Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Begin your exploration inside the Basilica, marveling at masterpieces such as Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture La Pietà, Bernini's majestic Baldacchino, and the elaborate altar. Your knowledgeable guide will bring to life the remarkable history, intricate art, and architectural wonders of this iconic landmark, considered the heart of the Catholic faith.
Enter the Vatican Grottoes, to visit the papal tombs, chapels and corridors, paying respects at the final resting places of popes, royals, and revered dignitaries from centuries past.
This unique tour ensures you fully appreciate the unparalleled artistry, spiritual significance, and historic magnificence of St. Peter’s Basilica.
After the tour, if you have selected the Dome option, please allow an extra 30 minutes minimum after the tour has finished as you'll take the elevator to St. Peter’s Dome. Here, you will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the city, offering an unforgettable experience high above Rome.
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
The tour reservations have strict timing. To join the tour, you are required to be at the meeting point for check-in at least 15 minutes prior to your tour departure time.
If you arrive late for the meeting time, it will not be possible to join the group or reschedule, unless you pay for the activity again. As per "No Show" rules you will not be entitled to a refund.
Knees & Shoulders MUST be covered for both men & women to enter the Basilica.
Please note that on the day of your visit certain areas of the monument/attraction can be closed due to either religious events or national holidays.
Please be advised capacity regulations and security may delay the tour departure this could also influence the smooth running of the tour especially on national holidays and events.
Cancellations, changes or issues due to weather, security and events held by the monument are beyond our control and are directly decided by their administration team. These issues will be reviewed by us and dealt with on an individual basis but are the responsibility of the monument.
All visitors must pass through the monument/attraction security check please allow at least 20 minutes to clear security.
The exact timings and reservations can vary, dependent on the monument/attraction’s administration offices availability and decisions on the booking day and can be subject to last minute changes. Departure time can differ up to 20 minutes from your selected time.
Please be aware that large bags/backpacks/suitcases are not permitted in the monument/attraction.
Students booking a reduced ticket must have a photo ID; you must bring a photo ID to be allowed into the monument.
This tour is NOT wheelchair accessible
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Skip the line entrance to St.Peter's Basilica
Access to St.Peter's Dome (if Option Selected)
Access to the papal tombs
Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Location pick-up and drop off
Scavi / Necropolis
Food and Drink
Maya Tours
Check in at the Maya Tours Office
St. Peter's Basilica
The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican City, or simply Saint Peter's Basilica, is a church of the Italian High Renaissance located in Vatican City, an independent microstate enclaved within the city of Rome, Italy. St. Peter's is famous as a place of pilgrimage and for its liturgical functions. The pope presides at a number of liturgies throughout the year both within the basilica or the adjoining St. Peter's Square; these liturgies draw audiences numbering from 15,000 to over 80,000 people.
VIP German Tour + Dome
VIP Spanish Tour + Dome
VIP French Tour (NO DOME)
VIP German Tour (NO DOME)
VIP English Tour + Dome
VIP English Tour (NO DOME)
VIP Spanish Tour (NO DOME)
VIP French Tour + Dome
VIP Italian Tour + Dome
VIP Italian Tour (NO DOME)
168 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Kiki G,
Aug 13, 2025
- Viator
Do NOT go to the dome!!!!! This was a complete shock that we were allowed and not fully forewarned of the 120 degree temperature in the stairwell. This is complete and utter negligence on the part of the tour company and the Vatican. People were getting sick there’s no turning back once you are inside for 20 minutes or more!! Awful and dangerous
Christopher B,
Aug 6, 2025
- Viator
Mark was a great tour guide and very informative and tailored the the tour to us and explained everything in a great way.
anita b,
Aug 3, 2025
- Viator
The experience was amazing. Mark was very knowledgeable and kept us very interested. I definitely would recommend this tour. It's worth the money to skip the line. The wait looked like it was hours long just to get in.
Lauren D,
Aug 1, 2025
- Viator
We had a great tour guide and a good sized group for our tour. Really helpful to be able to get into the church and not have a long line. That really is what you are paying for. Good history lesson on things in the church and history of christianity in Rome. Our tour was for St. Peter’s basilica and the dome climb.. it said access to catacombs and that is on your own and likely included in any ticket. The Holy door was open with a special passage of reflection and catholic things. I am not catholic - but Peter was a disciple of Jesus and that is important to me. The climb to the top of the dome is not for the faint of heart. I’m moderately in shape at 54 and I did it.. so there’s that! ha!
michelle p,
Jul 25, 2025
- Viator
So glad I took this tour. It’s very worth skipping the line AND getting all the history of this amazing place. We had gone in to the basilica earlier, but didn’t “know” what we are seeing and went later to do the extensive tour! We got to see the papal tombs and enter through tbe Golden Door and visit the top of dome.
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