Vatican Grottoes (Grotte Vaticane) Tours and Tickets

Enjoy a rare bird’s-eye view over Rome with this tour of St. Peter’s Basilica that includes a climb to the top of its dome. Visit St. Peter’s Square and church with an art historian guide to marvel at its Renaissance art and architecture. Then head underground to see the grottoes and St. Peter's tomb before climbing the dome to admire the church interiors and the surrounding city from above.

To dig deep into the history and art of St Peter’s Basilica, explore the church on a walking tour with a Vatican guide. From St Peter’s Square, walk to the basilica. Inside, listen to stories about the popes, pilgrims and Renaissance art masters who have left their marks on this iconic Catholic site, whose Michelangelo-designed dome dominates the Rome skyline.

Climb to the top of the highest point in the Vatican City, the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, and get panoramic views over historic Rome and the Vatican state from this Renaissance masterpiece. Along with getting fast access inside the basilica after your ascent, you can experience and explore the basilica treasures and the Vatican Crypts with your expert English-speaking guide.

Check off the must-sees of Rome and Vatican City with this all-in-one pass that can be used over three days. Allowing you to visit the sights at your own pace, the prebooked sightseeing voucher includes skip-the-line access to the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the papal tombs. Just make one booking, and then use your pass to visit the landmarks at your leisure.

Most Vatican tours speed through St. Peter’s Basilica, which is surprising given that it’s one of the world’s largest churches. However, this private tour gives the basilica the attention it deserves, dedicating a full itinerary to the site’s history and works of art. After exploring the basilica, you’ll visit the grottoes, and then ascend the dome for sweeping views over St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican Gardens.

Exclusive Private Morning tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the Necropolis, and Climb to the Dome. Get ready for a unique and extraordinary experience! Meet your knowledgeable and friendly tour guide near St. Peter's Square, take advantage of this morning tour, and navigate Vatican City's top attractions smoothly and uncrowded. After a few steps towards St. Peter's with the lift, you will reach the roof of the Basilica after having visited the Dome from the inside; you will walk 330 steps to reach the top of St. Peter's Dome and enjoy the breathtaking view over all of Rome and have time to take some beautiful photos. Descending from the dome, you will enter directly into the Basilica to admire the incomparable triumph of art and architecture. You'll see Bernini's canopy, Michelangelo's piety, and the significance of works by the most influential artists of the last 500 years. After visiting the necropolis of St Peter's to see the Tomb of St Peter. End the tour with an Italian breakfast.

Start your Tour at the meeting point, where you will meet the highly qualified Tour Guide. Admire the marvelous work of St. Peter’s Square, created by Bernini, and its colonnade with 284 columns and 88 pillars, that will remind of a hug. After entering the Basilica, you will discover the beautiful artworks that fill its space. While walking on the colorful marbles, you will be mesmerized by the enormous dimension of the building and the ceilings entirely covered in gold. On the right, you will immediately see the Pietà by Michelangelo Buonarroti, defined as the most beautiful sculpture in the history of art and the most representative opera of the Renaissance. Following the Tour, you will be faced by the St. Peter’s Throne and the St. Peter’s Baldachin, bronze creations of the sculptor Bernini. Lastly enter the Papal Grottoes, which are the union between the old Constantinian Basilica and the modern one, and where the previous Pontiffs were buried.

Embark on an unforgettable 75-minute journey with a dedicated guide to explore St. Peter's Basilica, the architectural masterpiece of enduring beauty and artistry born over 120 years ago. Admire Michelangelo’s “Pieta,” Bernini's bronze canopy, as well delightful mosaics from the Vatican School which grace its Dome. Marvel at works crafted by some of history's greatest artists such as Bramante, Raphael, and Sangallo—all culminating in masterful work finished by none other than Michelangelo himself who labored until his 89th year.

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.

You can’t miss this tour if you like ancient churches and breathtaking views. Start your journey at a meeting point and let our professional guide lead you to St. Peter’s Square, passing through Piazza Risorgimento. You’ll admire the giant columns before entering St. Peter’s Basilica, where you’ll have the chance to see Bernini’s Baldachin and Michelangelo’s Pietà on your way to the Papal Grottoes. At the end of your tour you’ll make your way to the Dome. You’ll have to climb over 300 steps, but it will be totally worth it. When you reach the top, you’ll be mesmerized by a beautiful panoramic view of the whole city of Rome below you, feeling like you’re on top of the world. Definitely a once in a lifetime experience!

Get an early start to your day exploring Vatican City with a VIP morning tour experience. Start in the majestic St. Peter’s Square before entering one of the most iconic religious places on Earth: St. Peter's Basilica. Climb atop the Basilica dome to discover panoramic views over the city while enjoying breakfast al fresco. Then, descend to explore the grottoes below the basilica, home to the tombs of several saints and popes.

SUPER EXCLUSIVE SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF ROME & PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR OF ST PETER'S BASILICA, CRYPT, & ST. PETER'S TOMB including climbing Michelangelo's DOME! Reach St. Peter's Square and meet your tour guide. Visit the Vatican at the quietest time before the crowds descend. With your guide and enjoy an intimate, exclusive tour. By an elevator, head up to the first level of the dome to the viewing balcony and have breakfast. Climb the spiral staircase to the top of the Dome (320 steps) from the highest point in Rome, and admire breathtaking city views. Come down from the Dome to enter the Basilica to admire the Pietà of Michelangelo and all the masterpieces adorning the Basilica before descending to the underground crypts and Grottoes. Once outside the Basilica, meet your driver for a private sightseeing tour of Rome. ADMIRE THE MOST IMPORTANT SITES OF THE ETERNAL CITY in your private air-conditioned car or minivan, back to your hotel or another agreed spot in Rome's city center.