Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, La Pietà, Papal Tombs and Dome
At a glance
Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, La Pietà, Papal Tombs and Dome is a 1h – 2h guided experience in Rome, Italy, operated by Tix & Tours. Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 182 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $34.35 per person, and free cancellation is available. 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..
Highlights
- Rated 4.9/5 by 182 travellers
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- 4 stops in one well-planned itinerary
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h – 2h
- Group
- Small group, up to 30 travellers
- Languages
- German, English, Italian, French, Spanish
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica with a expert guide and uncover the stories behind Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin, and the historic Papal Tombs.
Meet your guide outside St. Peter’s Square and begin with Bernini’s iconic colonnades, fountains, and the fascinating history of this legendary square at the heart of Vatican City.
Enter St. Peter’s Basilica and admire its breathtaking architecture, magnificent chapels, and extraordinary works of art. Stand before Michelangelo’s world-famous Pietà, marvel at Bernini’s monumental Baldachin, and hear fascinating stories about the artists, popes, and events that shaped this incredible church.
Continue beneath the basilica to explore the Papal Tombs, where many popes are laid to rest. Discover the history and traditions surrounding this remarkable part of St. Peter’s.
By the end of your experience, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of Vatican history, Renaissance art, and one of Rome’s spectacular landmarks.
What's included
What's 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
- Dome climb with elevator
- Skip-the-line option
Itinerary
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Stop 1 · 45m
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.
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Stop 2 · 15m
Discover the stunning Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, a poignant sculpture depicting Mary cradling Jesus, showcased within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica
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Stop 3 · 15m
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.
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Stop 4 · 30m
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.
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.
Good to know
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica Tour, La Pietà, Papal Tombs and Dome take?
The experience lasts about 1h – 2h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $34.35 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?
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..
Where does it start?
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.
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 German, English, Italian, French, Spanish.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 182 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Rome.
