Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà, and Papal Tombs Tour

Overview

Available languages

German

English

French

Spanish

Mobile ticket

Join a fascinating journey that begins in St. Peter's Square, where you can admire the architectural wonders that reveal themselves to your sight. Explore the optical effects created by the genius designer, Bernini. As you enter the Basilica, get ready to be amazed by its splendor. Observe the detailed mosaics that cover you, and learn why it took 150 years to reconstruct this emblematic building.

With your expert guide, walk by famous masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassical art. Gaze at the majestic 98.5-foot high canopy, appreciating the expressive force and delicate beauty embodied in Michelangelo's "Pietà."

Finish your enriching tour by going down to the underground grottoes, where you'll find St. Peter's tomb. As you touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century Basilica, enjoy the beauty of the frescoes inside, a witness to the lasting history and artistry that characterizes this sacred space.

Additional Info

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.

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.

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.

Dome climb with elevator

Skip-the-line option

What To Expect

St. Peter's Basilica

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.

45 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

La Pieta

Discover the stunning Pietà, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, a poignant sculpture depicting Mary cradling Jesus, showcased within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Options

French Tour

Spanish Tour

German Tour

English Tour

Reviews

4.60

15 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great Ivervuew
William S,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Finding the exact rendezvous starting point. There are tour guides all over that area it’s hard to find the guide’s little sign.
What a fun and educational experience in St. Peter’s Basilica!
Antonietta D,
Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Max, our tour guide was excellent. He showed leadership ensuring our entrance was quick and respectful to others in line moving our group forward. He was engaging, informative and we learned new history material, I wasn’t aware. He also challenged our level of knowledge. Max had a good sense of humour and was very happy we registered for this tour. Instructions sent for meeting point - perfect! Was worth the cost.
Unforgettable tour of St. Peter’s Basilica with Max (Tix & Tours)
I1498CLalessandrod,
Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I had an amazing experience with Tix & Tours at St. Peter’s Basilica. Our guide Max was outstanding so knowledgeable, friendly, and truly passionate about the history and art of this incredible place. He explained everything clearly and made the whole visit engaging, from Michelangelo’s breathtaking Pietà to the papal tombs. The tour was well organized and perfectly paced, and even with the big crowds I never felt rushed or left behind. Max made me feel completely included and helped me notice details I would have easily missed on my own. This was one of the highlights of my trip to Rome, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. Thank you, Max, for making this such a memorable experience!
Best Vatican Tour
T6339QUmirkoc,
Aug 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour guide was easily findable. The guide gave us a radio and headphone so we could hear her at the best. She spoke with a fluent and understandable English. She never had a moment of awkward silence, always explaining and entertaining. Long enough to see everything and not long to make it boring. Was really interesting even if not as a religious person and believer. I really recommend it.
Imperdible walk
william paulo a,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Unforgettable walk, simply splendid, has to be seen when you come to Rome, from its outer view to when we enter the basilica there are simply no words that can be described. Simplesmente Maravilhosa.
Great Vatican tour
zohrehs827,
Jul 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Perfect, everything was great. Cool guide, knowledge and kind. I hope we come back soon to Italy, specially Rome. What a great city.
The tour was difficult...
Joshua W,
Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00
The tour was difficult due to the hot weather, holiday weekend, and 2025 Jubilee year. The Basilica was extremely crowded and I think the tour guide did the best he could considering the circumstances. I know we kinda hurried along for some parts of his explanations because people were so hot. I don't blame him but it was difficult. Overall satisfied and would book again.
Worth it!
Carol F,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Good for the price, got to skip a longer line. Alexander was good at keeping track of us in a crowed place. Interesting commentary.
GREAT Experience
HORACIO G,
May 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
The guide was well informed and she was GREAT with the group. She decided To explain what she considered the best Of the Chapel
Tour was very...
Ilia B,
Mar 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00
Tour was very disorganized. It was supposed to be an English guide but the guide that showed up 1/2 hour late did not speak English and her friend was not a good translator. There was no warnings that there would be a big jubilee event that day. Did the line for 1.5 hours to get into the plaza and then had to leave without going into the basilica due to lack of time. No tour of catacombs. A total waste of money.