Rome travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour
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At a glance
- Duration
- 2–3 hours
- Price from
- $46 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5 · 19 reviews
- Languages
- DE, EN, IT, FR
- Group
- Up to 30 people
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Tix & Tours
- Meeting point
- Upon reaching the designated meeting point, look for the tour coordinator holding a Red sign labeled "TIX & TOUR". It's crucial to have your voucher ready for check-in. If you encounter any difficulty locating the tour coordinator, please don't hesitate to contact us.
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.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 7 times a day, 8:30 AM–3:00 PM
- Next available
- Sun, Nov 1
- Adult (ages 18+)
- $46
- Child (ages 5–17)
- $34
Out at sunset: the 3:00 PM departure is under way when the sun sets, around 4:52 PM in the coming weeks.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 31.
Tour Options
Itinerary
St. Peter's Square
Begin your journey in St. Peter's Square and marvel at its majestic architecture. Discover the visual effects crafted by the designer, Bernini, and uncover the two "special" spots in the square that make it truly unique.
St. Peter's Basilica
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.
The Vatican Grottoes
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.
St. Peter's Basilica
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.
What's included
Included
Headsets: Ensure clear communication for an immersive experience.
Guided Tour: Explore with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
Official Guide Historian Expert: Learn from an accredited historian's expertise.
Obelisk Viewing: Admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisk in the heart of the square.
St. Peter's Square: Discover the grandeur of this iconic Vatican landmark.
St. Peter's Basilica: Immerse yourself in the opulent interiors and significant artworks.
Papal Grottoes: Descend into the crypt beneath the Basilica, uncovering centuries of history.
Not included
Tickets for the dome climb (elevator access)
Skip-the-line option
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.6
19 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- Starting price $46 is 60% below the typical $113 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,041 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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.
- Please Note: The site can become very crowded at certain times of the day. Visitors should expect potentially long queues, as this experience does not include skip-the-line access. Travelers with health concerns related to standing for extended periods or being in crowded areas should take this into consideration.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour take?
Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour lasts about 2–3 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour cost?
Prices start at $46 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 7 departures a day between 8:30 AM and 3:00 PM.
How much does Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour cost for children?
Children aged 5–17 pay from $34, adults from $46.
Can I cancel Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is Upon reaching the designated meeting point, look for the tour coordinator holding a Red sign labeled "TIX & TOUR". It's crucial to have your voucher ready for check-in. If you encounter any difficulty locating the tour coordinator, please don't hesitate to contact us. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 30 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.6 out of 5 across 19 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Tix & Tours.
Reviews(19)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica & Underground Tombs Tour | 2–3 hours | 4.6 (19) | $46 | |
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 Skip the Line St Peters Basilica, Papal Tombs & Dome Guided Tour | 1h 30min | 4.8 (287) | $18 | View |
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from$46
4.6(19) Free cancellation