Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Pietà & Papal Tombs Tour
Overview
Discover the wonders of St. Peter’s Basilica with a expert guide and uncover the stories behind Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s magnificent Baldachin, and the historic Papal Tombs.
Meet your guide outside St. Peter’s Square and begin with Bernini’s iconic colonnades, fountains, and the fascinating history of this legendary square at the heart of Vatican City.
Enter St. Peter’s Basilica and admire its breathtaking architecture, magnificent chapels, and extraordinary works of art. Stand before Michelangelo’s world-famous Pietà, marvel at Bernini’s monumental Baldachin, and hear fascinating stories about the artists, popes, and events that shaped this incredible church.
Continue beneath the basilica to explore the Papal Tombs, where many popes are laid to rest. Discover the history and traditions surrounding this remarkable part of St. Peter’s.
By the end of your experience, you’ll have a deeper appreciation of Vatican history, Renaissance art, and one of Rome’s spectacular landmarks.
What's Included
- Headsets: Ensure clear communication for an immersive experience.
- Obelisk Viewing: Admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisk in the heart of the square.
- St. Peter's Square: Discover the grandeur of this iconic Vatican landmark.
- St. Peter's Basilica: Immerse yourself in the opulent interiors and significant artworks.
- Papal Grottoes: Descend into the crypt beneath the Basilica, uncovering centuries of history.
- Official Guide Historian Expert: Learn from an accredited historian's expertise.
- Guided Tour: Explore with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
- Dome climb with elevator
- Skip-the-line option
Meeting Location
Largo del Colonnato
5, 00193 Roma RM, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
00120
Vatican City
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
St. Peter's Basilica
45 minutes Admission Ticket Free
La Pieta
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
The Vatican Grottoes
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
St. Peter's Basilica
30 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 1. Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered as this is a religious site.
- 2. Security: Airport-style checks are required, with wait times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close for Vatican events. If this happens, we will reschedule your visit as soon as possible.
- 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we will extend the visit to the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
- 5. Exclusions: This tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
- 6. Dome Climb (Optional): The dome climb closes at 4:00 PM. The 3:00 PM tour does not include the dome climb option. For the 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM tours, the guide can show you where to purchase dome climb tickets (€15, including elevator access) at the end of the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Pietà & Papal Tombs Tour?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-155741P26
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.97 out of 5 stars based on 153 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Headsets: Ensure clear communication for an immersive experience.
- Obelisk Viewing: Admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisk in the heart of the square.
- St. Peter's Square: Discover the grandeur of this iconic Vatican landmark.
- St. Peter's Basilica: Immerse yourself in the opulent interiors and significant artworks.
- Papal Grottoes: Descend into the crypt beneath the Basilica, uncovering centuries of history.
- Official Guide Historian Expert: Learn from an accredited historian's expertise.
- Guided Tour: Explore with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
- Dome climb with elevator.
- Skip-the-line option.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 6. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Pietà & Papal Tombs Tour is as follows:
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Rome: St. Peter’s Basilica, Pietà & Papal Tombs Tour will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Headsets: Ensure clear communication for an immersive experience.
- Obelisk Viewing: Admire the ancient Egyptian Obelisk in the heart of the square.
- St. Peter's Square: Discover the grandeur of this iconic Vatican landmark.
- St. Peter's Basilica: Immerse yourself in the opulent interiors and significant artworks.
- Papal Grottoes: Descend into the crypt beneath the Basilica, uncovering centuries of history.
- Official Guide Historian Expert: Learn from an accredited historian's expertise.
- Guided Tour: Explore with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
- Dome climb with elevator
- Skip-the-line option
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 1. Dress Code: Shoulders and knees must be covered as this is a religious site.
- 2. Security: Airport-style checks are required, with wait times ranging from 10 to 120 minutes, especially during peak hours.
- 3. Possible Closures: St. Peter’s Basilica may close for Vatican events. If this happens, we will reschedule your visit as soon as possible.
- 4. Alternative Plans: If the underground is closed, we will extend the visit to the Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.
- 5. Exclusions: This tour does not include entry to the Vatican Museums or Sistine Chapel.
- 6. Dome Climb (Optional): The dome climb closes at 4:00 PM. The 3:00 PM tour does not include the dome climb option. For the 8:30 AM & 12:30 PM tours, the guide can show you where to purchase dome climb tickets (€15, including elevator access) at the end of the tour.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers
