Duration
Guided tour
On this combo tour, visit 2 neighboring sites less than 1 km apart yet in different nations! Get expert guidance at Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica.
4.3/5
(2,413)
Adrien
Marilyn
Chuck
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Discover the intertwined history of Castel Sant’Angelo and St. Peter’s Basilica on this expert-guided combo tour.
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Walk through 2,000 years of history as you explore Castel Sant’Angelo, a mausoleum-turned-fortress.
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Admire its hidden courtyards, military strongholds, and frescoed chambers, once home to Popes and prisoners alike.
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Step inside St. Peter’s Basilica and marvel at Renaissance masterpieces, from Michelangelo’s Pietà to Bernini’s Baldachin.
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Descend to the Vatican Grottoes, where past Popes—including St. Peter himself—are laid to rest.
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Castel Sant’Angelo
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Guided tour of Castel Sant'Angelo with entry
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Expert English-speaking guide
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Group of up to 20 guests
St. Peter’s Basilica
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Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and the Papal Tombs
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Expert English-speaking guide
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These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
How do we collect reviews?
Guests from United States, United Kingdom, Australia and over 48 countries have loved this experience
Robbert
Aug, 2025Verified booking
Amazing tour with your amazing guide . Her passion for her job was beyond outstanding. Her knowledge of history and detail made the experience very special indeed. Would highly recommend to anyone
Adrien
Jul, 2025Verified booking
We did the tour with Bridget as the tour guide and it was perfect. We could sense she is passionated about history and all the detailed stories she was able to tell us. That was super interesting and we would highly recommend her. +We had our 1 year old baby with us and she has been very patient and understanding
Keri
Jul, 2025Verified booking
Our guide was very passionate about his faith which made for a unique tour experience as he believed the basilica for what it is- not a museum - but a place of worship and reverence. Loads of stories and history along with memorizing sites!
Jeremiah
Jul, 2025Verified booking
Outstanding guide took the group seemlessly through Saint Peter's. She allowed a couple short breaks and provided tons of information. As a religion and history teacher, learning new content is one of the best parts of traveling.
Charlotte
Jun, 2025Verified booking
Volodymyr was great. He provided lots of really interesting facts, and was keen to offer information and insights around the interests of members of our group. I particularly liked the fact that he gave quite a balanced view - of some of the corruption over the centuries, as well as pointing out the glories of the artwork, and all the time being respectful of the culture and religion.
An unparalleled experience in Rome! Combine expertly guided tours to these complementary monuments and learn of their intertwined history at a discount.
Getting started
After booking, you'll receive your ticket by email along with meeting point details and instructions.
What to expect
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo has had a long and tumultuous history, meant to be a royal resting place before being converted to a castle-fort for the papacy, and eventually settling for its fate as a museum. Venture through its military exhibits, admire its moats and guarded passageways, and hear the chilling tales of those kept in its dungeons. Get lost in indoor open spaces like the Courtyard of the Angel, and halls like the marble-lined Grand Loggia or the extravagant Paolina Rooms. Be sure to ask your guide lots of questions!
Features
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Mausoleum of Hadrian – Originally built as the emperor’s tomb.
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Secret passages – Discover hidden escape routes.
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Panoramic terrace – Stunning views of Rome and the Vatican.
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Papal apartments – Lavish rooms once used by popes.
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Prison cells – Former dungeons that held historical figures.
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Renaissance frescoes – Beautifully preserved wall paintings.
St. Peter's Basilica
Within the Vatican City enclave, St. Peter’s Basilica towers up over the other buildings. Smack under its 448 ft-high dome of Michelangelo lies the resplendent Main Altar, covered by Bernini’s famous bronze canopy or Baldachin. In the grooves of this massive basilica are numerous niche chapels filled with artworks, sculptures, tabernacles, and more by Renaissance greats. Then, venture a level below ground to the Vatican Grottoes and unravel the Papal Tombs. Be in the presence of St. Peter’s supposed sepulcher at Clementine Chapel or pay homage to St. John Paul II's sarcophagi.
Features
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Michelangelo’s Pietà – A masterpiece depicting Mary holding Jesus.
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Bernini’s Baldachin – A grand bronze canopy over the Papal Altar.
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St. Peter’s Dome – Climb for breathtaking views of Vatican City.
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Papal Tombs – The final resting places of past popes.
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Vatican Grottoes – Underground chapels and papal burial sites.
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Chair of St. Peter – A stunning relic encased in Bernini’s design.
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Mosaics & frescoes – Exquisite artwork covering the Basilica’s interior.
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Holy Door – A sacred entrance opened only during Jubilee years.
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What to bring
Castel Sant’Angelo
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If you are visiting with a baby or a toddler, bring a carrier.
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Keep in mind that your ticket is nominative, and you must present a valid ID matching your full name on the ticket for entry.
What's not allowed
St. Peter’s Basilica
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Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
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It's all about the quiet vibes. Mobile phones must remain on silent mode inside the Basilica.
Accessibility
Castel Sant’Angelo
- Only some areas of the castle are suitable for the use of prams/strollers and wheelchairs.
St. Peter’s Basilica
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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.
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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.
Additional information
St. Peter’s Basilica
- Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
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Your voucher will be emailed to you shortly.
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Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.
Meeting points
Castel Sant'Angelo and St. Peter's Basilica
- Please check your final vouchers for both attractions for the meeting point details and specific instructions.
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