St. Peter’s Basilica Express Tour with Papal Crypts
Marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s Masterpieces, and Sacred Tombs in St. Peter’s
St. Peter's Basilica draws massive crowds, and without a plan, you'll spend precious vacation time stuck in security lines. This guided tour gives you an allocated time slot for entry through a separate security line, taking you straight to the highlights. Descend into the Papal Crypts to see where popes are buried, then explore the basilica's greatest masterpieces, including Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's towering canopy. It's the quickest and best way to experience St. Peter’s Basilica.
What You Get With This Tour
-
See art that shaped Christianity
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
Allocated time slot entry through separate security line
-
Papal Crypts access
-
Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini masterpieces
-
Free time to explore after
-
-
Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Your tour begins at Fontana delle Tiare
You'll meet your guide in front of the Fontana delle Tiare, located next to St. Peter's Square. Your guide will introduce the deep history of St. Peter's Basilica and explain how this grand church was built over St. Peter's burial site, setting the stage for your journey below and above ground. -
2
Papal Crypts
Descend beneath St. Peter's Basilica into the sacred Papal Crypts, where centuries of popes have been laid to rest. Walk through intricately carved tombs, medieval inscriptions, and ancient chapels while learning about the most influential popes who shaped Vatican history. -
3
Enter St. Peter's Basilica
Use your allocated time slot to enter the main basilica. This reserved entry time means your group has a designated window to enter through a dedicated security line, though you may still encounter security lines during busy periods. Once inside, your guide helps you grasp the sheer scale of this Renaissance masterpiece and explains how it became the spiritual center of Christianity. -
4
Michelangelo's Pietà
Stand face-to-face with Michelangelo's Pietà, one of the most breathtaking sculptures in the world. Carved from a single block of Carrara marble, this Renaissance masterpiece captures Mary cradling Christ. Hear the incredible story behind its creation and restoration. -
5
Bernini's Baldachin and the High Altar
Next, you'll walk toward the High Altar and stand beneath Bernini's immense bronze canopy that soars above St. Peter's Tomb. Discover the bold symbolism behind its twisted Solomonic columns and learn how Bernini designed this masterpiece to visually link Heaven and Earth. -
6
Bronze Statue of St. Peter
You'll pause before the Bronze Statue of St. Peter, a revered pilgrimage site where visitors have rubbed his right foot smooth over the centuries. Learn why this 13th-century sculpture remains an important ritual for visitors and how it plays a role in Vatican ceremonies. -
7
St. Peter’s Chair and the Apse Mosaics
At the far end of the Basilica, you'll gaze up at St. Peter's Chair, a monumental relic encased in gilded bronze and framed by Bernini's golden rays and sculpted angels. Your guide will highlight the stunning mosaics surrounding the chair, depicting key figures of the early Church. -
8
Stand at the Altar of the Confession
Stand directly above what is believed to be the tomb of St. Peter, the very foundation of the Basilica's existence. Learn why this site is one of the most sacred places in Christianity and discover the significance of the 99 golden lamps that burn in honor of St. Peter. -
9
Your tour finishes inside St. Peter's Basilica
Your guided tour concludes inside the Basilica, allowing you to take in its vast beauty at your own pace. Spend extra time admiring sculptures, lighting a candle in quiet reflection, or simply absorbing the atmosphere before stepping back into St. Peter's Square.
Additional Information
Good to know:
Please Note: This tour uses allocated time slot entry, not skip-the-line access. Your group has a reserved entry window, but security lines may still form during busy periods.
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.
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
Allocated time slot entry to St. Peter's Basilica through seperate security line
Guided visit to the Papal Crypts
See Michelangelo's Pietà, Bernini's Baldachin, and the Bronze Statue of St. Peter
Free time to explore 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
You might also like...
Skip the Line Likely to Sell Out
Semi-Private Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
See the Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Maps, and Scala Regia, the exclusive passageway to the basilica
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Skip the line and gain direct access to the Raphael Rooms, Creation of Man & Scala Regia passageway
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Private Skip the Line Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica Tour
Enjoy a tailored VIP Vatican experience with a dedicated private guide
Guided Tour Skip the Line
Rome in a Day Tour with Colosseum and Vatican Museums
Enter the Sistine Chapel, Roman Forum, and see St. Peter’s Dome, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and more!
Private Tour Skip the Line
Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Private Tour
See the wonders of the Vatican on a tailored private tour with expert guide and skip-the-line entry
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Ultimate St. Peter's Basilica Dome Climb and Tour
See Michelangelo's La Pietà up close and climb the dome for stunning views of Rome and the Vatican
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
St. Peter's Dome Climb and Sistine Chapel Combo Tour
See Rome from above then go deeper into the Vatican’s highlights and Michelangelo’s masterpieces
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation
Skip-the-line to explore the creepy underground world of Roman tombs then drive the Appian Way
Free Cancellation Guided Tour
Trastevere Local Food Tour in Rome
Join a culinary guide to savor authentic Roman food, such as tasty cheese, pasta, gelato, and wine
Customer Reviews
We had a last-minute visit to the Vatican and were delighted with our tour guide, Marco, who was funny and so very interesting and passionate about the Vatican. We were especially grateful that, due to an error on our part, we were a few minutes late and appreciated the communications to help get us there to catch up with the group. This was the third of our The Roman Guy tours for this trip to Italy and we loved all of them. All the tour guides and knowledgeable and personable.
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.
Is this a skip-the-line tour?
This tour uses allocated time slot entry, which means your group has a reserved entry window. While this helps manage entry more smoothly than general admission, you may still encounter lines during busy periods, especially at security checkpoints.
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.
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.
