St. Peter's Basilica and Papal Grottoes Guided Tour

Discover St. Peter’s Basilica’s grandeur and secrets on an immersive guided tour. Unveil history with captivating stories and breathtaking architecture.

Duration: 1 hour, 10 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St. Peter’s Basilica - Start your tour in St. Peter’s Square and experience the all-embracing character of its majestic architecture. Understand the game of visual effects as conceived by its designer, Bernini, and find the two “special” spots in the square. Also, see a 2500-year-old Obelisk from Egypt.

Then, step inside the Basilica and discover the beautiful artworks that adorn it. While walking on the colorful marble, be mesmerized by the enormous dimension of the building and the ceilings entirely covered in gold.

Follow your through the main highlights. See the Papal Altar under Bernini’s Baldachin, and marvel at Michelangelo’s timeless masterpiece, La Pietà, as you explore the most important church in the Christian world.

Finally, visit the Papal Grottoes, the vast crypt under St. Peter’s Basilica. Built 3 meters below the level of the Basilica, they are located just under the great altar in the middle of the central nave. See where hundreds of popes and members .

  • St. Peter’s Basilica - explore St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome on a tour with a local guide and visit the Papal Grottoes, revealing centuries of burials. Discover a place where religion, art, history, and beauty come together.
What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
  • Official Guide
  • Headsets to hear the guide
What's Not Included
  • This tour doesn’t skip the line
  • Transportation not included
  • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
  • Dome access at St. Peter’s Basilica is available for an additional 10 euros at the entrance
Additional Information

Step into the grandeur of our magnificent basilica, where towering spires kiss the heavens and intricate arches weave tales of antiquity. Let our exceptional guides whisk you away on a journey through time, regaling you with captivating stories that echo through the hallowed halls. But this is not merely a tour; it’s an immersive experience where you’ll uncover the rich tapestry of history that adorns every stone, every stained glass window, and every whispered prayer. Prepare to be enraptured by the grandeur of the basilica’s unique history, where every corner holds secrets waiting to be unveiled.

Location
Best In Rome Tour
Borgo Vittorio
Meet your guide outside the activity provider's office on Borgo Vittorio 38. Look for the green and pink Best in Rome Tour logo. The meeting point is just a 1-minute walk from St. Peter's Basilica.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(60 Ratings)
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Grandtour546623
May 24, 2024
Awesome! - Our guide Chiara was very patient, kind and helpful. She explained many interesting things to us that we did not know about the basilica. Super recommended!! All the staff in Best in Rome tours were also very helpful and nice, thanks to Rippen my family and I were able to switch to the spanish group (we had booked in english because did not know there was a spanish one). He certainly went the extra mile for us, which is not usual to find. That made a huge difference in out experience!! Our whole experience was awesome, we super recommend the group itself!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Edurne
May 21, 2024
Highly recommended - Our guide has been Kiara, who is a sweetheart of a girl, charming, patient and friendly; He explained a lot of things to us, we really enjoyed the tour. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Miguel_ngelm251
May 20, 2024
5 stars - Chiara explains things very well, she is a fantastic guide. We understood the Vatican very well. She knows it from person to person. Very cool. I highly recommend the tour. Chiara deserves a promotion. We learned a lot.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Astraya1000
May 15, 2024
Vatican with expert - Valentina was very kind and explained a lot of valuable information to us that added value to our view. Always with a smile and great attitude
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Mario
May 14, 2024
Vatican - Khiara is an excellent guide, very kind and patient!!, 100% recommended!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. When you visit Rome I hope she touches you
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lucacu4342jm
May 5, 2024
Basel and Papal Grottoes tour - Nice tour of the basilica and papal caves. Thanks to our guide Chiara, very knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. Pleasant and appreciated experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anthony_d
Jul 3, 2024
Tour guide was very nice... - Tour guide was very nice and knowledgeable and he kept it lively. Pointed out the important parts of the church.
Review provided by Viator
Kathie_m
Jun 22, 2024
Worthwhile tour... - Our tour Guide was very good knowledgeable an keep the tour going... The basilica was beautiful... would have liked a little more time.
Review provided by Viator
Christinap12973
Jul 10, 2024
Too much talking! - The Basilica is amazing but the tour guide was overwhelming. He did not stop talking for even a minute and it was hard to digest what you were looking at. He gave us a lesson on Christianity and a Lesson on sin, which was unnecessary for the tour. It was a ver hot day and unlike other tours we took where the guide was conscious of finding shade, this guide talked and talked and talked while standing in 100 degree sun.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pauldaniel_b
Jun 1, 2024
Great guide, just be clear it is not a Skip-the-Line tour - I've been to St. Peter's on my own, and with this tour. I found the tour added a lot of interesting insights, but I would say that it is not necessary. The detailed information clearly states that this is not a Skip-the-Line tour. So we spent the first hour (I timed it at 65 minutes) in line. Our guide filled the time with facts, history, and interesting stories, although his understanding of Christianity varies from mine a bit. Once inside, he pointed out things that I probably would not have noticed. He had a great energy and engaged with the group very well, referencing the different countries where we were from.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
1 Adult
September 2024
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