Guided Tours

St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour

Name: St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs Guided Tour
Start: 2026-02-22T13:00:00
End: 2026-02-22T15:30:00
Location: Rome

St. Peter’s Basilica Dome and obelisk in Vatican City, Rome.

St. Peter’s Basilica interior with ornate dome and Bernini's Baldachin, Vatican City.

Tomb of St. Peter under St. Peter's Baldachin under the dome of St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City.

Visitors overlooking St. Peter’s Square from the Basilica Dome Terrace in Vatican City.

Duration

1 hr - 3 hr

Open today

Book now, pay later

Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.

Guided tour

Dive into the artistic and architectural marvel of St. Peter’s Basilica with a guided tour. Upgrade to climb the Dome for stunning city views.

4.3/5

(26,491)

Axelle

Dec 2025

Verified booking

The visit was just breathtaking. I felt like everyone, religious or not, could gain something from this visit. You are fully immersed in nearly 2000 years history, and even though it's a lot to digest, you won't feel lost or anything since you can stay as long as you wish after the tour. I would definitely do it again. Having full access to basilica, the papal tombs and the dome really made it special for me. I already knew a lot about Vatican City, the Basilica etc., but this visit made me learn new things, so I don't regret a single cent I put into this experience. If you plan a trip to Rome, you cannot pass on this!

Omar

Jan 2026

Verified booking

I must say that everything was well organized. My compliments to valerie an exceptional guide in her true religiosity. She took us on a tour inside the basilica explaining and allowing us to understand the works of art inside. The you was supposed to last 2 hours and instead ended up lasting twice as long and the guide was with us the whole time. Nothing to say the ticket price is definitely fair. I will definitely do it again on my next trip to Rome. Visit re St. Peter's without a guide makes absolutely no sense. Valerie really has an edge because. Eva was able to immerse us in the life of St. Peter's.

Mary

Feb 2026

Verified booking

Our guide Yvonne was so knowledgeable, friendly and added a bit of humor too! The pace was good though you want to wear comfortable shoes as you are on hard surfaces all day. It can be a bit overwhelming with all you see in the museum and St. Peter's basilica. There are rest rooms but no good or drink so eat a good breakfast or lunch before you go. We were pretty exhausted after 3 hours so didn't spend much time in St Peter's and didn't make it down to the tombs which I would have like to see. All in all a great tour with a ton of information.

Enjoy expert-guided tour of the world's largest Catholic church, in your chosen language.

Reserved entry lets you skip long lines and step straight into the church.

Admire masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s Baldachin, as your guide shares their significance and lesser-known legends.

Includes access to the rarely visited Papal Tombs beneath the basilica.

Upgrade to add Dome access by elevator and enjoy panoramic views over Rome.

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)

Food and drinks

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

26,491 reviews
How do we collect reviews?
These ratings include verified reviews from both Headout guests and our trusted partners who operate this experience locally. All reviews come from real travelers who've taken this experience.
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Guests from United States, France, United Kingdom and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Odile
Feb 2026
Verified booking
We chose a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica, followed by access to the dome. We had no trouble finding the meeting point on Piazza del Risorgimento. There were seven of us with our guide. The audio system worked very well throughout the tour of the Basilica. This reservation does not allow you to avoid the queue: it took us 50 minutes to get through the security gates. But our guide was very resourceful during this wait and never ran out of interesting topics to share with us. The tour began with the Vatican Grottoes and St. Peter's tomb. Then the breathtaking architecture and magnificent works of art in the church (especially the beautiful mosaics) left us speechless. At the same time, we felt peaceful in this grandiose setting. Our guide took the time to explain the history of several works. We visited the dome on our own. Despite the elevator, climbing the remaining 320 steps to reach the top is quite a workout! But it was worth it! On our way back from the dome, we were able to see the beginning of a wedding ceremony in the chapel reserved for this purpose, as our guide had explained to us a few moments earlier. A very nice tour! I recommend it.
Valerio
Feb 2026
Verified booking
An experience to be had at least once in a lifetime. From a historical, architectural, and social point of view, this is one of the most important complexes in the world, so there is little else to say in this regard. The guide, Brigida, was fantastic! She was courteous, polite, and helpful, accompanying the group through every historical and architectural detail of the tour. The staff were really courteous and helpful, a highly recommended agency!
Izabela
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Absolutely fantastic tour with a very knowledgeable and a brilliant tour guide Alessandra. Definitely worth booking it as they take you through a secret entry to one part of the Basilica. Alessandra told us the best places to take photos and guided us through the museum with an unbelievable knowledge of all of it- really don't know how she remembered all of the names, dates and the details. A fantastic tour guide! Thank you Alessandra!
René
Feb 2026
Verified booking
The tour was excellent throughout. Starting with our arrival at the office on the side street, where we were given a very warm and professional welcome. Right through to the tour itself, led by Hildegard, who gave us a wonderful experience visiting the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Highly recommended. Thank you very much.
Adam
Feb 2026
Verified booking
Our tour guide Antonio (only one who speaks Japanese) was amazing, really friendly, funny and knowledgeable. It is impossible to see everything with a guide but happy with what we did see and would come back again. Any downside like the crowds or not being able to take photos in certain areas is not down to the guide so can't take anything away from the tour.

Explore St. Peter’s Basilica with an expert English-speaking guide on this 2-hour tour, featuring reserved entrance and immersive insights.

Getting started

Meet your guide near the main entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica, where you’ll check in and receive your headset for clear audio throughout the tour. After a brief introduction, your guide will lead you through security checks before entering the basilica.

What to expect

St. Peter’s Basilica

As one of the world’s largest and most significant churches, St. Peter’s Basilica stands at the heart of Vatican City, renowned for its architectural grandeur and deep historical roots.

Features

Michelangelo’s Pietà: View this celebrated marble sculpture, admired for its emotional depth and artistic mastery, located near the entrance.

Bernini’s Baldacchino: Marvel at the monumental bronze canopy above the papal altar, a symbol of papal authority and Baroque innovation.

Papal Tombs: Descend to the underground grottoes to see the resting places of popes and saints, connecting with centuries of Church history.

Dome Climb (optional): Choose to ascend the Dome for panoramic views over Rome, including iconic landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon.

St. Peter’s square: Experience the vast piazza designed by Bernini, famous for its welcoming colonnades and historic gatherings.

Reserved entrance: Benefit from reserved entry to minimize wait times, especially during peak hours.

Headsets provided: Enjoy clear commentary and engaging storytelling from your guide, enhancing your understanding of the basilica’s art and history.

Dress code requires shoulders and knees to be covered; security checks may lead to brief wait times. This tour is ideal for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to explore Vatican City’s rich heritage.

Vatican Museums

Monday	8:00am - 8:00pm	last entry 6:00pm
Tuesday	8:00am - 8:00pm	last entry 6:00pm
Wednesday	8:00am - 8:00pm	last entry 6:00pm
Thursday	8:00am - 8:00pm	last entry 6:00pm
Friday	8:00am - 8:00pm	last entry 6:00pm
Saturday	8:00am - 8:00pm	last entry 6:00pm
Sunday	Closed

St Peter's Basilica

Monday	7:00am - 7:10pm
Tuesday	7:00am - 7:10pm
Wednesday	7:00am - 7:10pm
Thursday	7:00am - 7:10pm
Friday	7:00am - 7:10pm
Saturday	7:00am - 7:10pm
Sunday	7:00am - 7:10pm

St Peters Basilica Dome

Monday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm
Tuesday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm
Wednesday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm
Thursday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm
Friday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm
Saturday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm
Sunday	7:30am - 5:00pm	last entry 4:30pm

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.

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.

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.

Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the starting point.

Please check your final voucher for the starting point details & specific instructions.