Discover the rich history of the Vatican City on this guided walking tour. Explore St. Peter’s Square, climb the Basilica's iconic dome, view its innermost section and the Papal Tombs, and more.

About this activity

Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Reserve now & pay later: Keep your travel plans flexible—book your spot and pay nothing today.
Covid-19 precautions: Special health and safety measures apply. Learn more
Duration 2 hours: Check availability to see starting times.
Skip the ticket line
Live tour guide: English
Audio guide included: English

Highlights

Admire the stunning frescoes, statues and mosaics of the Basilica and its square
Set foot on the summit of the famous Michelangelo’s Dome
Explore the history behind the Vatican Grottoes and Papal Tombs
Get a fast entry to the St. Peter's Basilica with our local guide

Full description

Uncover the history, art, and architecture of the Vatican City on this guided walking tour. Visit sites like St. Peter’s Square and Basilica in the morning light before the crowds arrive for the day.

Meet your guide in Piazza della Città Leonina and dive into the ancient history of the Vatican City. Admire the statuesque columns and majestic pilasters in St. Peter’s Square. Walk through the walk close to the 1st balcony, decorated with amazing frescoes.

Enter the Basilica with skip-the-line access and reach the summit of the Dome after 320 steps, where you are rewarded for the climb with views of the city center. Have some free time to enjoy views of monuments like the Roman Colosseum and Pantheon.

Be captivated by the Basilica's interiors which are filled with masterpieces from masters like Bernini and Michelangelo. See pieces from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

Follow your guide towards the Vatican’s historic Grottoes to get a closer look of the rooms, chapels, and the papal tombs, where many Popes, royals, and other dignitaries are laid to rest.

Includes

Fast entry to the St. Peter’s Basilica and Square
Access to the St. Peter’s Dome 1st level and summit
Navigate around the Papal Tombs
Expert English speaking guide
Headsets when needed
Small groups of 15 person

Hotel pickup and drop-off
Food and drinks
Tips

Not suitable for

People with claustrophobia
People with heart problems
Wheelchair users
People with vertigo

Covid-19 precautions

Safety measures in place

All areas that customers touch are frequently cleaned
The number of visitors is limited to reduce crowds

Traveler requirements

You are required to bring and wear a mask

Meeting point

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the activity starts. The meeting point is at Piazza della Città Leonina, near the arches, where the square meets via di Porta Angelica. Our meeting point is located at the corner of the square, on the left-hand side, next to the kiosk. Our guide will be meeting you there holding a LOVING ROME SIGN.

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Important information

What to bring

Comfortable shoes

Not allowed

Shorts
Weapons or sharp objects
Luggage or large bags
Short skirts
Sleeveless shirts

Know before you go

All visitors must pass through airport-style security check before entering the Basilica, during high season the waiting time may be up to 30 minutes
The elevator's Dome only takes you to the first balcony, to climb up to the main Dome you will have to use the stairs (320 steps) which require 20 extra minutes
The Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Necropoli are not part of this tour

Customer reviews

Overall rating

4.5 /5

based on 28 reviews

Review summary

Guide
4.9/5
Transportation
5/5
Value for money
4.8/5

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Good info from the guide. Early bird saves you a few hours standing in line. Stairs to the top are really narrow and in some parts more difficult to access and you have to be in good shape. Unfortunately the graves don't open until 10 o'clock so you can wait but without a guide

June 9, 2022

very knowledgeable guide. Very easy meet up spot, overall great tour, I would recommend

August 7, 2022

July 24, 2022

Vatican City: Basilica, Dome, & Papal Tombs Early Bird Tour

Vatican City: Basilica, Dome, & Papal Tombs Early Bird Tour

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