St. Peter's Basilica guided tours

Learn about the world’s largest basilica and its history as St. Peter’s burial site with an expert guide and priority entry.

• Everything you get: Enjoy a guided tour of the glorious St. Peter’s Basilica with reserved entry, led by a licensed guide in your chosen language. From Michelangelo’s Pietà to the Papal Tombs, uncover the art, rituals, and stories that shaped Catholic history.
• Why choose this: Go beyond what meets the eye—this isn’t just entry, it’s a guided deep dive into centuries of faith, the making of a major pilgrimage site, and hidden spaces most visitors miss. Plus, you skip the long entry lines.
• Upgrades: Add Dome access by elevator to reach St. Peter’s terrace—the easiest way to see Rome from its highest point.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Papal Tombs

• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide

• Dome access via elevator (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid passport or photo ID for security checks.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking and climbing stairs.
• Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered; avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or skirts above the knee.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Glass objects, weapons, or sharp items are prohibited.
• Flash photography is not permitted inside the Basilica.
• Shorts, short skirts, sleeveless shirts, and low-cut garments are not allowed due to the dress code.
• Strollers are not permitted inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
• Food and drinks are not allowed.
• Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible and is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.
• The activity is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
• The Dome climb involves over 300 narrow steps in an enclosed space and may not be suitable for those with claustrophobia or limited mobility.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks; allow extra time, especially during peak hours when wait times can be up to 2 hours.
• Meeting point and time may vary depending on the option booked; please check your confirmation details and arrive at least 15–30 minutes before your scheduled start time. Late arrivals cannot be accommodated or refunded.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• The special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will take you to the Pinacoteca Gallery instead.
• The elevator for the Dome only goes to the first balcony; the remaining ascent (320 steps) must be done on foot.
• The tour does not include access to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now & pay later options are available.
• Headsets are provided for clear audio during the tour.
• Please ensure you select the correct tour option (Regular Guided Tour or Dome Climb Tour) before booking.
• Photography without flash is permitted in most areas.
• Moderate physical fitness is recommended due to walking and stairs involved.

See all three Vatican must-sees: tour the Museums and Chapel, then enter the Basilica directly via a hidden passage, skipping hours of wait.

• Everything you get: Jump past the ticketing queues and explore the Vatican Museums with a local expert guide through highlights like the Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms. Step into the Sistine Chapel with fresh context on Michelangelo’s frescoes, then walk directly into St. Peter’s Basilica via a special passageway, bypassing the 2-hour public queue.
• Why choose this: Normally, visiting the Basilica after the Museums means exiting and rejoining a long security line in St. Peter’s Square. This tour’s secret passage saves you that hassle, giving you seamless access and more time inside one of the world’s most important churches.
• Upgrades: Go semi-private (max 10 guests) for a calmer, more personal experience.
• Choose early access to beat the crowds, with the option to climb the Dome for sweeping views over Vatican City.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry

• St. Peter's Basilica Access

• 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

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

From battlefields to basilicas, explore 2,000 years of Roman history in just one morning.

• Everything you get at Castel Sant'Angelo: An expert guides you through the plundered hall of imperial ashes, hidden prison cells of secret trials, and tales of the fortress’s evolution.
• Everything you get at St. Peter's Basilica: Let your guide show you Michelangelo’s Pietà, explain Bernini’s Baldachin, and lead you through papal tombs to honor the resting souls.
• Why choose this: You get to see both the world's largest church and a 2,000-year-old mausoleum-turned-fortress in one shot. With an expert guiding you at both stops, you'll not only see Rome’s history—you’ll understand how power, politics, and faith shaped it.

Inclusions Castel Sant’Angelo

• Guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with entry

• Expert English-speaking guide

• Group of up to 20 guests

St. Peter’s Basilica

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs

• Expert English-speaking guide

Castel Sant’Angelo

• Only some areas of the castle are suitable for the use of prams/strollers and wheelchairs.
• If you are visiting with a baby or a toddler, get a carrier.
• Keep in mind that your ticket is nominative, and you must present a valid ID matching your full name on the ticket for entry.
• Spot the Passetto di Borgo, the secret passage used by Popes to flee from Castel Sant’Angelo to Vatican City.

St. Peter’s Basilica

• Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access into the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
• Sign language guided tours are available at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
• Expect mandatory security screening. The wait at St. Peter’s Basilica may take up to an hour during peak times.
• St. Peter’s Basilica is wheelchair and stroller-friendly (ramps available in the right semicircle of the square). Only some areas of Castel Sant’Angelo are accessible.
• Papal Tombs access may be restricted during religious events. In such cases, extra time will be spent inside the Basilica.

Skip lines, enter at your reserved time, and reach Rome’s highest viewpoint with an audio guide.

• Everything you get: Bypass the long free-entry lines and explore St. Peter’s Basilica across three iconic levels—walk through the grand nave, descend into the Papal Tombs, and climb 551 steps to the Dome for panoramic views over Rome. Unpack centuries of Catholic art and history at your own pace with a multilingual audio guide.
• Why choose this: Most tickets offer just one piece—reserved entry, dome access, or an audio guide. This one gives you the full experience: skip the wait, see it all, and actually understand what you’re seeing.
• Upgrades: Add dome elevator access to skip 231 steps or switch to a live guided tour for deeper context and stories.

Inclusions

• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica

• Access to Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide

• Access to the Dome by lift or staircase (as per option selected)

• Guided tour of Basilica (as per option selected)

Exclusions

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Bring a valid photo ID or passport for security checks upon arrival.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as the experience involves walking and stair climbing.
• Dress appropriately: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women; sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, and miniskirts are not permitted.
• Bring your own earphones/headphones to use a digital audio guide on your smartphone.

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, and luggage are not allowed inside the Basilica or Dome.
• Flash photography, glass objects, food, drinks, and smoking are not permitted on the premises.
• Animals and pets are not allowed, except for registered service animals.
• Cloakroom service is not available.
• Access to the Vatican Grottoes and explanations in the Basilica are not allowed after 6pm.

Accessibility

• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• The Dome climb involves over 551 narrow stairs in a confined space and is not recommended for infants, pregnant women, people with heart conditions, claustrophobia, vertigo, or mobility issues.
• The elevator to the Dome only reaches the terrace level; to access the summit, you must climb an additional 320 steps.
• Minimum recommended age for the Dome climb is 6 years; children up to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Additional information

• All visitors must pass through airport-style security checks; during peak season, wait times may exceed 30 minutes—arrive at least 15–45 minutes before your scheduled entry.
• The roof and Dome may be inaccessible during bad weather conditions.
• Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be subject to closure without prior notice due to religious ceremonies or Vatican events. If the underground or Dome is closed, alternative arrangements will be made.
• Similarly, the special access passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and may be unavailable during major celebrations like Easter. On such days, your guide will instead lead you to the magnificent Pinacoteca Gallery.
• QR codes for entry are mandatory for tickets; check your email (including spam) before arrival.
• No refunds or date changes are provided for cancellations by the visitor or closures due to religious events.
• Security checks are mandatory at the Basilica. Please expect longer wait times of up to an hour and note that the tour duration may increase accordingly.

A once-in-a-lifetime Vatican moment—witness the Pope in person with guidance and context from an expert.

• Everything you get: Experience one of the Vatican’s most powerful traditions as Pope Leo XIV addresses pilgrims from around the world. Join hymns, prayers, and reflections in St. Peter’s Square. Your guide will provide rich insight into the significance of the event, the Pope’s message, and centuries of papal tradition—before and during the audience.
• Why choose this: Seeing the Pope live is on many travelers' bucket lists—but navigating the logistics can be tricky. This tour takes the stress out of it by securing your official Vatican entry and guiding you to a good viewing spot in the Square early.
• Upgrades: After the gathering, explore the Basilica’s chapels, tombs, and masterpieces with a guided tour that adds meaning to your morning.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Papal Audience experience

• Pre-arranged Papal Audience ticket

• Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica (as per option selected)

• Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• Headsets

What to bring

• Papal Audience voucher or booking confirmation (digital or printed)
• Valid photo ID matching the name on your reservation

What’s not allowed

• Large bags, backpacks, suitcases, or bulky items (no storage facilities onsite)
• Animals, glass objects
• Flash photography or video recording during the audience

Accessibility

• Stroller and wheelchair-accessible routes available
• Ramp access provided on the right semicircle of St. Peter’s Square
• Seating is unassigned and first-come, first-served

Additional information

• Mandatory airport-style security screening is required; allow 30–60 minutes for entry, especially in peak season
• Dress code: Knees and shoulders must be covered for all attendees
• Aisle seats offer the best chance of a close-up view of the Pope as he moves through the audience
• Audience tickets are free but must be reserved in advance—we handle that for you
• The event is subject to the Pope’s schedule and may change; check the Vatican’s official calendar for updates
• Held only on Wednesdays; your guide will accompany you early to help secure a better viewing spot