Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà & Papal Tombs Guided Tour
Rome, Italy
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Vatican City, and get a deeper understanding of its most significant landmarks, with this walking tour. Visit St. Peter's Basilica, adorned with Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces, including Michelangelo's "Pietà," then go underground to the Vatican Grottoes' hallowed papal tombs where your guide reveals the history of its interred popes.
- Check off two Vatican City landmarks in just one tour
- Go beyond the guidebooks with facts and insights from your guide
- Opt to add on a climb to St. Peter's dome for panoramic views
- This compact tour is perfect for those with a short time in the Vatican City
What's Included
- Tour Guide
- Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
- Sterilized headsets to hear clearly your guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Skip-the-line entry
- Tickets for the dome climb with elevator access€15.00 per person
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Largo del Colonnato, 5, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Upon reaching the designated meeting point, look for the tour coordinator holding a sign labeled "TIX & TOURS". It's crucial to have your voucher ready for check-in. If you encounter any difficulty locating the tour coordinator, please don't hesitate to contact us.
End point
- Saint Peter’s BasilicaPiazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City
The tour finishes inside the church in end can spend more time to take some pictures.
Ticket Redemption Point
Largo del Colonnato, 5, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Itinerary
1
St. Peter's Square
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
2
St. Peter's Basilica
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
3
The Vatican Grottoes
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Due to the Jubilee, some monuments may be under restoration. Please pay attention to any messages we may send regarding potential changes.
- Please note that the dome's terrace may be inaccessible during adverse weather conditions. In such an event, you have the option to either request a partial refund and proceed with a visit to the Basilica and the grottoes, or to cancel the tour for a full refund.
- An appropriate dress-code is required in order to enter the churches: knees and shoulders should be covered
- Kindly note that the security checks at the entrance of the square may require a waiting time of 5-45 minutes.
- The meeting point is outside the Basilica before entering St. Peter's square and the security checks
- The Vatican Necropoli is not part of this tour
- The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel are not part of this tour
- We might not be able to accommodate, refund or reschedule late arrivals
- For the safety and enjoyment of all travelers, please be aware that the Dome Climb may not be suitable for individuals with claustrophobia or vertigo, which is why we offer alternative options without the Dome Climb."
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
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Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.2
based on 40 reviews
JaNae_G, Apr 2026
Excellent guide. She was very knowledgeable and made sure everyone was included. Highly recommend this tour!
Toni_D, Apr 2026
A most enjoyable and informative presentation by Eslam, fun, factual and a great way to visit.
Thank you mate, from the Australians
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for your kind words. We’re delighted to hear that Eslam made the tour enjoyable, informative, and fun. It’s great to know you had such a positive experience.
Rafael_S, Mar 2026
It was like nothing I could have a expected. My daughter and I stood in line for nearly an hour with our group, but once in, and seeing inside, and with the tour guide being so full of information...it made all worthwhile. I would recommend that you make this trip at least once in your lifetime...you won't regret it.
John_P, Mar 2026
Islam was the best! He helped us and made it convenient. Great personality. Highly recommended. So happy
Mick_F, Feb 2026
The Guide was brilliant, im very sorry I actually can't refer name , but she was very clued in knew her stuff, and very informative, a certain 10 out of 10,
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for your feedback. We’re pleased to hear that the guide was highly knowledgeable and informative, and that the experience met your expectations. Your excellent rating is truly appreciated.
Donna_J, Nov 2025
Had some extra time in Rome and decided to revisit the Vatican last minute especially since it was the Jubilee year. Our guide, Islam, was outstanding and made the long wait a pleasure. He was knowledgeable and savvy as he brilliantly navigated the large crowds. He also made sure not to leave anyone behind which in itself was a feat at the security lines.
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear that Islam made your last-minute visit so enjoyable, even during the busy Jubilee year. His knowledge and care for every guest truly make a difference. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to him — glad you had such a memorable time at the Vatican!
Tobias_K, Nov 2025
The tour with Max was very entertaining and informative. We learned everything worth knowing about St. Peter's Cathedral and its creators in a pleasant way. Would recommend!
Response from Host, Nov 2025
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're happy to hear you enjoyed your tour with Max — he truly knows how to make history both fun and fascinating. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you on another tour soon!
Aurelija_S, Oct 2025
Despite the fact that we had to wait for a long time to enter the basilica, the guide Max was telling many facts and stories.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for your feedback! We’re happy to hear that, even with the wait, Max kept the experience engaging with his stories and insights.
Froilan_B, Oct 2025
It was a great experience touring St. Peter Basilica, very informative about the historic past of Vatican. Our tour guide is cool and entertaining. It is recommended when there's an event inside the Square so that you will be guided while walking along with many other pilgrims.
Response from Host, Oct 2025
Thank you for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour of St. Peter’s Basilica and found it both informative and entertaining. We’re glad our guide helped make your visit smooth and enjoyable, even during busy times in the Square.
Natasha_K, Jun 2025
It is a guided tour of mainly St Basilica and the tombs. The guy talked a lot about the history and the artifices in the church. The tour guide man was really nice, gave us ideas of what to see around Rome and where to go in the church after the tour ended.
Response from Host, Jul 2025
Thank you for your kind and detailed feedback! We're glad to hear you enjoyed the tour and found the historical insights and recommendations helpful. Our guide will be happy to know you appreciated both the tour and the extra tips for exploring Rome. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure soon!
evelyn_v, Jun 2025
Tix & more has a poor french tour guide. To start off, their instructions are to go to the meeting point where the guide will have a sign up. She didn't, and I only found them because someone moved the sign from the back of a bookbag as I happened to walk by the spot for the third time after circling around looking for it. She, who I can't write her name since she wouldn't acknowledge me, didn't give me headsets, would literally scuff me off, and got upset when her coworker tried to assist me. So I ended up paying their charge to go in to something that's free. Her coworker who I believe she said his name was Alex on the other hand was incredible! He tried to guide me as much as he could, but that wrench of a woman would get upset. And to add to it she would make comments about us. Uncalled for. I may not be fluent in french, but I paid and she sure as hell shouldn't judge. Oh, and the kicker, so she knows I am referring about her without any doubt, she states " the French don't speak English" in well, English :/
IF I would've actually been part of the tour, I may have enjoyed it. The star was for Alex.
Mara_R, Jun 2025
We loved our tour and our guide, Max, who was great. He was very informative and lighthearted. He was attentive and answered questions well. We had be looking forward to this specific tour and it didn’t disappoint!
Response from Host, Jun 2025
Thank you for your fantastic review! We’re so glad you loved your tour and that Max made it enjoyable and informative. At Tix & Tours, we aim to deliver memorable experiences, and it’s wonderful to know we met your expectations.
We hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
Best regards,
The Tix & Tours Team
Louise_M, May 2025
Be sure you pick the right tour. Made mistake of picking Spanish tour and they couldn’t put us on the right one due to. Numbers. Lovely people though and tour guide helped where she could
Response from Host, May 2025
Thank you for your feedback. We apologize for the mix-up with the tour language and appreciate your understanding. We’re glad our guide was able to assist you despite the situation.
We’ll use your input to improve and hope to welcome you again soon.
Best regards,
Tix & Tours Italy
Demetrios_K, Apr 2025
Buyer beware! This is a scam app! The event didn’t take place, and they are refusing to refund me my money claiming that I didn’t show up!
Response from Host, May 2025
We’re very sorry to hear about your experience and understand your frustration. Please reach out to our customer service team directly with your booking details so we can investigate and work toward a resolution. Your satisfaction is important to us.
Best regards,
Tix & Tours Italy
Tony_M, Feb 2025
Specifically asked if we would be able to climb the dome.. after checking we were told yes you just need to pay the extra and climb at the end of your tour.. at the end of the tour we were simply told yes it’s closed and they shouldn’t have told you that! Waste of money as mainly wanted to go to the top of the dome
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the unexpected closure of the dome during your visit. While we always strive to provide accurate information, the Vatican occasionally implements last-minute changes due to special events or operational decisions beyond our control.
We understand how disappointing this must have been, and we truly regret any inconvenience caused. Please feel free to reach out to our customer support team, and we will be happy to assist you further. We appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome you on another tour in the future.
Best regards,
Tix & Tours
Jackie_W, Nov 2024
Do not recommend. The tour guide never showed up to give the tour and the tour company is not providing a refund. Buyer beware!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced. This is not the level of service we aim to provide, and we deeply regret the situation.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention.
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
James_L, Nov 2024
We especially signed up for this tour because I had told my husband about my visit there about 10 years ago and how fascinating it was. Our tour guide told us it was closed. I’m going to ask about a partial refund. You should get what you pay for.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re truly sorry for the inconvenience you experienced during your visit. We understand how important this tour was, and we regret that the site was unexpectedly closed.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, and we will look into this matter further to address it appropriately.
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Matthew_R, Nov 2024
Claudio was very knowledgeable and I enjoyed our time together. Even though we had been before we learned several new things from him! He was very apologetic that the tombs were closed due to the special ceremony the pope called but that was nothing he could do about. We actually were able to get in after the tour. He was great, highly recommend this tour. But be prepared for the climb - aye yi yi! I schedule an appointment with a knee surgeon LOL my knees are not what they used to be!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy to hear that you enjoyed your time with Claudio and that he was able to share new insights during the tour. We appreciate your understanding regarding the temporary closure of the tombs, and we're glad you were able to visit them afterward.
We also appreciate your note about the climb – it’s definitely a challenge, but as you mentioned, the views make it all worth it! We hope your knees are feeling better after the adventure.
Thank you for the recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back for another tour soon!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Phil_L, Oct 2024
Our guide (Sabrina) was absolutely amazing!!!!
Her passion and knowledge was amazing,
I would suggest her every and anything again and again,
THANK YOU 👍 😊
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you had such a great experience with Sabrina. Her passion and knowledge truly make the tours special, and we’re glad it made such an impact on you.
We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to her. Thank you again for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Michael_S, Sep 2024
Disorganisation. Initial meet took so long…45 minutes.
The actual tour guide was pleasant.
Very short as line up very long
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the delay at the initial meeting and any inconvenience it caused. The line for the metal detector is required for all visitors, which can sometimes lead to longer wait times, but we understand how valuable your time is.
We’re glad to hear that you found the tour guide pleasant, and we appreciate your understanding regarding the wait. Your comments help us enhance the overall experience, and we’ll continue to work on improving where we can.
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Antoniette_M, Aug 2024
Going to the top of the dome and having Sofia as our tour guide she was very informative. Then on the way out we got to see the Pope.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the climb to the top of the dome and that Sofia provided such an informative experience. What an added bonus to see the Pope on your way out!
We appreciate you sharing your experience, and we hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Brbara_L, Jun 2024
Wish I could give five stars but they were a few minutes behind. Other than that the experience was wonderful! The tour guide Sophia was so charming and knowledgeable. I was a bit concerned my teens wouldn’t be interested but they remained engaged and genuinely enjoyed the tour. I would recommend this 💯
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your thoughtful review! We’re glad to hear that despite the slight delay, you had a wonderful experience. Sophia will be thrilled to hear that she kept your teens engaged with her charm and knowledge.
We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Stacey_B, Jun 2024
It's free to get into the church only 6 euro for the tombs and 8 euro for door climb walking or 10 euros for lift it takes everyone at least 40mins to 1 hour to get in no such thing as skip the line. and this tour guide is hard to find and does not answer his phone or even attempt to contact you to help find the location.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for sharing your feedback. We’re sorry to hear about the difficulty you experienced with finding the tour guide and the delay at the entrance. While there are certain waiting times due to security checks, the line for metal detectors is not something we can skip, and we always strive to ensure our guests are guided as efficiently as possible.
We also apologize if our communication was lacking in assisting you with the meeting point. We are continuously working to improve in this area and appreciate your feedback.
Thank you again for sharing your thoughts, and we hope to provide you with a better experience in the future.
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Sarah_S, Jun 2024
Wonderful tour guide. I loved every moment of it. Thank you 🩷🩷🩷 so informative and charming tour guide. We went on june 20th at 12:30pm. My son loved it!!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re thrilled to hear that you and your son had such a great time on the tour. We’ll be sure to pass along your kind words to the guide for being informative and charming.
We’re so glad you both enjoyed the experience, and we hope to welcome you on another tour in the future!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Erica_H, Jun 2024
The entrance line looks daunting but it was easy with our tour guide, Sophia! She provided interesting background info and history while we moved through the lines. We booked this tour because it included the papal tombs and climbing to the dome, which we would have missed doing on our own. The climb to the dome had some tight passageways but the view is definitely worth it. Informative tour, great tour guide and would definitely do this tour again!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We’re so glad to hear that Sophia made the entrance process easy and provided fascinating background information throughout the tour. We're thrilled that you enjoyed the papal tombs and the climb to the dome—those views are truly worth it!
We appreciate your kind words and are happy to hear you'd consider doing this tour again. We look forward to welcoming you back on another adventure!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Ed_M, May 2024
Very knowledgeable guide that added a great deal more than I would have known or seen myself. Every piece of the tour was accessible on your own, but it was invaluable to hear her comments and know more of the facts surrounding each location.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that the guide's insights added so much value to your experience. While the sites are accessible on your own, we’re glad to know that her commentary enriched your visit and helped you learn even more about each location.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Morgan_E, Mar 2024
Karen was an excellent, caring guide. Very informative. Never in a rush. We saw some wonderful things.
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear that Karen provided an excellent and caring experience, ensuring you had a wonderful time. Her informative approach and thoughtful pace make a big difference, and we're thrilled you enjoyed the tour.
We hope to welcome you on another tour soon!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Carlos_G, Jan 2024
Karen (from Lebanon) was very knowledgeable and passionate about her tour. Her goal to make us feel the emotion of the vatican was successful! I am a Roman Catholic Deacon and felt her passion and love for what she was doing!
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Thank you so much for your heartfelt review! We're thrilled to hear that Karen's passion and knowledge made such an impact, especially with your deep connection to the Vatican. It's wonderful to know that her dedication enhanced your experience and helped convey the emotion of the place.
We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you again on another memorable tour!
Kind regards,
Tix & Tours
Carmen_C, Feb 2025
Fue una pasada nos tocó una chica encantadora llamada Valentina y nos encantó sus explicaciones, su amabilidad y atención. Se ve que le gusta su trabajo y sabe transmitir sus conocimientos.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
¡Muchas gracias por tu comentario! Nos alegra saber que disfrutaste del tour con Valentina y que apreciaste sus explicaciones, amabilidad y dedicación. Esperamos verte pronto en otra experiencia inolvidable.
**Tix & Tours**
David_M, Nov 2024
Leuke uitstap zeer mooi en echt de moeite waard
Ook hadden wij een top gids zeer goed uitleg en heel veel weetjes verteld
Response from Host, Jan 2025
Bedankt voor je fantastische review! We zijn blij te horen dat je de uitstap zo leuk vond en dat je onze gids zo’n positieve ervaring heeft gegeven met de uitleg en weetjes.
We hopen je snel weer te mogen verwelkomen voor een nieuwe avontuur!
Met vriendelijke groet,
Tix & Tours
From
-25%
$35.83
per personWas $47.78
up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà & Papal Tombs Guided Tour
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