D
Just an Audioguide
This is just an audio guide, no tour. It does include entry up the dome which is from inside the Basilica.
St Peters Basilica, Underground and Dome Entry with Audio App
+8 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 2–3 hours
- Price from
- $33 / person
- Location
- Vatican City, Italy
- Rating
- 3.8 / 5 · 12 reviews
- Languages
- DE, PT, CMN, EN
- Group
- 1–15 pax
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- Royale Routes
Description
Explore the magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica with a flexible audio-guided experience designed for independent travelers. Your experience begins with hosted assistance at the meeting point, where our staff will welcome you and accompany you to the Basilica entrance for a smooth and stress-free start. Inside, discover Michelangelo’s masterpieces, Bernini’s stunning architecture, and centuries of Vatican history through your personal audio guide and headset system. Continue your journey with access to the famous Dome, choosing between the elevator-assisted climb or the full staircase ascent for breathtaking panoramic views over Rome. Your experience also includes access to the Vatican underground corridor, revealing hidden passages and fascinating historic spaces beneath the Basilica. Combining cultural insight, unforgettable views, and dedicated assistance, this experience offers a memorable way to explore St. Peter’s Basilica at your own pace.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Every day
- Start times
- 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 2:30 PM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 14
- Adult (ages 16+)
- $33
- Child (ages 0–15)
- $29
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
In demand: 30 of the next 102 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 13.
Tour Options
Itinerary
St. Peter's Square
Begin your journey in St. Peter’s Square, where your guide will introduce the genius of Bernini’s colonnade and the symbolic significance of this grand piazza.
La Pieta
From there, step inside the Basilica of St. Peter, where treasures such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, the Baldachin of Bernini, and the richly decorated chapels await.
St. Peter's Basilica
Explore St. Peter’s Basilica with a detailed audio guide experience through the application which will be pre downloaded in your smartphone.
The Vatican Grottoes
Next, prepare for the highlight of the experience: the climb to the Dome. You may choose between two options—take the elevator partway for a more relaxed ascent, or climb the full staircase if you’re up for a challenge. Either way, reaching the top rewards you with one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of Rome, stretching from the Vatican Gardens to the Colosseum and beyond.
What's included
Included
Entry to the papal tombs and underground catacombs
Entry to the Dome (With or Without elevator) Depends on selected tour option.
Entry to the St peters Basilica
Accompanied by the host until the entrance.
Audio guide application in multiple language
Not included
Live guide and headsets
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
3.8
12 reviews
How it compares in Vatican City
- Starting price $33 is 47% below the typical $63 for tours of similar length in Vatican City
Excurgo comparison of 236 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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 this tour take?
St Peters Basilica, Underground and Dome Entry with Audio App lasts about 2–3 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $33 per person for this Vatican City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does this tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 2:30 PM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 0–15 pay from $29, adults from $33.
Does this tour sell out?
It can: 30 of the next 102 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel this tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in DE, PT, CMN, EN, IT, FR, ES.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Specialized infant seats are available
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Wheelchair accessible Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is this tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 3.8 out of 5 across 12 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Royale Routes.
Reviews(12)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
D
Don't waste your money.
Totally not worth the money. Inquired how to use audio app day before at 1:00 p.m., no response until 5 minutes after meeting time the next day. They sent a QR code and said since they sent it via Whats App, no one would meet us. App didn't work on iphone on safari, told us to use a different browser, no luck. My app came up on Android with Chrome, but when I got in Basilica, there was no sound. Worst excursion I've ever booked. Don't waste your money.
V
Super cool.
Guide was very knowledgeable and very entertaining. He kept everyone engaged all the time. Very clear English.
C
The elevator option to...
The elevator option to the dome is VERY deceiving! It only takes you less than half the steps to the top. Also our audio app didn’t work. The whole dome experience was not explained. The basilica was amazing.
P
Could have been better
This is not any kind of tour, meet outside they take you in then go and get there next group. Top of St Peter’s dome was worthwhile but getting a pretty rubbish app on your phone wasn’t great
J
Narrow stairwell getting...
Narrow stairwell getting up to the top observation deck on the dome. We went on a hot day and got muggy and stinky going up the stairs. The view and experience was worth it.
K
Skip the Line is the Way to Go!
We very much enjoyed the self-guided tour. Be sure to bring ear buds for the audio app. Purchasing a skip the line ticket is the only way to go!
V
Good
Great views from the top of Saint Peter’s Church. You can actually go all the way up by foot. There are places you can catch your breath. The important thing is to get there not to get fast (in my physical condition that is ok, it work out great!)
S
Visit to the dome, St. Peter's Basilica, and the underground grottoes
Very nice guide. He accompanied us to the elevator to go up to the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, then he gave us our entrance ticket. Excellent experience
M
Worst experience
Worst experience and not worth a penny spent for a guide. The guide just meets you at point of meeting and does not explain anything. Paid for things I had no experience seeing.
Compare similar tours in Vatican City
- Lowest price: St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry with Digital Audio App — $23
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- Shortest: St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry with Digital Audio App — 1h 30min
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St Peters Basilica, Underground and Dome Entry with Audio App | 2–3 hours | 3.8 (12) | $33 | |
 St. Peter's Basilica Dome to Underground Grottoes Tour | 2 hours | 4.7 (215) | $63 | View |
 St. Peter's Basilica Reserved Entry with Digital Audio App | 1h 30min | — | $23 | View |
 St. Peter's Basilica & Dome Climb: Hosted Entry & Audio Guide | 2h 30min | 4.2 (29) | $33 | View |
 Rome: St. Peters Basilica, Dome and Catacombs Entry & Audio Guide | 2–3 hours | 4.1 (9) | $29 | View |
 Vatican: St. Peter's Basilica Dome Entry Tickets with Audio Guide | 2 hours | — | $25 | View |
 St Peters Basilica Skip the Line Entry Ticket, Audio Guide & Dome | 2 hours | — | $46 | View |
from$33
3.8(12) Free cancellation