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 in your language.

• Everything you get: Enter St. Peter's Basilica via a reserved entry line and explore its magnificent interior and the Papal Tombs with an expert guide. Hear the stories behind its art, architecture, and traditions in English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian.
• Upgrades: Climb Michelangelo’s Dome by elevator or stairs, add a guided visit to St. Peter’s Square, or combine your experience with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. You can also choose a VIP private tour or an Italian breakfast experience.
• Why choose this: Use your time inside to observe and reflect while your guide handles navigation and explanations, keeping the visit focused and calm.

Inclusions #

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

• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide [as per option selected]

• Guided tour of Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel [as per option selected]

• Dome access via stairs or elevator [as per option selected]

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Square [as per option selected]

• Italian breakfast included [as per option selected]

• VIP Private tour [as per option selected]

Explore St. Peter's Basilica with reserved entry, an audio guide, and Dome access, discovering its art and sacred spaces at your own pace.

Getting started

Arrive at St. Peter's Basilica at your selected entry time and use your reserved entry ticket to join the dedicated access line before passing through the mandatory security screening. Once inside, activate your multilingual audio guide and digital map on your smartphone, then begin exploring the Basilica before continuing to the Papal Tombs and the Dome according to your selected option.

What to expect

St. Peter's Basilica

The world's largest church is home to centuries of Renaissance art, monumental architecture, and the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church. Your self-guided route lets you move at your own pace while the audio guide adds context to the Basilica's most important spaces. Features

• Discover 27 highlighted points of interest with the multilingual audio guide and digital map, making it easy to navigate the Basilica's vast interior.
• Admire masterpieces including Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldacchino above the Papal Altar, and the richly decorated nave, while learning about their artistic and religious significance.
• The audio commentary explains the Basilica's architecture, traditions, and ceremonies, helping you understand details that are easy to overlook when exploring independently.

Papal Tombs

Beneath the Basilica, the Papal Tombs offer a quieter setting where generations of popes have been laid to rest. Your visit naturally continues into this underground area as part of the same experience. Features

• Access the Papal Tombs without requiring a separate ticket, following the route beneath the Basilica.
• Learn about the role of the papacy and the significance of this sacred burial site through your audio guide's commentary.
• Explore this contemplative space at your own pace before returning to the Basilica.

Michelangelo's Dome

Your visit concludes with access to Michelangelo's Dome, one of Rome's highest viewpoints. Depending on your selected option, you'll either climb all 551 steps from the base or ride the elevator to the terrace before completing the remaining staircase to the summit. Features

• Choose between climbing the entire staircase or taking the elevator to the terrace, followed by the final ascent to the top.
• Pause along the climb for close-up views of the Dome's interior mosaics before emerging onto the outdoor viewing platform.
• Look across St. Peter's Square, Vatican City, and Rome from the summit, gaining a unique perspective over the city and the Basilica below.

Wrapping up

Choose the option that best matches how you'd like to explore. Upgrade to add Dome access via stairs or elevator, or extend your visit with a guided tour of St. Peter's Square. For a broader Vatican experience, combine your Basilica visit with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, or opt for a VIP private tour or an Italian breakfast experience before your visit.

Follow a Vatican expert along an insider route, from the Museums to the Chapel and straight into Basilica, with zero wait.

• Everything you get: Skip the Vatican ticket lines and explore the Museums with a local expert, covering key galleries and masterpieces. Learn the legends and context behind Michelangelo’s frescoes before entering the Sistine Chapel, then continue straight into St. Peter’s Basilica through a direct internal passage, bypassing the 2-hour public queue.
• Why choose this: A professional guide streamlines your visit with clear context, making this the smartest way for first-timers to see the Vatican’s highlights, while saving hours and avoiding the hassle of re-queuing for the Basilica.
• 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, Portuguese, or Japanese-speaking guide (as per option selected)

• 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

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

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.

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

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

• Everything you get: Enjoy faster entry with reserved access to St. Peter's Basilica and visit the Papal Tombs. Climb Michelangelo's Dome by tackling all 551 steps or taking the elevator to the terrace. Follow a digital map through 27 highlights while your audio guide brings the stories behind the Basilica's iconic art, architecture, and sacred spaces to life.
• Upgrades: Join an expert-guided tour in English, German, French, Spanish, or Italian for deeper insights with included Dome access by elevator.
• Why choose this: Instead of choosing between reserved entry, Dome access, or an audio guide, enjoy all three in one seamless experience. Skip the wait, see it all, and actually understand what you’re seeing.

Inclusions #

• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica

• Access to Papal Tombs

• Digital audio guide and a map of 27 key highlights [as per option selected]

• Dome access via stairs or elevator [as per option selected]

• Guided tour of Basilica and Papal Tombs in English, German, French, Spanish or Italian [as per option selected]

Exclusions #

• Food and drinks

What to bring

• Tickets: Bring your mobile voucher or booking confirmation to present at entry.
• ID documents: Carry a valid photo ID or passport for security checks.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes, as there are stairs and long stretches on foot.
• Dress code: Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered; avoid sleeveless tops, short shorts, and miniskirts.
• Audio guide gear: Bring your own earphones or headphones to use the digital audio guide on your smartphone.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair access: This experience is not wheelchair accessible at the Basilica or Dome.
• Stair climb: The Dome climb has 551 steep, narrow stairs and confined spaces that are not suitable for infants or pregnant individuals.
• Health conditions: This experience is not suitable for visitors with mobility concerns, heart conditions, vertigo, or claustrophobia.
• Elevator reach: The elevator only goes to the terrace, and 320 additional steps are needed to reach the summit.
• Age requirement: The minimum recommended age for the Dome climb is 6 years, and all minors up to 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s not allowed

• Large luggage: Do not bring large bags, backpacks, suitcases, or luggage into the Basilica or Dome.
• Food and drinks: Refrain from bringing food, drinks, glass items, or smoking materials onto the premises.
• Photography: Do not use flash photography anywhere inside the Basilica or on the Dome.
• Animals: Animals are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
• Cloakroom: Do not expect a cloakroom service, as none is available.
• Evening access: After 6pm, access to the Vatican Grottoes and explanations inside the Basilica is restricted.

Additional information

• Security checks: All visitors must pass airport-style security checks that can take 30 to 90 minutes.
• Arrival time: Arrive 15 to 45 minutes before your scheduled entry, as security may extend your visit duration.
• Weather closures: The Dome and roof terrace may close in bad weather without prior notice.
• Religious events: Entry to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome may be suspended at short notice for ceremonies or Vatican events.
• Route changes: When the special passage between the Sistine Chapel and Basilica is closed, your guide will take you to the Pinacoteca Gallery instead.
• Special passage: The passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica is closed on Wednesdays and during major events like Easter.
• QR codes: Check your email, including spam, for QR codes needed for entry and to activate the audio guide.

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