Rome: St. Peters Basilica and Papal Tombs Walking Tour

Exploring the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Tombs is a captivating experience that transports visitors through the rich tapestry of Rome’s history. This guided walking tour offers a unique opportunity to skip the lines and explore the remarkable architecture, art, and cultural significance that define this iconic Vatican landmark. With an English-speaking guide by your side, travelers can uncover the stories and insights that make this tour a must-add to any Rome itinerary.

Key Points

• This 70-minute walking tour provides an in-depth exploration of St. Peter’s Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and access to the Papal Grottoes.
• The tour is guided by a live English-speaking guide who offers insights into the history and architecture of the basilica.
• The tour includes skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Grottoes, enhancing the overall experience.
• Guests can appreciate the cultural and architectural significance of the basilica through the tour’s highlights, including sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and security checks during peak season may take up to 2 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This 70-minute walking tour offers visitors a guided exploration of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Priced from £14.30 per person, the tour provides skip-the-line access to the basilica and the Papal Grottoes.

At £14.30 per person, this tour provides skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica and the Papal Grottoes.

Led by a live English-speaking guide, you will gain insights into the history and architecture of the sacred site, including Michelangelo’s Pieta.

Radio headsets ensure an enhanced experience.

While the tour includes entry to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, visitors must purchase separate tickets at the entrance for the Basilica’s Dome.

Flexibility is offered, with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior for a full refund.

Activity Details

The walking tour of St. Peter’s Basilica provides an in-depth exploration of this iconic religious landmark. Guided by knowledgeable experts, visitors will discover Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Pietà, and descend into the Papal Grottoes, the resting place of past pontiffs.

Highlights include insights into the basilica’s rich history, appreciation of its magnificent sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes, and the opportunity to skip the long lines. While not suitable for wheelchair users, the tour offers a comprehensive and engaging experience, enhanced by the use of radio headsets.

With a duration of 70 minutes and starting at £14.30 per person, this tour is an excellent way to take in the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Highlights of the Tour

A key highlight of the walking tour is the guided exploration of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Visitors will marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and venture into the Papal Grottoes. The tour also provides insights into the history of St. Peter’s Square and the basilica, allowing guests to appreciate the rich cultural and architectural significance of this iconic landmark.

Visitors will marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and venture into the Papal Grottoes, gaining insights into the history and significance of this iconic landmark.

Participants can admire the intricate sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes adorning the basilica’s interior.

While skip-the-line access is included, security checks may take up to 2 hours during peak season, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Inclusions in the Tour

Although the walking tour of St. Peter’s Basilica lasts just 70 minutes, it includes a comprehensive experience.

The tour provides a live guide who uses a radio headset to ensure clear communication. Visitors gain entry to the Vatican Grottoes and the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica itself.

They’ll also have access to the Vatican Museums and the renowned Sistine Chapel, though dome tickets must be purchased separately at the entrance.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy allows travelers to modify their plans, with a full refund available up to 24 hours prior to the start.

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Cancellation Policy

With a flexible cancellation policy, travelers can easily modify their plans. Customers can receive a full refund if they cancel their tour up to 24 hours in advance. This allows for flexibility in travel arrangements, as guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.

| Cancellation Policy | |

|———————|—–|

| Free Cancellation | Up to 24 hours in advance |

| Full Refund | Guaranteed |

| Reserve Now, Pay Later | Flexible |

| Unexpected Closures | Rescheduling communicated by provider |

| Suitable For | All travelers except wheelchair users |

Important Information

St. Peters Basilica may close unexpectedly due to Vatican affairs, and the tour provider will communicate any rescheduling.

This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Customer reviews indicate mixed feedback on language accessibility and guide quality, with an overall rating of 3.2/5 based on 5 reviews.

• The basilica may close for unknown reasons related to Vatican activities.

• Wheelchair users can’t participate in this tour.

• Customer reviews are mixed, with some criticism of language and guide quality.

Customer Reviews

The customer reviews for this walking tour of St. Peter’s Basilica are mixed.

Based on 5 reviews, the overall rating is 3.2 out of 5. Some customers praised the guide’s knowledge and the skip-the-line access, but others found the tour lacking in language accessibility.

The overall rating for this walking tour of St. Peter’s Basilica is 3.2 out of 5 based on 5 reviews, with mixed feedback.

Several reviewers noted that the guide’s English skills weren’t up to par, making it difficult to fully understand the historical and cultural information.

Plus, a few customers reported that the tour felt rushed and didn’t allow enough time to fully appreciate the basilica’s impressive architecture and artwork.

Meeting Point and Duration

The meeting point for the walking tour of St. Peter’s Basilica is outside the Best In Rome Tour office, just a 1-minute walk from the basilica.

The tour lasts for 70 minutes, providing ample time to explore the grand interior of this iconic cathedral.

• The meeting point is conveniently located, making it easy for participants to find and begin the tour.

• The 70-minute duration allows the guide to provide a rundown of the basilica’s history, art, and architecture.

• Visitors can expect to skip the line and gain priority access to the basilica and Vatican Grottoes during the tour.

Common Questions

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica?

Photography is generally allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, but visitors should be respectful and refrain from using flash or obstructing others. Some areas, like the Michelangelo’s Pietà, may have restrictions on photography.

What Should I Wear to Be Allowed Entry?

To be allowed entry, visitors should wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops are generally not permitted. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended for the tour.

Is the Tour Available in Other Languages?

The tour is available only in English. The description states that the "Language: English," indicating it’s not offered in other languages. Travelers who don’t speak English may need to consider alternative tour options or use a private guide.

Is There an Audio Guide Option for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention an audio guide option. It only includes a live guide and radio headsets to enhance the experience. The tour is conducted in English and doesn’t seem to offer other language options.

Is There a Discount for Students or Senior Citizens?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The standard price of £14.30 per person applies to all participants regardless of age or student status.

The Sum Up

The St. Peter’s Basilica and Papal Tombs walking tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the awe-inspiring architecture and uncover the rich history of the Vatican. With skip-the-line access and an expert English-speaking guide, it provides a comprehensive look at the cultural significance of this iconic site. Though the tour may face unexpected closures and is not suitable for wheelchair users, it comes with a flexible cancellation policy for convenient planning.

You can check availability for your dates here: