St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Masterpieces, and Sacred Tombs in St. Peter’s
From priceless sculptures to hidden relics, St. Peter’s Basilica holds secrets most visitors never discover. Begin in the Papal Crypts, where popes are laid to rest, then step inside to see Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Baldachin, and St. Peter’s Chair. Pause at the Bronze Statue of St. Peter, admire Bernini’s Monument to Pope Alexander VII, and view remnants of Constantine’s original basilica. In just 60 minutes, experience the history and artistry that define Vatican City.
What You Get With This Tour
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Passionate guide
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Skip the line St. Peter's Basilica
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Enter through the Holy Door (Jubilee year only)
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Michelangelo's Pietà
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Papal Crypts
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Bernini's Baldachin
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The Bronze Statue of St. Peter
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The Altar of Confession
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A maximum group size of 25
Tour Itinerary
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1
Meet your guide next to St. Peter's Square
Gather with your small group before heading to your first stop -
2
Papal Crypts
Descend beneath the Basilica to explore the resting place of past popes and medieval inscriptions -
3
Bernini’s Baldachin
Stand beneath this massive bronze canopy and discover its meaning -
4
Holy Door
Step through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a sacred threshold opened only during Jubilee years -
5
Michelangelo’s Pietà
Marvel at this masterpiece and hear the story behind its creation -
6
Bronze Statue of St. Peter
Discover why pilgrims rub its foot for blessings and good fortune -
7
St. Peter’s Chair and the Apse Mosaics
See this monumental relic and its golden mosaics -
8
Altar of the Confession
Learn why this sacred site above St. Peter’s Tomb is central to the Basilica -
9
End the tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica
Your guide concludes the tour, allowing you to stay and explore at your own pace
Additional Information
Good to know:
Dress Code: Modest attire is required for St. Peter’s Basilica, meaning shoulders, knees, and toes must be covered for all participants. No hats please.
Accessibility: Due to stairs leading to the Papal Crypts and uneven terrain, this tour is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Tour Changes: The Basilica is closed on Wednesday mornings due to the Papal Audience. During the Jubilee year there are sometimes last-minute closures on Friday and Saturday mornings as well. We will reach out to assist you in rescheduling, if this were to occur.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can enter sites on time.
Your 1-hour tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Skip-the-line to St. Peter’s Basilica
Enter through the Holy Door (Jubilee year only)
Michelangelo’s Pietà
Bernini’s Baldachin
Bronze Statue of St. Peter
Visit the Papal Crypts (on your own)
Freedom to explore inside St. Peter’s Basilica after the tour ends
Maximum group size of 25
What to bring:
Government-issued ID
Modest attire (shoulders and knees covered)
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Camera
Customer Reviews
Much of the issue was outside the control of the guide but it was very frustrating to be in line for over an hour when the metal detectors went down. We had to leave the tour early because it got so delayed. Some of that time could have been used to give some history and explanation of things we would get to see later on the tour but a lot of it was just standing around and being told this was going to be faster than everyone standing in the general admission line (which was not true on this day because they had lots of metal detectors working and we only had one) so we were frustrated to keep getting told that while watching hundreds of people in regular line walk ahead and on into the Basilica. Long story short-despite circumstances being outside the control of our guide, I didn't think the situation was managed well despite the issue.
Fabulous and fun! Our guide was very knowledgeable and interesting. It was fantastic!!
Marco did a great job even with all the craziness of losing power he was a professional great tour
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera. Modest attire is required for St. Peter’s Basilica, meaning shoulders and knees must be covered.
What to bring?
Wear comfortable walking shoes, and bring a water bottle, sun protection, and a camera. Modest attire is required for St. Peter’s Basilica, meaning shoulders and knees must be covered.
Does this tour Skip the line?
Yes! This tour skips the line.
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Due to stairs leading to the Papal Crypts, this tour is not fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers. If accessibility is a concern, please contact us before booking.
Will we visit the Necropolis?
This tour includes the Papal Crypts, where many popes are buried. However, it does not include the Vatican Necropolis (Scavi), which requires a separate, pre-booked tour.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, Vatican regulations require visitors to cover their shoulders and knees to enter St. Peter’s Basilica.
Are restrooms available?
Yes, restrooms are available near St. Peter’s Square before and after the tour, but there are none inside the Basilica.
What happens if it rains?
This tour runs rain or shine. In case of bad weather, we recommend bringing an umbrella or rain jacket.
What is the maximum group size?
This is a small group tour with a maximum of 25 guests for a more personal experience.
Can I take photos inside St. Peter’s Basilica?
Yes! Photography is allowed, but flash and tripods are not permitted to protect the artwork. However, inside the Papal Crypts, photography is usually not allowed.
Does this tour include the Holy Door?
Yes, but only during a Jubilee Year when the Holy Door is open. If you are visiting during this special time, you will have the unique opportunity to enter St. Peter’s Basilica through the Holy Door, a symbolic passage of spiritual renewal. Outside of the Jubilee Year, entry will be through the main doors of the Basilica.
Is St. Peter's Basilica ever closed?
Please note that the Basilica is closed on Wednesday & Saturday mornings due to the Papal Audience and will not be included in tours. Afternoon tours will still include St. Peter's Basilica entry.
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