Vatican Private Tour: Scavi, St. Peter's Tomb & Basilica
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Overview
This is the Private Tour of Vatican with Scavi Necropolis & St. Peter's Tomb. It's the most popular way to see the Vatican!
This tour takes you to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Plus, you get to visit the special Scavi excavations to see St. Peter's tomb! You'll skip the long lines at the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica. This is a walking tour that's great for people who love history and culture. You'll see amazing art and learn about the history of the Vatican.
What to Expect: Explore the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, St. Peter's Basilica Highlights, Papal Tombs, Vatican Necropolis. This tour includes a guide for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, plus a guide for the Scavi tour. It does not include pre-booked skip-the-line Vatican admission (€45/person), pre-booked Scavi tickets (€25/person), or private transportation to the Vatican (€60/party of 2, €80/party of 4, €120/party of 6, paid on-site). If the Scavi area is closed, the guide will show more of St. Peter's Basilica, including St. Peter's crypt with the area of St. Peter's Tomb. The tour will still be 4 hours long. Children under 12 cannot go to the excavations area.
Highlights
Skip the Long Lines: Get right into the Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Basilica without waiting in line!
See St. Peter's Tomb: Visit the Scavi excavations to see the tomb of St. Peter himself.
Expert Guide: Learn all about the Vatican's history and art from a friendly expert.
All the Highlights: See the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica in one tour.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally love this tour because they get to see important places in the Vatican with great guides and skip the lines. Some think it can feel a little rushed or crowded.

Visitors loved seeing the Scavi and St. Peter's tomb.
The guides were very knowledgeable and friendly.
People enjoyed skipping the long lines.
The tour helped them learn a lot about the Vatican's history.
Some visitors felt rushed.
A few people didn't like how crowded it was.
The Journey
Vatican Museums
Begin your Vatican adventure with exclusive skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, a treasure trove of art and history spanning centuries. Explore iconic galleries filled with masterpieces from renowned artists, immersing yourself in the grandeur and opulence of the Papal collections. From ancient Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings, each artifact tells a story of power, faith, and artistic innovation, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Vatican.
Sistine Chapel
Prepare to be awestruck by Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel, a sacred space adorned with breathtaking frescoes that depict the Creation and Last Judgement. Marvel at the sheer scale and intricate detail of these iconic masterpieces, as vibrant colors and dramatic scenes transport you to a realm of divine inspiration. Stand in reverent silence beneath the vaulted ceiling, absorbing the artistic genius and spiritual significance of this unparalleled treasure.
St. Peter's Basilica
Experience a privileged entrance to St. Peter's Basilica through a secret passage, bypassing the long queues and immersing yourself directly in the heart of Christendom. Descend the famed stairs behind the Bronze Doors, guarded by the Swiss Guards, and feel the weight of history as you walk in the footsteps of Popes. This exclusive access offers a unique perspective on the Basilica's grandeur and allows you to appreciate its architectural splendor without the crowds.
St. Peter's Basilica Highlights
Discover the highlights of St. Peter's Basilica, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture and a testament to the enduring power of the Catholic Church. Admire Michelangelo's Pieta, a poignant sculpture that captures the sorrow and grace of the Virgin Mary holding the body of Christ. Explore the Basilica's vast interior, marveling at its opulent decorations, soaring dome, and the intricate details that reflect centuries of artistic and spiritual devotion.
Papal Tombs
Venture beneath St. Peter's Basilica to explore the Tombs of Popes, a sacred necropolis where generations of pontiffs have been laid to rest. Descend into the crypt and pay homage to the final resting places of these influential figures, each tomb adorned with unique symbols and inscriptions that reflect their lives and legacies. This solemn journey offers a glimpse into the history of the papacy and the enduring traditions of the Catholic Church.
Vatican Necropolis
Unearth the secrets of the Vatican Necropolis, an ancient cemetery located beneath St. Peter's Basilica. Walk along the street of tombs, marveling at the well-preserved ancient frescoes that adorn the walls. Delve into the history of St. Peter's Tomb, believed to be the final resting place of the Apostle Peter, and uncover the layers of history that lie beneath the heart of the Vatican. This extraordinary excavation offers a unique glimpse into the early Christian era and the origins of the Catholic Church.
Know Before You Go
This tour includes a guide for the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica, plus a guide for the Scavi tour. It does not include pre-booked skip-the-line Vatican admission (€45/person), pre-booked Scavi tickets (€25/person), or private transportation to the Vatican (€60/party of 2, €80/party of 4, €120/party of 6, paid on-site). Remember that children under 12 are not allowed in the Scavi area. The tour happens rain or shine. Make sure everyone is dressed appropriately. If the Scavi area is closed, the guide will show more of St. Peter's Basilica, including St. Peter's crypt with the area of St. Peter's Tomb. The tour will still be 4 hours long.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes, as there will be a lot of walking. Also, dress respectfully, as the Vatican is a religious site. Bringing water to stay hydrated is also smart.