St. Peter's Basilica: Early Access Guided Tour

5.0
(7 reviews)

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

Enjoy skip‐the‐line access to St. Peter's Basilica, ensuring you spend more time exploring and less time waiting. Join our semi‐private tour, limited to just 15 participants, for an intimate journey through one of the world's most iconic landmarks.

Vatican City, the world's smallest country, is home to the largest church on the planet—St. Peter's Basilica. Begin your adventure in St. Peter's Square, where monumental architecture and Bernini's masterful design captivate your senses. As you step inside the Basilica, marvel at Michelangelo's renowned Pietà and the detailed mosaics that adorn the dome.

Continue your exploration by descending into the Vatican Grottoes, where you can see the tombs of Popes and Saints, including the traditional resting place of St. Peter.

Throughout your tour, your expert guide will share fascinating stories and insights, bringing the rich heritage of Vatican City to life.

Don’t miss this opportunity—book your tour today for an unforgettable journey.

What's Included

The Bronze Statue of St. Peter
Pietà of Michelangelo
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Enter through the Holy Door (Jubilee year only)
Professional and official Licensed Guide
A semi-private group experience (maximum 15 participants)
Underground Papal Tombs
Bernini's Baldachin
Skip-the-Line ticket to St. Peter's Basilica
The Altar of Confession
Gratuities
Hotel pickup
Meals

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

On the right-hand side of "Piazza della Città Leonina, 1" you will find our staff holding a blue flag with our company name logo.

End point
Saint Peter’s Basilica

The tour will end inside St. Peter's Basilica. If you wish, you are welcome to stay longer or even climb to the dome of St. Peter (tickets not included).

Ticket Redemption Point

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Our accredited guide will meet you at "Piazza della Leonina 1" and lead you on your journey to discover St. Peter's Basilica. As you approach the Basilica, you'll pass beneath the ancient Leonine Wall—a historic fortification that once guarded the Vatican.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    St. Peter's Square

    Begin your journey in the iconic St. Peter's Square. Marvel at the majestic architecture and the brilliant design by Bernini, which creates a grand and inviting atmosphere for your visit.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Admire the elegantly crafted fountains that enhance the beauty of the square. Their graceful water displays pay homage to the genius of Carlo Maderno—the visionary behind the Basilica’s façade—and Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the mastermind who designed the majestic square.

    Admission ticket free
  • (Pass by)

    Gaze upon the ancient Egyptian obelisk, dating from the 1st century A.D., that stands proudly at the center of the square.

    Admission ticket free
  • 3
    St. Peter's Basilica

    Skip the long line with your priority access and step inside one of the world’s most revered religious sites, St. Peter's Basilica. Behold the grandeur of its golden ceilings, intricate mosaics, and awe-inspiring architectural details that have taken centuries to perfect. Skip the long line with your priority access and step inside one of the world’s most revered religious sites, St. Peter's Basilica. Behold the grandeur of its golden ceilings, intricate mosaics, and awe-inspiring architectural details that have taken centuries to perfect.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Encounter Michelangelo's masterful sculpture, La Pietà. This poignant work captures the tender moment of the Virgin Mary cradling the body of Jesus, reflecting the depth of Renaissance artistry and emotion.

    10 minutes Admission ticket included
  • (Pass by)

    Descend into the underground of the Vatican Grottoes, where the final resting places of St. Peter and other venerable figures await your discovery. Run your fingertips along the time-worn walls of the original 4th-century basilica as you immerse yourself in the echoes of history.

    Admission ticket free
  • 5

    After the tour, feel free to stay and enjoy the site on your own.

    15 minutes Admission ticket included

Additional info

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Shoulders and knees must be covered
Supplied by Bibbo Tours

Tags

Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Likely to Sell Out
Culture
New Product

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

5.0 Based on 7 7 reviews
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