St. Peter's Basilica with Vatican official guides
1 hour
Commentary: Audio · fr, es, de, it, en
Full description
See the best of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City on a comprehensive 1 hour walking tour. Our professional and experienced guides will provide the best experience available. As you walk, hear tales of the popes, pilgrims and legendary artists who, throughout history, have helped make St Peter's Basilica the awe-inspiring place it is today. Numbers are limited to 10 guest, ensuring you'll enjoy a more personalized experience.
Included in your visit you will receive Vox City Guide .
VCG is an audio-experiences selfguided visit of the city of Rome with audio commentary and stories from local experts. Visitors will be able to enjoy and learn hundreds of points of interest, local attractions and hidden gems, and get advice on the best photo locations and information on Wi-Fi hotspots. Advanced navigation includes public transport routes and walking tours and works offline, which means there are no roaming charges.
The code to download your VCG will be delivered directly to the Basilica.
Included in your visit you will receive Vox City Guide .
VCG is an audio-experiences selfguided visit of the city of Rome with audio commentary and stories from local experts. Visitors will be able to enjoy and learn hundreds of points of interest, local attractions and hidden gems, and get advice on the best photo locations and information on Wi-Fi hotspots. Advanced navigation includes public transport routes and walking tours and works offline, which means there are no roaming charges.
The code to download your VCG will be delivered directly to the Basilica.
Often regarded as the holiest site in Christendom, St Peter's Square marks the heart of Vatican City -- Rome's famous papal enclave. Designed by Baroque architect Gian Lorenzo Bernini, the distinctive square is flanked on either side by a stone colonnade, said to represent Christ's open arms symbolically welcoming the world into the Catholic Church.
Your small-group tour starts in the square, and as you walk over from the colonnade to the terrace in front of the church, your guide will tell you tales of Bernini, whose work had so much impact on the Vatican as you see it today. See several sites of significance, including the northern fountain and the impressive obelisk that dates back to 13th-century BC Egypt.
Next, leave St Peter's Square and head inside the tour’s main attraction -- St Peter's Basilica. Reputedly built on the very ground where St Peter the Apostle was crucified, the church started out as a humble chapel to which Christian pilgrims flocked.
Over time, the church has evolved to become as ornate as it is sacred, home to priceless works of Baroque and Renaissance art. Head straight in and gaze up in wonder at the incredible cupolone -- the church’s dome -- created by colorful Renaissance sculptor Michelangelo. You'll also see his beautiful La Pietà sculpture, as well as various mosaic works.
Stop at the statue of St Peter and kiss or rub his foot for a blessing, before walking over to the tomb of Pope John Paul II. As you continue through the church, your guide will show you Bernini’s lavish, bronze canopy altar, known as the baldacchino. Positioned right in the center of the building, the altar marks the tomb of St Peter underneath.
Your tour finishes in St Peter's Basilica, where you can stay if you want to spend more time exploring this sacred place independently.
Click on 'View Additional Info' to download the map of the meeting point.
Included / Excluded
- Headsets to enjoy better your live guide
- Guided tour of the Basilica with Official Vatican guides
- Taxes included
- Toilet and possibility of adding the Cupola to your experience
- Entrance ticket (the entrance at the Basilica is FREE)
- Cupola entrance ticket
Meeting point
Start Location
Border Path, Border Path, Città del Vaticano
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts
Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund
Additional information
At the time of booking, you will receive a QR code that will allow you to download the audio guide track. This will allow you to go to the Basilica when and how you want without having to respect fixed times and appointments., If you prefer to use a traditional audio guide, you can request it - showing your booking voucher - at the reception desk located in the atrium of the Basilica. The desk hours are Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 17:30 and from 13:00 to 17:30 on Sundays, To collect the “physical” audio guide you will be asked for an identity document which will be retained until the return of the device., Entrance to the Vatican requires a strict dress code (shoulders and knees must be covered - Low cut or sleeveless tops or shorts are not allowed for both men and women). Clients that do not adhere to the dress code will not be permitted entry to the Vatican., Please note: Due to religious celebrations, the venue might be not accessible on the day of your tour; it is recommended that you contact the local operator to avoid any inconvenience, Not wheelchair accessible