Rome: St. Peters Basilica Tour With Grottoes

Exploring the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-do for many visitors to Rome. This guided tour offers an opportunity to marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s breathtaking bronze canopy, while also delving into the Vatican Grottoes, where the tombs of past popes and stunning mosaics await. With the convenience of skipping regular lines, travelers can enjoy the rich history and sacred atmosphere of this magnificent space, all while adhering to a respectful dress code. But what secrets might lie within these hallowed halls?

Key Points

• Explore the treasures of St. Peter’s Basilica, including Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s bronze canopy, on a 2.5-hour guided tour.
• Discover the history and significance of the Vatican Grottoes, where the tombs of past popes and remnants of earlier basilica constructions are found.
• Enjoy commentary from a knowledgeable live guide, who provides insights into the architectural and artistic wonders of the basilica.
• Benefit from a dedicated queue and skip-the-line access, ensuring a smooth and efficient start to the tour.
• Respect the sacred space by adhering to the dress code, which requires covered shoulders and knees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The St. Peters Basilica tour lasts 2.5 hours and costs $43.67 per person.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No payment is required upfront – they can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour features a live guide who speaks English and Spanish. Visitors can skip the line and enter through a dedicated entrance.

Highlights and Experience

During the 2.5-hour guided tour, visitors can admire Michelangelo’s renowned Pietà and Bernini’s magnificent bronze canopy while learning about the rich history of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to discover the treasures hidden inside the Basilica, including the parvis, Bernini’s colonnade, fountains, the Vatican Obelisk, and the Heart of Nero.

The knowledgeable live guide, available in English and Spanish, offers insights into the significance and architectural features of these iconic landmarks, ensuring a captivating and informative experience for all visitors.

Vatican Grottoes

Located on the lower level of St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Grottoes offer a unique glimpse into the rich history and architecture of this sacred space.

Vaults built between 1590 and 1591, the Grottoes were designed to support the Renaissance building above. The origins of the Grottoes date back to a design by architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger for Pope Leo X after Raphael’s death in 1520.

Visitors can explore:

• The tombs of past popes

• Remnants of earlier basilica constructions

• Mosaics and frescoes adorning the vaulted ceilings

• The Shrine of St. Peter

• The Chapel of the Confession

Meeting Point and Access

To begin the tour, visitors will meet at the designated meeting point in front of the Capriotti store on Piazza Pio XII, 5.

A staff member, identifiable by a red flag with the Saints Tour logo, will be there to greet the group.

From this location, the group will proceed to the dedicated queue for the entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing them to skip the regular lines.

The group will proceed directly to the dedicated queue for St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing them to bypass the regular entrance lines.

This efficient access ensures a smooth start to the tour, setting the stage for an immersive exploration of the basilica and Vatican Grottoes.

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Dress Code and Security

After efficiently accessing the basilica through the dedicated queue, visitors must adhere to the dress code requirements to enter. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and dignified attire is required. This ensures the proper respect for the sacred space.

Plus, certain prohibited items aren’t allowed inside, such as:

• Shorts

• Hats

• Short skirts

• Flash photography

• Backpacks

Visitors should prepare in advance by separating these items for faster security processing at the entrance. By following these simple guidelines, travelers can fully enjoy the grandeur and history of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Duration and Pricing

Although the St. Peter’s Basilica tour lasts a concise 2.5 hours, it packs in a wealth of information and experiences. Priced from $43.67 per person, this guided tour offers excellent value. Guests can conveniently reserve their spot now and pay later, as well as benefit from free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

| Duration | Price | Cancellation | Pay Later |

| — | — | — | — |

| 2.5 hours | From $43.67 | Free up to 24 hours | Reserve now, pay later |

A live tour guide leads the experience in both English and Spanish, ensuring a seamless and enriching exploration of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes.

Cancellation and Payment

The tour offers guests the flexibility to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Customers can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it convenient to secure their place without an upfront cost.

This tour provides several benefits:

• Worry-free booking with free cancellation

• Ability to reserve now and pay later

• Live tour guide available in English and Spanish

• Skip-the-line access through a dedicated entrance

• Guided exploration of St. Peter’s Basilica and Vatican Grottoes

These features ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors to the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica.

Tour Language and Guide

As mentioned, this tour provides live tour guides available in both English and Spanish, ensuring visitors can fully engage with and understand the historical significance of St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Grottoes.

The multilingual guides bring these iconic sites to life, sharing their deep knowledge and passion for the architecture, art, and rich history.

Whether you’re exploring the Basilica’s stunning Pietà or descending into the Grottoes, the guided experience enhances the overall tour.

With the option to hear the commentary in your preferred language, you’ll leave with a comprehensive understanding of this remarkable Vatican landmark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Water?

No, you can’t bring your own food and water on this tour. The tour guidelines specify that backpacks and outside food and drinks are not allowed. Visitors should plan to purchase refreshments at the venue if needed.

Is the Tour Accessible for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, as noted in the Important Information. However, individuals with other disabilities should check with the tour provider to determine if accommodations can be made.

Are Children Required to Have a Ticket?

Children generally require a ticket for this 2.5-hour guided tour. However, infants under 4 years old may be able to join for free. It’s best to check with the tour operator about their specific policy for children.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Basilica?

Yes, visitors can take photographs inside St. Peter’s Basilica, but they’re not allowed to use flash photography. The tour also prohibits backpacks to ensure a smooth and reverent experience.

Is the Tour Suitable for Young Children?

The tour may not be suitable for young children. It involves extensive walking, and the dress code and security checks may make it challenging for families with young kids. However, the tour can be enjoyable for older children interested in history and architecture.

The Sum Up

This St. Peter’s Basilica tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the grandeur and history of one of Catholicism’s most revered sites. From Michelangelo’s masterpieces to the Vatican Grottoes, visitors can enjoy the sacred atmosphere while adhering to a respectful dress code. Convenient skip-the-line access and professional guides ensure a seamless and enlightening experience for those seeking to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of this iconic Roman landmark.

You can check availability for your dates here: