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Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Square and Basilica on a guided walking tour. Visit the Dome and soak up panoramic views of Rome, then go underground to admire the historic grottoes.
About this activity
- Free cancellation
- Cancel up to 2 days in advance for a full refund
- Duration 105 minutes
- Check availability to see starting times.
- Live tour guide
- French, German, Portuguese, Spanish, English, Italian
- Private or small groups available
Highlighted reviews from other travelers
It was great. It was one of the "must sees" on my trip and the tour and guide was terrifice.
our guide Eleanora, was very knowledgeable about the history of Vatican City, the Basilica, and was great at keeping the group together with the crowds of the high season and Jubilee. Would reccommend!
Itinerary
2 starting location options:
St. Peter's Gallery, Largo del Colonnato, 5
Saint Peter's Square
Guided tour, Sightseeing, Walk (30 minutes)
St. Peter's Basilica
Photo stop, Guided tour (45 minutes)
Vatican Grottoes
Guided tour (15 minutes)
St Peter's Basilica Dome
Photo stop, Sightseeing, Scenic views on the way (20 minutes)
2 drop-off locations:
Forum Sancti Petri, Città del Vaticano, Vatican City, Saint Peter's Square
Main stop
For reference only. Itineraries are subject to change.
Highlights
- Climb to the top of the Dome to admire panoramic views of Rome
- Admire the Basilica's array of impressive marble, ceilings, and mosaics
- Visit St. Peter’s Tomb and touch the original 4th century Basilica walls
- Explore the underground grottoes and marvel at the ancient frescoes
- Choose between a small group or private tour
Full description
Explore iconic sights in Rome on this guided walking tour. Stroll through St. Peter's square and take in the views of the city from the top of St. Peter's Basilica. Admire artwork like Michelangelo's emotive 'Pietà' statue and go below the Basilica to uncover St. Peter's final resting place.
Meet your guide in St. Peter’s Square, then start the tour by climbing your way to the top of the Basilica’s dome. Enjoy an exclusive look at the Dome’s impressive mosaics then head further up to the top balcony.
From here, marvel at panoramic views across the city, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other iconic landmarks. Descend into the Basilica and admire its impressive interior and discover why it took 150 years to build.
Gaze at the colourful marble, golden ceilings, and intricate mosaics that surround you. Learn about the renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic artists that are housed here.
Next, head underground to the Basilica’s historic grottoes and visit St. Peter’s Tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica and admire its beautiful frescoes. Finish the tour in St. Peter’s Square and soak up its majestic architecture.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged.
Meet your guide in St. Peter’s Square, then start the tour by climbing your way to the top of the Basilica’s dome. Enjoy an exclusive look at the Dome’s impressive mosaics then head further up to the top balcony.
From here, marvel at panoramic views across the city, spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and other iconic landmarks. Descend into the Basilica and admire its impressive interior and discover why it took 150 years to build.
Gaze at the colourful marble, golden ceilings, and intricate mosaics that surround you. Learn about the renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic artists that are housed here.
Next, head underground to the Basilica’s historic grottoes and visit St. Peter’s Tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica and admire its beautiful frescoes. Finish the tour in St. Peter’s Square and soak up its majestic architecture.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event that the grottoes or certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged.
Includes
- Professional guide
- Entry fees to the top of the Dome by elevator
- Sterilized headsets to hear your guide better
- Full on-site assistance
- Fast-track access (if option selected and only for English tour)
- Entry to Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropolis
- Skip-the-line service (except for the option Small Group Tour in English with Fast Track Direct Access)
Not suitable for
- People with claustrophobia
- People with vertigo
Select participants and date
Meeting point
Meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.
Important information
What to bring
- Passport or ID card
- Comfortable shoes
- Headphones
Not allowed
- Pets
- Shorts
- Weapons or sharp objects
- Baby strollers
- Luggage or large bags
- Sleeveless shirts
Know before you go
- Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking. The tickets are nominative, therefore, failure to present a voucher with all travellers' full names may result in denied entry
- Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID document that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry
- The Dome's terrace might not be accessible during bad weather. In that case, you can ask for a partial refund and visit the other areas, or cancel for a full refund
- Please note that this is not a skip-the-line tour
- Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance are not skippable and may take 15-120 minutes
- You will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
- The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropolis are not part of this tour
- You can leave any strollers at the luggage deposit at the basilica's entrance
