I
Highly Recommended!
Fantastic experience with Discovery Live Tours! The team was very helpful and guided us in choosing the best tour. Everything was perfectly organized, and we had an amazing time. Highly recommend!
Rome travel guide: tickets, best time & real costs
vatican :Papal Audience Guided tour & St. Peter’s Basilica entry
+10 photos
At a glance
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Price from
- $40 / person
- Location
- Rome, Italy
- Rating
- 4.6 / 5 · 12 reviews
- Languages
- EN, ES
- Group
- Small group, up to 150
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Confirmation
- Instant
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operator
- DISCOVERY LIVE TOURS
- Meeting point
- piazza risorgimento meet us in the frant of the Foot Locker
Description
Join the Papal Audience at the Vatican for a truly memorable experience. See and hear Pope Francis deliver his inspiring message, either in St. Peter’s Square or Sala Nervi, depending on the schedule. Enjoy your guide’s insight into the traditions and history of the audience, and explore the exterior wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica while learning about its significance in Christian history. - Meeting point for the Papal Audience at 7:00 AM. - Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is possible after 2:00 PM, subject to ticket availability. During the summer months, as the audience takes place in St. Peter's Square, it is recommended to bring a hat and a small bottle of water. Queues are due to security measures. Anyone attending the Papal Audience or wishing to enter St. Peter's Basilica must undergo security checks (manual inspection and metal detectors). The Vatican is responsible for the internal organization of the Papal Audience; we are not liable for any last-minute changes.
Schedule & prices
- Runs
- Wed
- Start times
- 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM
- Next available
- Wed, Oct 14
- Adult (ages 17+)
- $40
- Youth (ages 16–16)
- $29
- Child (ages 6–15)
- $29
- Infant (ages 1–5)
- Free
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Itinerary
St. Peter's Square
Join the Papal Audience in St. Peter’s Square and witness a unique, once-in-a-lifetime event. Gather with pilgrims and visitors from around the world to see and hear the Pope deliver his multilingual address, offering blessings, prayers, and reflections. Experience the grandeur of the square itself, framed by Bernini’s magnificent colonnades, and feel the energy of the crowd as you share this spiritual moment. Your guide provides context about the rituals, significance, and history of the Papal Audience, helping you understand the meaning behind the ceremonies. From Piazza San Pietro to Borgo Santo Spirito and Piazza Papa Pio XII, you’ll move with the flow of the audience, gaining insight into the Vatican’s traditions and the unique atmosphere of this gathering. Whether it’s your first visit or a returning pilgrimage, this guided experience ensures you fully appreciate the significance and majesty of seeing the Pope in person.
St. Peter's Basilica
Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica and admire Michelangelo’s iconic Pietà, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture. Marvel at Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin above the high altar, and witness the grandeur of the vast nave and soaring domes. See the revered Cathedra of St. Peter, a relic symbolizing the authority of the papacy, and take in the stunning combination of art, architecture, and devotion that makes the basilica one of the world’s most celebrated sacred spaces. . This exclusive visit allows you to experience the basilica’s splendor firsthand, making your Papal Audience tour truly unforgettable.
The Vatican Grottoes
Descend into the Vatican Grottoes and explore the sacred resting places of past popes. See the Tomb of St. Peter, the first Bishop of Rome, revered as the spiritual foundation of the papacy. The grottoes house chapels, memorials, and intricately carved tombs that reflect centuries of history, devotion, and artistic craftsmanship. Walk quietly through this solemn space, taking in the delicate details of each monument and the serene atmosphere that contrasts with the grandeur above in St. Peter’s Basilica. Your visit highlights the significance of the site, offering insight into the lives of the popes and the spiritual importance of the grottoes, making this a deeply meaningful part of your Vatican experience.
St. Peter's Basilica
Marvel at the iconic dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, a masterpiece designed by Michelangelo. Towering above the nave, its soaring architecture dominates Rome’s skyline and reflects Renaissance genius at its finest. The intricate mosaics, sculptural details, and sweeping proportions reveal the skill and vision of one of history’s greatest artists. Whether viewed from inside the basilica or glimpsed from the square below, the dome embodies the grandeur and spiritual significance of St. Peter’s, offering a symbol of the papacy that has inspired generations. Yourcan visit its design, history, and enduring impact, helping you appreciate both its artistic brilliance and its place at the heart of the Vatican.
What's included
Included
St. Peter’s basilica entry tickts
St. Peter’s Square
Papal Audience tour
Licensed tour guide
Not included
Private transportation
tickets to the saint peter's dome
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.6
12 reviews
How it compares in Rome
- Starting price $40 is 87% below the typical $303 for tours of similar length in Rome
Excurgo comparison of 8,075 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- 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?
vatican :Papal Audience Guided tour & St. Peter’s Basilica entry lasts about 5 hours. The itinerary has 4 stops.
How much does this tour cost?
Prices start at $40 per person for this Rome experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, 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 on Wednesdays, starting at 7:00 AM and 7:30 AM.
How much does this tour cost for children?
Children aged 6–15 pay from $29, adults from $40. Infants go free.
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.
Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is piazza risorgimento meet us in the frant of the Foot Locker. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
What languages is this tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN, ES.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 150 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Wheelchair accessible
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Reviews(12)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
E
Excellent Service! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Excellent experience with Discovery Live Tours! They helped us make the best decision, everything was well organized, and the guide was friendly and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!
H
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A truly wonderful experience, organized flawlessly from start to finish. The Papal Audience itself was incredibly emotional, but what really made the difference was the extraordinary service provided by the agency. The staff was kind, attentive, and genuinely caring throughout the entire experience. We felt supported every step of the way, with everything handled smoothly and without stress or confusion. Their professionalism and attention to detail were exceptional. You can truly feel the passion they put into their work and how much they care about their guests’ experience. Thank you for making such a special day even more unforgettable. Highly recommended! ✨🇻🇦
C
Terrible Experience
We were told to meet guide in front of Foot Locker and my friend was unsure so she asked as there was a line cueing up for entrance. I waited and she went to check it out. While I waited the Guide showed up and I was told my name wasn't on the list but I had my entry ticket so it was fine. He told me that we needed to enter where my friend was so go with her and he needed to wait for a couple of more people and would join us. That is the last we saw him. Very unsatisfied as we ended up being herded with a huge group among thousands of people and Tour wasn't what we expected. I would not recommend. Could have done the same on our own.
T
Very beautiful place!
It was so so beautiful, pretty crowded but manageable. The tour guide was very kind and helpful and knew a lot!! The tour was very fun!! I would recommend anyone to go for the price as well!
C
Nice place, nice tour!
The tour was really fun! He was very charismatic and good explanation, highly recommended and place you should definitely visit in rome!!
M
A very blessed day and with a lovely Guide!
It was a wonderful day and very blessed! Our guide who is Mexican was very attentive and charming. He had very good suggestions! It was very flexible to suit our preferences and made our tour very enjoyable. Answer all our questions! Coffee and nutmeg croissant included Super rich! Thank you so much for everything!
A
yolanda was very kind and...
yolanda was very kind and informative and everything went well considering how busy it was .....she kindly checked on us when we were seated to make sure all ok. An amazing experience and saw Pope Leo up close.
Operator response
Thank you so much for the feedback .Hope to see you soon again.
J
Amazing !!!
yolanda was our tour guide was AMAZING!!! She was so informative and friendly , explained so much about the history, the reasons why things were done and by whom and to just be in the moment of it all. Her knowledge was infectious, and it was a joy to have someone who made it all so understandable. Even with all the people in the church it felt like we were the only one's around.
J
very happy with there approach
violanda was incredibly kind! Booking this activity was the best decision—it made everything so much easier. the experience but also helped navigate the chaos and long queues to get into the audience. so happy with there approach. thank you .
Operator response
Thank you for choosing our Vatican Tour , hope to see you again . Best regards .
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| vatican :Papal Audience Guided tour & St. Peter’s Basilica entry | 5 hours | 4.6 (12) | $40 | |
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from$40
4.6(12) Free cancellation