Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà, Papal Tombs and Dome
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
- Headsets where appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
- Official guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Skip-the-line entry
- Tickets for the dome climb can be purchased at the end of the tour for 15 euros (includes elevator access)
- Headsets where appropriate, so you can always hear your guide
- Official guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Skip-the-line entry
- Tickets for the dome climb can be purchased at the end of the tour for 15 euros (includes elevator access)
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.
- Admire the Basilica's array of impressive marble, ceilings, and mosaics
- Explore St. Peter's Basilica with an art historian guide
- Listen to stories about the popes buried in the Papal Tombs
- Marvel at masterpieces by Michelangelo, Bernini, and many more
- Optional Dome Climb at the end of the tour: Stunning panoramic views of Rome!
The meeting point may vary. Always check the tickets we sent you to confirm the final details before the activity.
Not suitable for
- Children under 2 years
- People with claustrophobia
- People with vertigo
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Long-sleeved shirt
Not allowed
- Luggage or large bags
- Short skirts
- Shorts
- Sleeveless shirts
- Weapons or sharp objects
Know before you go
- Access: The Vatican Grottoes are included when open.
- 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.
- 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.
- Exclusions: This tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or the Sistine Chapel.
- 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.
- Meeting Point: In front of Galleria San Pietro. Please look for the red “Tix & Tours” sign and arrive 15 minutes before the start time.
- 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.
