St. Peter's Basilica and Holy Door Jubilee Express Guided Tour

Rome , Italy

St. Peter's Basilica and Holy Door Jubilee Express Guided Tour

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About this experience

Avoid the long waits with your exclusive pre-booked entry and join our guide on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Vatican.

Your adventure begins in St. Peter’s Square, where the iconic Obelisk marks the spot where St. Peter was crucified.

Descend into the awe-inspiring Vatican Grottoes to explore the tombs of past popes, then marvel at the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica. Your guide will bring the history of the Baldachin, Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pietà, and the revered Statue of St. Peter to life.

Stand beneath the towering Dome and feel the awe of this sacred space, experiencing the magnificence of the Basilica up close. Discover the fascinating history of the Papal States, explore the profound traditions of the Jubilee Year, and admire the Holy Door—a symbol of hope, unlocked only once every 25 years.

With the Holy Door set to open in 2025, this is your chance to witness Vatican history and beauty like never before.

Available options

St. Peter's Basilica and Holy Door Jubilee Express Guided Tour

What's included

Professional English-speaking guide

Express Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica

Headsets

Marvel at the Unlocked Holy Door, Baldachin, Pietà, and Grand Altar

Visit the Papal Grottoes beneath the basilica

Effortless entry during the Jubilee Year

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Meet your expert guide, at a designated meeting point just outside of St. Peter's Square. As you head for the entrance of St. Peter's Basilica, you’ll pass through the iconic St. Peter’s Square—a breathtaking space surrounded by towering columns, with the majestic Obelisk at its center, believed to mark the spot where St. Peter was crucified. This grand square, also the stage for the Pope’s famous speeches, is an unmissable highlight on your Vatican journey.

Stop 2

Descend into the underground grottoes to explore the tombs of past popes and catholic legends, Step back in time as you touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and marvel at the breath-taking frescoes along the way. With your guide, uncover the stories hidden beneath the Vatican before heading to the ground floor of St. Peter's Basilica.

Stop 3

Time to visit the grounfloor of the Basilica. As you explore this sacred space, your guide will highlight its iconic features, from the towering Baldachin above St. Peter’s tomb to Michelangelo’s Pietà and the famous Statue of St. Peter, where visitors traditionally touched his feet for blessings. With the Holy Door set to reopen in 2025, this is your chance to experience the Basilica’s living history and timeless beauty like never before.

Stop 4

From the Basilica’s Latin cross shape to its sheer size, nothing will take your breath away like gazing up at its stunning Dome. The mighty Cupola, with a diameter exceeding 41 meters, towers above the Baldachin and is adorned with mosaics, creating a sight impossible to forget. Though the climb up the Dome itself is not included in the tour, the view from below is absolutely breath taking.

Stop 5

Once your guided express tour comes to an end, you're welcome to remain inside of the St. Peter's Basilica and continue exploring individually.

Stop 6 Pass by

All of the above are key highlights located inside Vatican City and are a part of this guided tour. Whether you're looking for effortless entry during the Jubilee year, or want to lay eyes on the unlocked Holy door, this tour will this tour will immerse you in the history and beauty of one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, offering a deeper understanding of its sacred significance.

What's not included

Hotel pick up / drop off

Dome Climb

Gratuities (optional)

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.0

3 reviews

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4★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. The company will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.

Please note that while this is not a "skip-the-line" tour, we’ve pre-booked tickets, allowing us to enter through a dedicated, expedited line.

Meeting point

Please arrive 15 minutes early. Meet your guide at Largo Del Colonnato, in front of the Fontana delle Tiare, located next to St. Peter's Square. Our staff will be waiting with a “The Tour Guy” sign, standing between the fountain and the green kiosk.

Important notes

* DRESS CODE: Entrance into any religious site requires a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. We will not be held responsible for refused entry due to unsuitable dress.

* IMPORTANT: To secure your entry tickets for St. Peter's Church, we require the full names, nationality and dates of birth of all participants. Names must match the passport or ID card and cannot be changed within 48 hours of the tour start time.

• Please read our meeting point directions thoroughly in advance. It is the responsibility of all visitors to be at the meeting point 10 - 15 minutes before departure. Guests arriving after departure cannot be accommodated, & missed tours or tickets cannot be refunded.
• Mandatory: Everyone is required to carry a copy of the identification page of their passports on all tours.
• Large bags, backpacks, luggage, and tripods cannot be brought inside. There is a no coat check at the Basilica's. We encourage you to leave such items and anything similar at your accommodations.
• We regret that we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchairs or any walking impairments that require special assistance on our group tours. We are also unable to accommodate strollers or baby carriages on our group tours.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• The museums, sites and monuments we visit on our tours are among the most popular in the world. Careful planning helps limit crowd exposure, but please be aware that some locations may be unavoidably busy during standard hours/high season.
• We will be subject to a security check at the entrance to all sites. Depending on the volume of visitors, we may have a short wait in the security line.
• TTG reserves the right to alter itineraries for reasons of safety, restoration, maintenance, adverse weather conditions or occasional events.

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots