Reviews
Availability
About the activity
Discover St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. Explore St. Peter’s Square, Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and the Papal Tombs on a tour of Rome’s most iconic landmark.
-
Free cancellationCancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
-
Instant confirmation & Mobile ticketsReceive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
-
Live guidingEnglish, French, German, Italian, Spanish (depends on selected option)
-
Duration1.5-2.5 hours
-
Includes
- Official guide
- Headsets where appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
- Tickets for the dome climb can be purchased at the end of the tour for 15 euros (includes elevator access)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Skip-the-line entry
Highlights
- Marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and many more
- Listen to stories about the popes buried in the Papal Tombs
- Admire the Basilica's array of impressive marble, ceilings, and mosaics
- Explore St. Peter's Basilica with an art historian guide
- Optional Dome Climb at the end of the tour: Stunning panoramic views of Rome!
Description
Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican
Step into the heart of Vatican City and discover the breathtaking beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica on a guided tour through one of the world’s most iconic landmarks. Begin your experience in St. Peter’s Square, where your expert guide will reveal the fascinating history and symbolism of its magnificent colonnades and fountains, designed to welcome millions of pilgrims and visitors each year. Learn about the square’s spiritual significance and its role as the center of Vatican City.
Enter the world-famous basilica and admire extraordinary masterpieces created by some of history’s greatest artists. Stand before Michelangelo’s Pietà, a moving sculpture of the Virgin Mary holding Christ, and marvel at Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin, the impressive bronze canopy above the Papal Altar. As you explore, your guide will share captivating stories and fascinating insights into the art, architecture, and history that make St. Peter’s Basilica one of the most remarkable churches in the world.
Continue your visit beneath the basilica to the Papal Tombs, where many of the Catholic Church’s most influential popes are laid to rest. Discover their remarkable lives, lasting legacies, and the important role they played in shaping the history of the Vatican and the Catholic Church.
During the tour, your guide will also explain the history, architecture, and significance of St. Peter’s Dome, one of Rome’s most recognizable landmarks. Please note that the Dome climb is not included in this tour. At the end of the visit, guests who wish to climb the Dome can ask the guide for assistance, and they will be directed to the official ticket desk where Dome climb tickets can be purchased separately, subject to availability.
If you plan to climb the Dome after the tour, we highly recommend choosing a morning departure. Morning visits are generally less crowded and offer a more enjoyable experience. After 12:00 PM, especially during the high season, waiting times can become significantly longer due to queues for both the elevator and the staircase leading to the top.
Perfect for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking to experience the beauty of Vatican City, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through centuries of art, history, and spirituality. Whether you choose to admire the basilica from below or continue with an independent climb to the top of the Dome, this experience will leave you with lasting memories of one of the world's greatest landmarks.
Book now to secure your place and experience the timeless beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica. Availability is limited.
- Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter St. Peter’s Basilica. Entry may be refused if the dress code is not respected.
- Security: All visitors must pass airport-style security screening. Wait times can range from 10 to 120 minutes, and no skip-the-line access is available.
- High Season: Longer waiting times are expected due to increased crowds and security checks. Please allow extra time, especially if you have other tours scheduled.
- Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close without notice due to religious events or Vatican ceremonies. If fully closed, the tour will be rescheduled or adjusted accordingly.
- Access: The Vatican Grottoes are included when open.
- Exclusions: This tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel.
- Meeting Point: In front of Galleria San Pietro. Please look for the red “Tix & Tours” sign and arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
English Tour
Spanish Tour
French Tour
German Tour
Italian Tour
English Tour with Dome Climb
Spanish Tour with Dome Climb
Reviews & Ratings
Top 5 Similar Activities in Rome
-
Special offerExcellent1,200+ bookedSightseeing ToursRome: Eat Like a Local Street Food Tour - Historic Center
- 2.5 hours • Guiding available
From $53.66
(-15% discount)$45.61 /person -
Excellent880+ bookedSightseeing ToursRome: Catacombs Skip-the-Line Tour in English
- 2 hours • Skip the line • Guiding available
From$54.80 /person -
Special offerExcellent1,300+ bookedSightseeing ToursRome by Night: E-bike Small Group Tour -Food & Wine (Option)
- 3-4 hours • Private tour • Guiding available
From $67.36
(-15% discount)$57.26 /person -
Excellent110+ bookedSightseeing ToursRome: Ostia Antica Tour From Rome
- 4 hours • Skip the line • Guiding available
From$74.10 /person -
Special offerExcellent250+ bookedSightseeing ToursRome: Colosseum Arena Floor or Underground Tour
- 1.5 hours • Skip the line • Guiding available
From $113.03
(-20% discount)$90.43 /person
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices & Booking
Person
-
Adults18-99 years
-
Children0-17 years
Date
| July 2026 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |