund. I would not recommend this tour at all.
Rome travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour
+3 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2h 30min
- Price from
- $48 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 3.0 / 5 · 2 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 30
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Italy Wonders SRLS
- Meeting point
- The meeting place is at our office located in Via Vespasiano 28. By Metro Line A, get off at Ottaviano. Ottaviano metro stop is only a 10-minute walk to our office.
Description
With a dedicated guide in a small group tour you will head to St. Peter's Square designed by the architect Gianlorenzo Bernini for the Pope Alexander VII. You will learn from your guide about Bernini that in the late 1600s for the Pope Alexander the VII projected St. Peter's' square & the Colonnade. You'll go through security and access to the Basilica of St. Peters' once inside your eyes will be immediately captured by the Pieta of Michelangelo sculpted by the Master in a very young age. The Basilica was built in 120 years commissioned to the best Renaissance and Baroque artists such as Bramante, Sangallo, Michelangelo, Maderno and Bernini. You will then move underneath the dome where stands the main altar beneath "Baldachin" with twisted bronze Columns of more than 90 feet high. You'll admire the amazing mosaics and the works of art. You will then climb on top of the dome designed by Michelangelo from where you will be able to see one of the most beautiful views of the city of Rome.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, and Sat
- Start times
- 7 times a day, 7:30 AM–3:00 PM
- Next available
- Thu, Oct 15
- Adult (ages 18+)
- $48
- Child (ages 7–17)
- $43
- Infant (ages 0–6)
- Free
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
Out at sunset: the 3:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 5:13 PM in the coming weeks.
In demand: 79 of the next 147 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
St. Peter's Square
Let yourself be fascinated while learning about the marvelous columns of St. Peter’s and the imposing square
St. Peter's Basilica
Travellers will admire the interiors of the Basilica and its most remarkable highlights
La Pieta
Discover the history behind Michelangelo's sculpture
Baldacchino di San Pietro, Di Bernini
Marvel at the St. Peter's Baldachin by Bernini, in front of the altar and underneath the Dome. Learn the history behind the marble sculpture from your tour guide.
St. Peter's Basilica
Climb on top of the dome and see the wonderful panoramic view.
What's included
Included
Headset (for groups of six people minimum)
Live tour guide
Not included
Skip-the-line entry
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
3.0
2 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- Starting price $48 is 58% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,082 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- All guests must present a valid photo ID at the security checkpoint.
- Latecomers will not be allowed in and no refunds will be issued.
- Dress code: shoulders and knees must be covered at all times while inside Vatican premises.
- Access to St. Peter’s Basilica may be limited or suspended without prior notice due to religious ceremonies.
- All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks. During peak season, wait times for security checks and elevators may be longer.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour take?
St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour cost?
Prices start at $48 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, with 7 departures a day between 7:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
How much does St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour cost for children?
Children aged 7–17 pay from $43, adults from $48. Infants go free.
Does St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour sell out?
It can: 79 of the next 147 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is The meeting place is at our office located in Via Vespasiano 28. By Metro Line A, get off at Ottaviano. Ottaviano metro stop is only a 10-minute walk to our office. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(2)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Not at all what we paid for
K
Extremely happy
Out of all of our tours in Rome, St. Peter Basilica and Dome Small Group Tour was our favorite. We had an amazing guide who was very knowledgeable. We (even my husband who is very hard to please) are extremely happy with our experience.
Compare similar tours in Rome
- Lowest price: Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica — $23
- Best rated: St Peter’s Basilica Tour, Dome Climb & Papal Tombs I Max 6 People — 5.0 (203 reviews)
- Shortest: Private Saint Peter’s Basilica Tour + Optional Dome & Tombs — 1h 30min
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Peter Basilica and Optional Dome Group Tour | 2h 30min | 3.0 (2) | $48 | |
 Private Saint Peter’s Basilica Tour + Optional Dome & Tombs | 1h 30min | 5.0 (116) | $78 | View |
 St Peter’s Basilica Tour, Dome Climb & Papal Tombs I Max 6 People | 2h 30min | 5.0 (203) | $182 | View |
 Tour of St Peter's Basilica with Dome Climb and Grottoes | 1h 45min | 4.6 (2,598) | $62 | View |
 Skip-the-Line Group Tour of the Vatican, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica | 3 hours | 4.6 (15,545) | $23 | View |
 St. Peter’s Basilica Skip-the-Line Entry & Optional Dome Climb | 2–3 hours | 5.0 (1) | $25 | View |
 St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs Tour with Optional Dome Climb | 2h 30min | — | $46 | View |
from$48
3.0(2) Free cancellation