Rome: Guided Tour of St. Peters Basilica, Grottoes & Square

Exploring the grandeur of Rome’s most iconic religious site, this guided tour offers visitors an immersive experience in the heart of the Vatican. From the awe-inspiring St. Peter’s Basilica to the serene Vatican Grottoes, the tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the rich history and architecture that have captured the imagination of millions. With skip-the-line access and professional art-historian guidance, this tour promises to be a highlight of any Rome itinerary. But the true magic lies in the stories waiting to be discovered.

Key Points

• The guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Grottoes, and Square in Rome lasts 1 hour and covers highlights like Michelangelo’s Pietà and St. Peter’s Tomb.
• The tour is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, English, and German, catering to a diverse audience.
• The tour includes skip-the-line access to the main Basilica and provides sterilized headsets for clear communication throughout the experience.
• Visitors must adhere to a modest dress code, and security screening can take 15-120 minutes, so early arrival is recommended.
• The tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 698 reviews, with praise for the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

The guided tour at St. Peter’s Basilica, Grottoes & Square takes visitors on a comprehensive experience.

The tour costs from Kč 626 per person and lasts 1 hour, with available languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, English, and German.

The tour costs from Kč 626 per person and lasts 1 hour, with available languages including Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, English, and German.

Wheelchair accessibility makes the tour inclusive. Cancellation is free up to 2 days in advance for a full refund.

Given the tour’s popularity, it’s likely to sell out, so booking ahead is recommended.

The tour’s highlights include admiring the basilica’s grandeur, seeing Michelangelo’s Pietà, and visiting St. Peter’s Tomb, all led by a professional art-historian guide.

Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Largo del Colonnato, 5 in St. Peter’s Square, the guided tour takes visitors on a 10-minute walk around the square.

Then, it’s a 40-minute guided tour of the stunning St. Peter’s Basilica. Highlights include admiring the marble, ceilings, and mosaics, seeing Michelangelo’s Pietà, and visiting St. Peter’s Tomb and the original Basilica walls.

The tour concludes with a 10-minute guided tour of the Vatican Grottoes.

Throughout, the professional art-historian guide shares their knowledge, providing valuable insights into the history and significance of these iconic sites.

Tour Inclusions

This guided tour includes a professional art-historian guide who leads the experience.

They provide a guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing visitors to admire the marble, ceilings, and mosaics up close.

Sterilized headsets ensure clear communication throughout the tour. Full on-site assistance is available.

While the tour doesn’t include entry to the Basilica’s Dome, it does provide skip-the-line access to the main Basilica.

Visitors simply need to bring their passport or ID card and wear modest clothing.

With an overall rating of 4.4/5, this tour offers an informative and immersive experience at St. Peter’s.

Important Information and Requirements

Visitors meet at the designated starting point outside St. Peter’s Basilica at Largo del Colonnato 5, near the first columns of the Colonnade.

They’ll need to bring a passport or ID card and wear modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders. Shorts, weapons, large bags, and sleeveless shirts aren’t allowed.

Security includes metal detectors at the entrance, and lines can take 15-120 minutes. Strollers aren’t permitted, but a luggage deposit is available.

Tour participants receive sterilized headsets for clear communication and enjoy full on-site assistance throughout the guided experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews and Ratings

The guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, Grottoes & Square has received positive reviews from customers. Based on 698 reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5.

Customers particularly praised the knowledgeable and engaging tour guides, rating them 4.8 out of 5. One reviewer from Canada, Halley, highlighted the attentiveness and humor of their guide Tom.

Knowledgeable and engaging tour guides at St. Peter’s Basilica, praised for attentiveness and humor by reviewer Halley from Canada.

Another reviewer from Lithuania, Viktorija, highly rated their guide Vladymyr. Pamela from the United States commended the efficiency of their guide Ellenora in managing the group through the lines.

The tour offers good value for money, rated 4.2 out of 5.

Exploring St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Catholic Church. Visitors are captivated by its towering ceilings, ornate decorations, and the awe-inspiring Pietà sculpture by Michelangelo. The guided tour takes guests through the Basilica’s highlights, including:

| Highlights | Description |

| — | — |

| Basilica Interior | Marvel at the intricate marble, mosaics, and ornate details. |

| St. Peter’s Tomb | Explore the final resting place of the first Pope. |

| Original Basilica Walls | Step back in time and witness the original foundations. |

| Vatican Grottoes | Discover the underground necropolis and tombs of past Popes.

The tour provides valuable insights from an art-historian guide, enhancing the experience of this iconic Catholic landmark.

Discovering the Vatican Grottoes

Nestled beneath the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica lie the Vatican Grottoes, a hidden gem of the tour.

Descending underground, visitors explore the burial chambers of past Popes and glimpse the original 4th-century basilica walls. The guide provides fascinating insights, recounting the history and significance of this sacred space.

Descending underground, visitors explore the burial chambers of past Popes and glimpse the original 4th-century basilica walls. The guide provides fascinating insights.

Highlights include the Tomb of St. Peter and the ornate Renaissance architecture.

The 10-minute visit allows ample time to absorb the serene atmosphere and appreciate the layers of history.

This captivating addition to the tour offers a deeper understanding of the Vatican’s rich legacy.

Admiring St. Peter’s Square

Exiting the Vatican Grottoes, the tour group emerges into the grandeur of St. Peter’s Square.

Flanked by the iconic Bernini’s Colonnade, the expansive piazza offers a breathtaking vista. Visitors gaze upwards at the towering obelisk, a symbol of papal authority.

To the right, the magnificent St. Peter’s Basilica dominates the scene, its ornate façade and towering dome commanding attention. The guide points out key architectural elements, explaining the symbolic significance of the square’s design.

As the group takes in the sweeping panorama, they’re struck by the sense of history and spiritual majesty that pervades this iconic Roman landmark.

Common Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour size is not explicitly stated, but based on the included amenities such as headsets for clear communication, the group size is likely small to medium, typically ranging from 10 to 25 participants.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica?

Yes, you can take photos inside the Basilica, but flash photography is not allowed. The tour guide will provide instructions on when and where photography is permitted during the guided experience.

Is There a Dress Code for the Grottoes?

Yes, there’s a dress code for the Vatican Grottoes. Modest clothing is required – visitors must cover their knees and shoulders. Shorts, sleeveless shirts, and other revealing attire aren’t allowed.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the End of the Tour?

The tour does not include an opportunity to purchase souvenirs. However, there are gift shops located near the entrance of St. Peter’s Basilica where visitors can browse and buy religious items, books, and other Vatican memorabilia after the tour.

How Difficult Is the Walking Involved in This Tour?

The walking involved is moderate, with around a 10-minute walk around St. Peter’s Square and a 40-minute guided tour inside the Basilica. The tour also includes a short 10-minute visit to the Vatican Grottoes.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a comprehensive experience of some of Rome’s most iconic religious sites. Visitors can explore the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, uncover the historical significance of the Vatican Grottoes, and appreciate the beauty of St. Peter’s Square, all with the guidance of a knowledgeable art-historian. The tour’s focus on inclusivity and skip-the-line access ensures a seamless and memorable experience for all participants.

You can check availability for your dates here: