St. Peter's Basilica guided tours

Gain insights into the art, history, and spiritual legacy of St. Peter’s with a licensed guide, and climb the Dome for stunning views over Vatican City.

• Everything you get: Explore the interiors of the basilica with a local expert guide who brings context to its sculptures, mosaics, and sacred spaces—including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes. Then, ride the elevator partway up the Dome and climb the final stretch of stairs to reach the top, where panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome await.
• Why choose this: The Basilica is vast, layered with centuries of history and symbolism. Instead of wandering without context, this tour gives you structure, stories, and expert insight—plus access to one of its most iconic experiences: the climb to the top of the Dome.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with entry
• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
• Access by elevator to the base and stairs to the top
• Breakfast (for French and English options, if selected)

Exclusions

• Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Entry to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi

• The Dome is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo or claustrophobia. Even with elevator access, 320 steps must be climbed to reach the cupola.
• Knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and exclusive entry to the basilica via a hidden passage.

• Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Enter St. Peter’s Basilica directly—skipping the 2-hour queue—through a special passageway from the Chapel.
• Why choose this: This shortcut takes you straight from the Sistine Chapel into St. Peter’s Basilica, saving you hours of waiting. With over a millennium of history, St. Peter’s is packed with must-see treasures, and your guide ensures you don’t miss the iconic rooms and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
• Upgrade: Go for a fully guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a deeper, more immersive experience. Explore with an expert who brings its history to life and gain deeper context inside one of the world’s most important churches. Prefer a more exclusive experience? Opt for a semi-private tour (max 10 guests) for deeper engagement and a more intimate Vatican visit.
• Go for the early morning tour with Dome climb to explore before the rush and see the Vatican from above.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
• Skip-the-line entry to St. Peter's Basilica
• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
• Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
• Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
• Headphones

Exclusions

• Gratuities
• Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome

• Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
• Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot.
• Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
• While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
• When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
• Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
• Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
• The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Immerse in an enlightening guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the world's largest Basilica, and Vatican City's captivating Papal Grottoes.
• Marvel at the breathtaking interiors of the Basilica, a spectacular showcase of art by Michelangelo and Bernini. Choose between an English or Italian-speaking guide.
• Experience the convergence of art, history, and religion at the Basilica, and walk the hallowed ground where numerous popes rest in the Papal Grottoes.
• This tour also includes a visit to the iconic St. Peter’s Square, ending on a high note with directions to the mesmerizing St. Peter's Dome.

Inclusions

• Tour of St. Peter's Basilica, Square and Grottoes
• Expert English or Italian-speaking guide
• Entrance to the St. Peter's Basilica
• Assistance from a local staff

Exclusions

• Entry to St. Peter's Dome

• Tip: Keep an eye out for Bernini's Baldachin - it's a massive bronze canopy made from bronze stripped from the Pantheon!
• Shoulders and knees must be covered. No low-cut, sleeveless tops or shorts will be permitted. You may risk being denied entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements.
• Note that the following items are not allowed inside the venue: tripods and flash photography.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

• Ditch the crowds and explore St. Peter's Basilica on a small-group guided tour, perfect for those seeking an in-depth exploration of its art and history.
• Conquer St. Peter's dome for panoramic views of the city, and spot the Colosseum and Vatican Gardens.
• Descend into the rarely-seen grottoes beneath St. Peter's, uncovering the final resting place of popes and early Christian frescoes.
• Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldacchino are just some of the many masterpieces adorning the grand basilica that you can see.

Inclusions

• 3-hour guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica
• Entry to St. Peter's Dome
• English-speaking guide

• Tip: Head to the viewing platform facing west for a panorama that includes the Tiber River and Castel Sant'Angelo.
• Choose safety and comfort: This experience is not the best fit for people experiencing back issues or claustrophobia.
• Strict dress code: No shorts or sleeveless shirts are allowed. Knees and shoulders must be covered.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Tour at a relaxed pace with fewer than 15 guests—for more personal guidance and deeper engagement.

• Everything you get: Skip long ticketing lines and explore the Vatican Museums in a small group for a smoother, crowd-free experience. With your expert guide, navigate iconic rooms like the Raphael Rooms and Gallery of Maps, then step into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment—with time and space to truly take it in.
• Why choose this: A smaller group means fewer distractions, more personal attention, and time to engage deeply with the art and your guide.
• Upgrade: Choose a semi-private tour with just 10 guests and enjoy a guided visit to St. Peter’s Basilica with exclusive access.

Inclusions

• Small group of up to 15 guests
• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with skip-the-line entry (as per option selected)
• Expert English, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, or German-speaking guide (as per option selected)
• Headsets

Exclusions

• Gratuities

• Tip: The early bird gets the worm! Crowds at the Vatican start to build around around 10am. Book an earlier spot to beat the crowds.
• Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
• Your ticket includes a specific entry time as delays can lead to denied entry. Arrive punctually to maximize your experience.
• While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
• When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
• Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.