Exploring the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica is a must-do experience for any visitor to Rome. This exclusive underground access tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the rich history and architectural marvels of this iconic church. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, travelers can discover the Vatican Grottoes, admire Michelangelo’s and Bernini’s masterpieces, and uncover the fascinating stories that lie beneath the basilica’s surface. Whether you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, this tour promises to leave you captivated and eager to learn more.

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Key Points

Guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, including exclusive access to the Vatican Grottoes, the resting place of notable popes.
Tour duration of 1.5 hours, available in English, French, and Spanish, with a price of $27.31 per person.
Highlights include Michelangelo’s La Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square.
Flexible booking options, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Overwhelmingly positive customer feedback, with praise for the knowledgeable and humorous tour guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour provides visitors with a guided exploration of St. Peters Basilica, one of the most iconic churches in the world.

Visitors can embark on a guided exploration of the iconic St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the world’s most renowned churches.

For $27.31 per person, the 1.5-hour tour is offered in English, French, and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

The tour is wheelchair-accessible, and travelers can conveniently meet at the designated location.

Highlights include visiting the Vatican Grottoes, observing Michelangelo’s La Pieta, and exploring the tombs of notable popes.

Travelers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance and the "reserve now, pay later" option.

Looking for more options in Rome? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Booking Information

Booking this St. Peters Basilica tour offers visitors flexibility and convenience. The tour provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Alternatively, customers can reserve now and pay later. This allows them to secure their spot without an immediate financial commitment.

| Booking Option | Cancellation | Refund |

| — | — | — |

| Reserve Now, Pay Later | Up to 24 hours | Full |

| Pay Upfront | Up to 24 hours | Full |

| Pay On-Site | Not Available | Not Available |

This booking policy caters to the needs of various travelers, whether they require more time to finalize their plans or prefer to pay in advance.

Itinerary Highlights

This guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica takes visitors on a captivating journey.

The tour begins with a one-hour exploration of the grand basilica, where guests can marvel at Michelangelo’s renowned La Pietà sculpture.

Next, visitors venture into the Vatican Grottoes, the subterranean resting place of numerous popes, for a 20-minute immersion.

Throughout the tour, guests will also enjoy panoramic views of St. Peter’s Square from within the basilica and admire the stunning Baroque architecture, including Bernini’s iconic Baldachin.

This comprehensive experience provides an in-depth understanding of the basilica’s rich history and artistic treasures.

Tour Experience

Guests on the St. Peters Basilica tour will meet their local guide at the designated meeting point. The guide will lead the group and provide historical context about St. Peters Square as they make their way to the basilica.

Inside, the tour will explore Michelangelo’s artistic masterpieces and marvel at the architectural details of the impressive structure. The highlights include:

Explore Michelangelo’s masterpieces and marvel at the architectural wonders within the impressive structure of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Discovering the tombs of notable popes in the Vatican Grottoes.
Observing Michelangelo’s renowned sculpture, La Pieta.
Admiring the grandeur of Bernini’s Baldachin.
Viewing St. Peters Square from within the basilica.

The tour duration is approximately 1.5 hours, providing an immersive experience of this iconic landmark.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have overwhelmingly positive experiences with the St. Peters Basilica Tour. Based on 8 reviews, the tour has an impressive 4.9/5 rating.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and humorous tour guide, who brings the history and artwork of the basilica to life. However, some mention lengthy wait times to enter the Vatican as a potential downside.

The tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the ornate interior of St. Peters Basilica and the underground Vatican Grottoes, the resting place of many popes.

Customers leave with a deeper appreciation for the architectural and artistic masterpieces within.

There's plenty more to explore in Rome

Exploring St. Peter’s Basilica

As visitors embark on the St. Peter’s Basilica tour, they’re immersed in the grandeur of this iconic Roman landmark.

The guided exploration unveils:

Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the La Pietà, a captivating sculpture depicting the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother, Mary.
Bernini’s awe-inspiring Baldachin, a towering bronze canopy that stands over the papal altar.
The intricately decorated interiors, showcasing the finest examples of Renaissance and Baroque architecture.
The Vatican Grottoes, an underground necropolis housing the tombs of numerous popes, offering a unique glimpse into the basilica’s rich history.

Through this comprehensive tour, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the spiritual and artistic significance of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Discovering the Vatican Grottoes

Descending into the Vatican Grottoes, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the underground necropolis.

Visitors will explore the resting place of numerous popes, marveling at the intricate architecture and historical significance of this sacred space.

Visitors will explore the resting place of numerous popes, marveling at the intricate architecture and historical significance of this sacred space.

The guided tour provides valuable insights, allowing guests to uncover the stories and symbolism embedded within the grottoes.

This 20-minute segment offers a unique opportunity to explore the Vatican’s hidden depths, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage and legacy of the Catholic Church.

An exclusive and immersive experience, the Vatican Grottoes leave a lasting impression on all who venture below.

Admiring Michelangelo’s and Bernini’s Masterpieces

Within the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors are captivated by the masterpieces of two legendary artists – Michelangelo and Bernini.

The tour highlights include:

Observing Michelangelo’s renowned La Pietà, a striking marble sculpture depicting the body of Jesus on the lap of his mother, Mary.
Admiring Bernini’s Baldachin, a magnificent bronze canopy that stands over the main altar, showcasing the artist’s exceptional skill in metalwork.
Exploring the intricate architectural details and ornate decorations that showcase the talents of these renowned Renaissance masters.
Gaining a deeper appreciation for the artistic brilliance that has shaped the iconic interior of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Common Questions

Are Audio Guides Available for the Tour?

The tour does not mention audio guides being available. Instead, it provides a guided tour with a local guide who will provide commentary and information about the sights during the 1.5-hour experience.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Basilica?

Photos are generally allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica, but visitors should avoid using flash photography out of respect for the sacred space. Tripods and professional camera equipment may be restricted.

Is There a Dress Code for Entering the Vatican?

Yes, there is a dress code for entering the Vatican. Visitors must wear clothing that covers their knees and shoulders. Sleeveless tops, shorts, and miniskirts are not allowed. The dress code is strictly enforced.

Can I Leave the Tour Group to Explore on My Own?

Guests can’t typically leave the tour group to explore on their own. The guided tour is structured to provide access to exclusive areas like the Vatican Grottoes. Departing the group may result in missing key highlights and activities of the experience.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 10 to 25 people. Larger groups allow for efficient scheduling, while smaller groups provide a more intimate experience. The exact number may vary depending on the specific tour operator and availability on the day of the tour.

The Sum Up

Exploring the underground wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica, visitors can explore the Vatican’s rich history and witness masterpieces of art. The exclusive access tour offers a captivating 1.5-hour journey, providing insights from knowledgeable guides. With flexible cancellation policy and rave customer reviews, this tour is an exceptional opportunity to experience the grandeur of this iconic Roman landmark.