St. Peter's Basilica Tour: Papal Tombs & Optional Dome
120
Overview
Experience the wonders of the Vatican with the "Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, La Pietà & Papal Tombs Guided Tour." This special tour takes visitors into the heart of St. Peter's Square and the magnificent St. Peter's Basilica, showcasing art from masters like Michelangelo and Bernini.
Visitors will explore the Vatican Grottoes, the final resting place of many Popes. Those who want an even better view can climb to the top of the dome (optional) for amazing sights of the Vatican Gardens and the city of Rome. An expert guide will be there to share interesting stories and facts along the way. This tour includes sterilized headsets, so everyone can easily hear the guide.
Important details: This tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Skip-the-line entry is also not included. Tickets for the dome climb can be bought at the end of the tour for 15 euros, and there is elevator access available.




Highlights
Explore St. Peter's Basilica: See amazing art and architecture inside one of the world's most famous churches.
Visit Papal Tombs: Discover the final resting place of many Popes in the Vatican Grottoes.
Optional Dome Climb: Get incredible views of Rome and the Vatican Gardens from the top of St. Peter's Dome.
Expert Guided Tour: Learn fascinating facts and stories from a knowledgeable local guide.
Sentiment Analysis
Most customers had a wonderful time exploring St. Peter's Basilica and learning about its history with an expert guide. The optional dome climb was a highlight for many.

Customers loved seeing the beautiful art and architecture inside St. Peter's Basilica.
Many enjoyed learning about the history of the Popes and the Vatican.
The tour guides are described as knowledgeable and helpful.
Visitors appreciated the option to climb the dome for great views.
Some people found the basilica to be very crowded.
A few reviewers wished they had skip-the-line access.
The Journey
St. Peter's Square
Begin your Roman experience in the breathtaking St. Peter's Square, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Marvel at the sheer scale of the square, framed by majestic colonnades and adorned with striking fountains and statues. Discover Bernini's ingenious use of optical illusions as you seek out the 'special spots' where the colonnades appear to be perfectly aligned, revealing the architect's mastery of perspective and design. This iconic gathering place, steeped in history and symbolism, serves as the grand entrance to the Vatican and a testament to the power and artistry of the Catholic Church.
St. Peter's Basilica
Step inside St. Peter's Basilica, a towering monument to faith and artistic genius. Be awestruck by the golden ceilings that gleam above, the immense scale of the interior, and the intricate mosaics that narrate biblical stories. Accompanied by your expert guide, explore the Basilica's artistic treasures, including Michelangelo's poignant 'Pietà,' a sculpture that captures both sorrow and sublime beauty. Gaze up at Bernini's magnificent bronze canopy, a harmonious blend of art and engineering that soars 30 meters above the papal altar. Experience the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church, a place of pilgrimage and artistic wonder, where centuries of history and devotion converge.
Vatican Grottoes
Descend beneath St. Peter's Basilica into the Vatican Grottoes, a subterranean necropolis that holds the tombs of popes and early Christian figures, including the purported tomb of St. Peter himself. Run your fingers along the ancient walls of the original 4th-century basilica, built by Emperor Constantine, and imagine the centuries of history buried beneath your feet. Admire the well-preserved frescoes that adorn the underground chambers, offering a glimpse into the artistic styles of different eras. Your expert guide will illuminate the history and spirituality of this sacred place, deepening your understanding of the Basilica's foundation and the enduring legacy of St. Peter, transforming this descent into an unforgettable encounter with the past.
Know Before You Go
This guided tour includes a visit to St. Peter's Basilica, sterilized headsets to clearly hear your guide, and the expertise of a tour guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Skip-the-line entry is not provided, and tickets for the optional dome climb can be purchased at the end of the tour for 15 euros with elevator access.
Hot Tip
Some reviewers suggest arriving early to avoid long lines and large crowds, especially during peak tourist season.