Rome: St. Peter's Basilica, La Pietà and Papal Tombs Tour
Description
Join a fascinating journey that begins in St. Peter's Square, where you can admire the architectural wonders that reveal themselves to your sight. Explore the optical effects created by the genius designer, Bernini. As you enter the Basilica, get ready to be amazed by its splendor. Observe the detailed mosaics that cover you, and learn why it took 150 years to reconstruct this emblematic building. With your expert guide, walk by famous masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassical art. Gaze at the majestic 98.5-foot high canopy, appreciating the expressive force and delicate beauty embodied in Michelangelo's "Pietà." Finish your enriching tour by going down to the underground grottoes, where you'll find St. Peter's tomb. As you touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica, enjoy the beauty of the frescoes inside, a witness to the lasting history and artistry that characterizes this sacred space.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Next, enter the Basilica and witness its grandeur. Admire the golden ceilings and impressive mosaics that took 150 years to rebuild. Follow your expert guide through the renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art, including Michelangelo's "Pietà". Stand in awe of the harmonious 30-meter-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of this iconic artwork.
Discover the stunning Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, a poignant sculpture depicting Mary cradling Jesus, showcased within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica
Descend into the underground grottoes and discover the final resting place of St. Peter. Trace the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica with your fingertips and imagine the history that surrounds you. Marvel at the beautiful frescoes that adorn the underground chambers and gain a deeper understanding of the significance of this holy site. Your expert guide will share fascinating insights into the history and spirituality of this sacred place, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
At the end of the tour, your guide will point you to the ticket desk where you can purchase optional tickets for the dome climb.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- 1. Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered as this is a religious site.
- 2. Security: Airport-style checks are required, with wait times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close for Vatican events. If this happens, we will reschedule your visit as soon as possible.
- 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we will extend the visit to the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
- 5. Exclusions: This tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
- 6. Dome Climb (Optional): The dome climb closes at 4:00 PM. The 3:00 PM tour does not include the dome climb option. For the 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM tours, the guide can show you where to purchase dome climb tickets (€15, including elevator access) at the end of the tour.
Reviews(37)
Superb visit with the best guide, Valentina! His explanations made the visit fascinating with many anecdotes. You can see that his profession excites him! A big thank you to her. I highly recommend it!
Merci beaucoup pour votre retour. Nous sommes ravis que la visite avec Valentina vous ait autant plu et que ses explications aient rendu l’expérience passionnante. Nous lui transmettrons avec plaisir votre message.
Volo was great guide. Very knowledgeable! Was considerate of those on the tour. You could tell he loved his job
Thank you very much for your kind feedback. We’re delighted to hear that Volo made your tour enjoyable with his knowledge and care for the group. We truly appreciate your message.
Very good visit conducted by Dario.
Merci beaucoup pour votre retour. Nous sommes heureux que la visite avec Dario vous ait plu.
Thank you to Dario for this very pleasant visit to St. Peter's Basilica! A place as beautiful as it is interesting!!
Merci beaucoup pour votre retour. Nous sommes ravis que la visite de la basilique Saint-Pierre avec Dario vous ait plu. Au plaisir de vous revoir bientôt.
We took the tour with Dario and it was perfect! Thanks again!!
Merci beaucoup pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis d’apprendre que la visite avec Dario s’est parfaitement déroulée. Nous vous remercions pour votre confiance et espérons vous accueillir à nouveau très bientôt !
Great experience with Dario!
Merci beaucoup pour votre retour ! Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez passé une belle expérience avec Dario. Nous espérons avoir le plaisir de vous accueillir à nouveau bientôt !
The Basilica tour led by Ati was incredible. Throughout the entire journey, she engaged everyone with fascinating historical insights and captivating details. She paid attention to every visitor, whether older individuals needing a slower pace or families with kids—she even engaged the children by asking simple questions and keeping them eager to explore. As you know, the Basilica tour often involves a long wait before entry, and during that time, Ati kept us engaged, giving thorough explanations and setting up what we were about to see. She highlighted subtle historical points and, once inside, reminded us of those details as we explored. She even pointed out the best photo spots, telling us where to stand for the perfect shot. Ati made sure our group stayed connected via the headsets, ensuring clear communication despite the crowds. In the busy Basilica and church, she kept everyone together—somehow always aware of each person. I absolutely loved Ati’s tour, and I know that if I ever return to visit the Vatican and the Basilica, I will definitely look for Ati again to guide me.
Thank you for your incredible review! We’re thrilled to hear that Ati made your Basilica tour such a memorable experience. Her ability to combine fascinating historical insights, thoughtful attention to every guest, and excellent organization truly sets her apart. We’re delighted that her engaging storytelling and personal care enhanced your visit from start to finish. We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Ati, and we look forward to welcoming you back to the Vatican on a future tour!
Dario is truly kind and interesting, calm and composed.
Merci pour votre commentaire ! Nous sommes ravis d'apprendre que Dario a rendu votre expérience agréable. Sa gentillesse, son calme et ses connaissances sont très appréciés. Nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau prochainement !
I had an amazing experience with our tour guide, Ati. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the history and culture of the area. The tour was well organized, engaging, and full of interesting details that i would have never discovered on my own. She was patient with questions, attentive to everyone’s needs, and made the entire experience enjoyable from start to finish. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you for making my trip so memorable, Ati
Thank you for your kind review. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour with Ati. We will be sure to share your compliments with her. It is wonderful to know that her knowledge, passion, and friendly approach helped make your experience so memorable. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you again in the future. Kind regards, Tix & Tours The Team
Very good experience. Valentine is a fantastic guide. She is passionate and loves to share all her knowledge. Moreover, she is dynamic, cheerful, and speaks French very well. I highly recommend this guide to fully enjoy the place and all its history.