In-depth Guided Tour of St. Peter's Basilica & Square

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(57 reviews)

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Enjoy a thorough guided experience in one of the most important sights in the world.
Choose either a private or a small-group tour and explore this art & architecture masterpiece with a passionate guide.

PLEASE NOTE: In the event that certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged.

Available options

Shared Tour : English

English tour: This option is for a 60-minute guided tour of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with up to 25 participants in English.

Private Tour in Portuguese

Private Tour: This option is for a 60 minutes Private guided tour of St. Peters Square and Basilica in Portuguese

Private Tour in Spanish

Private Tour: This option is for a 60 minutes Private guided tour of St. Peters Square and Basilica in Spanish

Shared Tour : German

German tour: This option is for a 60-minute guided tour of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with up to 25 participants in German.

Private Tour in French

Private Tour: This option is for a 60 minutes Private guided tour of St. Peters Square and Basilica in French

Private Tour in Italian

Private Tour: This option is for a 60 minutes Private guided tour of St. Peters Square and Basilica in Italian

Private Tour in English

Private Tour: This option is for a 60 minutes Private guided tour of St. Peters Square and Basilica in English

ENGLISH GROUP FAST TRACK ACCES

ENGLISH Group Fast-Track Tour: 1-hr guided tour of St. Peter's Square & Basilica with dedicated fast track security check entrance.(MAX30 PEOPLE)

<br/>Duration: 1 hour

Shared Tour : Portuguese

Portuguese tour: This option is for a 60-minute guided tour of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with up to 25 participants in Portuguese.

Shared Tour : French

French tour: This option is for a 60-minute guided tour of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with up to 25 participants in French.

Private Tour in German

Private Tour: This option is for a 60 minutes Private guided tour of St. Peters Square and Basilica in German

Shared Tour : Spanish

Spanish tour: This option is for a 60-minute guided tour of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with up to 25 participants in Spanish.

Shared Tour : Italian

Italian tour: This option is for a 60-minute guided tour of St. Peter's Square and Basilica with up to 25 participants in Italian.

What's included

Professional art-historian guide

Thorough guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica

Full on-site assistance

Sterilised headsets to hear clearly your guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Start your tour in St. Peters Square and be fascinated by its architectural secrets. Discover the optical illusions as were thought by its designer, Bernini.

Stop 2

Enter the Basilica and be amazed by its magnificence. Marvel at the impressive mosaics all around you and see why it took 150 years to rebuild.

Walkthrough renowned masterpieces of Renaissance and Neoclassic art with your expert guide. Stand in front of the harmonious 30-meters-high canopy and appreciate the expressive power and delicate beauty of Michelangelo's "Pietà".

Descend into the underground grottoes and see St. Peter's tomb. Touch the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica and admire the beautiful frescoes.

What's not included

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour

Entrance ticket to the Dome is not included

This tour does not skip the line

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.4

44 reviews

5★

4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

13 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered

Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square might take 15-120 minutes

Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square

The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks

The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour

The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour

We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals

Strollers are not allowed in the Basilica. There is a luggage deposit at the entrance of the basilica where you can leave the stroller

Please note that this tour does not skip the line

PLEASE NOTE: In the event that certain areas of St. Peter’s Basilica are closed, your guide will adapt the itinerary by highlighting alternative sites and artworks within the basilica. As a result, the overall duration and quality of the tour will remain unchanged

Pets are not allowed inside the Basilica

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato, 5, by the first columns of the Colonnade. Look for a yellow label with TOURIKS written on it. Please be at the meeting point 20 minutes before the starting time. The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square.

Important notes

- In order to complete check-in time, please arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before the activity starts
- The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
- An appropriate dress code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
- Please be aware that the lines to clear security checks at the entrance of the square are not skippable and might take 15-120 minutes
- Please note that you will be required to pass through metal detectors at the entrance of the square
- For environmental reasons, it is preferable that you bring your own earphones (regular wired jack, no usb one, no bluetooth) and do not print your voucher. We will provide earphones in case you forget yours
- We suggest you bring your own refillable bottle as you can find drinkable-water fountains everywhere in Rome
- Please note that this tour does not skip the line

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