Private Saint Peter’s Basilica Tour + Optional Dome & Tombs
At a glance
Private Saint Peter’s Basilica Tour + Optional Dome & Tombs is a 1h 30m private experience in Rome, Italy, operated by Landmarks & Laughs. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 115 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $78 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Bring a religious item—our guide explains how to receive a priest’s blessing., Fun tour St. Peter’s Basilica: Pietà, John Paul II, look @ Holy Doors, Bernini, and papal monuments., Entrance to the Tombs after the tour (guide will show you where to go).
Highlights
- Rated 5.0/5 by 115 travellers
- Private experience — just you and your group
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h 30m
- Group
- Private tour — only your group
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Explore the beauty of St. Peter’s Basilica on this PRIVATE tour, led by Mike or one of his hand-picked expert guides. Just you and your family will enjoy a more personal experience, the chance to ask questions, and fascinating stories, humor, and insights that bring history to life. Your guide will show you where a priest can bless your religious items.
Discover Michelangelo’s breathtaking Pietà, visit the tomb of Pope John Paul II, learn about the Holy Doors, and hear the dramatic story of St. Peter’s crucifixion. Your guide will reveal the secrets behind the basilica’s treasures, including Bernini’s works and Michelangelo’s iconic dome.
At the end of the tour, choose between an optional climb to the top of St. Peter’s Dome for views over Rome and Vatican City, or descend to explore the Papal Tombs under the basilica. Your guide loves making history fun and memorable and is great with kids, making this a fun experience for the whole family.
What's included
What's included
- Bring a religious item—our guide explains how to receive a priest’s blessing.
- Fun tour St. Peter’s Basilica: Pietà, John Paul II, look @ Holy Doors, Bernini, and papal monuments.
- Entrance to the Tombs after the tour (guide will show you where to go)
- Radios to hear the guide at all times
- Easy to understand FUN guide that explains the whole Basilica (not recorded audioguide)
- Guide points out the Vatican Post Office, where you can send postcards home.
Not included
- Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel
- Dome climb is an extra cost that can be paid to Vatican after tour (guide will show you where to go)
- Postcard mailing costs are at the guest’s expense.
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 1h
Discover the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica on this comprehensive tour of its magnificent main floor. Our expert guide will bring history and art to life as you explore the Basilica’s most iconic treasures. Marvel at Michelangelo’s breathtaking Pietà, a masterpiece of Renaissance sculpture, and visit the serene tomb of Pope John Paul II. Stand before the Holy Doors, a symbol of faith and renewal, and witness the preserved body of Pope John XXIII.
Learn about the architectural brilliance of Michelangelo’s dome, towering above as a testament to his genius, and admire Bernini’s stunning bronze Baldachin, the centerpiece of the Basilica’s altar. Along the way, discover various monuments dedicated to the popes, each rich with history and symbolism. This tour offers an unparalleled journey through one of the world’s most remarkable landmarks.
Meeting point
The meeting point is on the sidewalk outside the McDonald’s. Directly across the street there is an ice cream shop named Vizio.(so you know you're in the right place) PLEASE make sure you're at the BORGO PIO McDonalds, as there are a few.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Private Saint Peter’s Basilica Tour + Optional Dome & Tombs take?
The experience lasts about 1h 30m.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Bring a religious item—our guide explains how to receive a priest’s blessing.; Fun tour St. Peter’s Basilica: Pietà, John Paul II, look @ Holy Doors, Bernini, and papal monuments.; Entrance to the Tombs after the tour (guide will show you where to go); Radios to hear the guide at all times; Easy to understand FUN guide that explains the whole Basilica (not recorded audioguide); Guide points out the Vatican Post Office, where you can send postcards home..
Where does it start?
The meeting point is on the sidewalk outside the McDonald’s. Directly across the street there is an ice cream shop named Vizio.(so you know you're in the right place) PLEASE make sure you're at the BORGO PIO McDonalds, as there are a few.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 115 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Rome.
