Tomb of St. Peter's Exclusive Scavi & Basilica Tour
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Overview
Excavation Tour to the Tomb of St. Peter's & St. Peter's Basilica is an unforgettable walking tour into the heart of Vatican City's history. This exclusive tour takes visitors beneath St. Peter's Basilica to explore the Vatican Necropolis, a remarkably preserved ancient cemetery. Fewer than 100 permits are granted daily, making this a rare opportunity to witness artifacts, frescoes, and bas-reliefs from imperial Rome and early Christian times.
What to Expect: Guests will explore key sites like St. Peter's Square & Bernini's Colonnade, St. Peter's Basilica Lower Level (Papal Tombs), Vatican Necropolis & St. Peter's Tomb, and St. Peter's Basilica Highlights. The tour includes a guided visit to the excavations area and St. Peter's Basilica. It offers a deep dive into the history and art of the Vatican.
This half-day, small-group cultural experience provides special access to areas usually off-limits to the general public. Note that participants must be at least 16 years old to access the Scavi area. The tour provides an expert guide. Due to high demand, a maximum of two guests are allowed per booking.
Highlights
Explore the Vatican Necropolis: See the ancient cemetery under St. Peter's Basilica.
Visit St. Peter's Tomb: Get a rare look at the tomb of St. Peter.
Small Group Experience: Enjoy an intimate tour with a limited number of guests.
Expert Guided Tour: Learn from a knowledgeable guide.
St. Peter's Basilica: Admire the Highlights of St. Peter's Basilica.
Tombs of Popes: Tour the tombs of Popes under St. Peter's Basilica.
Sentiment Analysis
Overall, customers highly recommend this tour for its unique access, historical insights, and knowledgeable guides. The small group setting enhances the experience, though some find the tour duration brief.

Customers say the tour provides a unique and fascinating look into the history beneath St. Peter's Basilica.
Many reviewers enjoyed the knowledgeable guides who brought the history to life.
Visitors found the small group size allowed for a more intimate and engaging experience.
Guests appreciated the special access to restricted areas of the Vatican.
Some customers felt the tour was too short.
A few reviewers mentioned that the meeting point was difficult to find.
The Journey
St. Peter's Square & Bernini's Colonnade
Begin your Vatican experience in St. Peter's Square, an architectural masterpiece designed by Bernini. Encircled by the awe-inspiring colonnade, the square provides a breathtaking entrance to Vatican City. Capture a memorable photograph by the Bronze Doors, the Vatican's ceremonial entrance guarded by the Swiss Guards, embodying centuries of tradition and papal authority. This is more than just a meeting point; it's an immersion into the heart of the Vatican's grandeur.
St. Peter's Basilica Lower Level (Papal Tombs)
Venture into the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica with skip-the-line access, and discover the sacred Papal tombs. This rarely seen area offers a unique glimpse into the final resting places of popes throughout history. The solemn atmosphere and historical significance of the tombs provide a profound connection to the spiritual leaders who shaped the Catholic Church, making this a truly unforgettable experience.
Vatican Necropolis & St. Peter's Tomb
Descend beneath St. Peter's Basilica to explore the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient Roman cemetery dating back to the 1st century AD. Witness remarkably preserved tombs and decorations as you uncover the story of St. Peter's martyrdom at Nero's Circus in 64 AD. Discover why he was buried here and how Emperor Constantine later built the first Vatican basilica over his tomb. Pay your respects at St. Peter's Tomb, excavated under Pope Pius XII, in this exclusive tour, where fewer than 100 permits are granted daily, offering a profoundly intimate and historical experience.
St. Peter's Basilica Highlights
Re-enter the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica for a guided tour showcasing its most breathtaking highlights. Marvel at Bernini's colossal “Baldacchino” and Michelangelo's deeply moving “Pietà,” iconic masterpieces of the Renaissance. Your guided exploration concludes inside the Basilica, giving you the freedom to continue your private exploration and soak in the spiritual and artistic splendor of this sacred space at your own pace.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes visits to the tombs of Popes under St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Scavi area. ADMISSION FEES are excluded. Remember, the tour order might change due to religious events at St. Peter's.
Hot Tip
Some real reviewers from Viator suggest arriving early to the meeting point to avoid confusion and fully enjoy the experience. Also, wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved.