Guided tour

Rome: St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes Guided Tour

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Guided tour
Rome: St. Peter's Basilica & Vatican Grottoes Guided Tour
4.6
206 reviews

Discover the wonders of St. Peter's Basilica on this guided walking tour. Marvel at Michelangelo's Pietà, explore the Vatican Grottoes, and uncover centuries of history in the heart of Vatican City.

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.
Duration 1 hour - 75 minutes
Check availability to see starting times.
Live tour guide
English, French, Spanish

Highlighted reviews from other travelers

A
Albert – United States

If you get Sean the tour guide, he won’t regret it.

F
Faye – United Kingdom

the tour was fabulous, the guide was very knowledgeable and filled the time in the queue very well, the information given was top notch and the tour was easy to keep up with, the only improvement I would suggest wpuld be toaybe have an indoor meeting point, such as the cafe right by the meeting spot as it was very cold

Itinerary

  • Timeline stop icon

    Starting location:

    Via di Porta Cavalleggeri, 61

  • Saint Peter's Square

    Guided tour

  • Timeline stop icon

    St. Peter's Basilica

    Guided tour

  • Timeline stop icon

    Vatican Grottoes

    Guided tour

Main stop
Other stop

For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.

Highlights

  • Admire St. Peter's Basilica, a stunning masterpiece of Renaissance architecture
  • Discover the world's largest Catholic church and its awe-inspiring dome
  • Witness intricate mosaics and Michelangelo's breathtaking Pietà
  • Descend into the Vatican Grottoes, the resting place of past popes
  • Enjoy expert commentary from a professional guide

Full description

Meet your expert guide and step into the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most famous churches in the world. Listen as your guide shares captivating stories of Michelangelo, Bernini, and the popes who shaped its history. Admire Michelangelo's breathtaking Pietà, see Bernini's Baldachin up close, and explore the intricate mosaics that adorn the basilica's ceiling. Descend into the Vatican Grottoes, the final resting place of popes, and uncover the hidden history beneath the basilica. This is a must-do experience for history lovers and first-time visitors to Rome. Book now to secure your spot!

Includes

  • Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert Vatican guide.
  • Visit to the Vatican Grottoes, the burial site of past popes.
  • Detailed explanations of Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldachin, and the Basilica's mosaics.
  • Small group experience for a more personalized tour.
  • Headsets for clear audio guidance.
  • Assistance at the meeting point for a smooth check-in process.
  • Free time inside the Basilica after the guided portion to explore at your own pace.
  • Entry tickets (St. Peter's Basilica is free to enter)
  • Access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel (this is a separate attraction)
  • St. Peter's Dome climb (available as an optional upgrade, payable on-site)
  • Skip-the-line access (as no fast-track entry exists for St. Peter's Basilica)
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Not suitable for

  • People with mobility impairments

Select participants and date

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Via di Porta Cavalleggeri 61, directly across from St. Peter's Square. Look for our representatives outside Pausa cafe. Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour starts to check in.

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Important information

What to bring

  • Passport or ID card
  • Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

  • Shorts
  • Luggage or large bags
  • Short skirts
  • Sleeveless shirts
  • Professional cameras

Know before you go

  • Security checks are mandatory and can take 10-50 minutes, depending on the season and crowd levels.
  • There is NO skip-the-line access to St. Peter's Basilica, as entry is free but regulated by Vatican security.
  • Vatican City enforces a strict dress code-shoulders and knees must be covered to enter the Basilica.
  • The Vatican Grottoes may close without notice due to religious ceremonies.
  • If the tour is canceled, you will be offered a tour on an alternative date or a full refund

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 206 reviews

Review summary

  • Guide
    4.6/5
  • Transportation
    4.4/5
  • Value for money
    4.5/5

Customer photos

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Recommended
A
Albert – United StatesDecember 4, 2024 – Verified booking
If you get Sean the tour guide, he won’t regret it.
F
Faye – United KingdomDecember 1, 2024 – Verified booking
the tour was fabulous, the guide was very knowledgeable and filled the time in the queue very well, the information given was top notch and the tour was easy to keep up with, the only improvement I would suggest wpuld be toaybe have an indoor meeting point, such as the cafe right by the meeting spot as it was very cold
K
Katarzyna – PolandNovember 14, 2024 – Verified booking
Our guide was Sean and we really enjoyed the tour. Sean told us about the history of Vatican and showed us around the Basilica and the Grotto. He’s very passionate about it, so it was great to have him as a guide and also, knows a lot about other sacred places in Rome, so be sure to ask him if you’re interested. Overall it was a great experience and I highly recommend the tour with Sean.

Product ID: 680069

Activity provider:ItaliaExplorer

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