The Apostolic Palace: Papal residence in Vatican City

Explore the chapels, altars, and crypts of St. Peter's Basilica with an expert guide.

• An expert guide will lead you through the best of St. Peter's Basilica, from its chapels and altars to the sacred Papal Crypts.
• Dive into art and architecture by Renaissance greats such as Donato Bramante and Carlo Maderno in your preferred language.
• As you walk through the mosaic floors that tell the stories of saints and martyrs, keep an eye out for the awe-inspiring Baldachin by Bernini.
• You can opt for a guide in your preferred language, with tours available in English, French, Spanish, and Italian.
• After the tour, you can descend to the Vatican Grottoes and explore the Papal Tombs, learn about the legacy of the Clementine Chapel, and more.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with skip-the-line entry
• Expert English, French, Italian or Spanish-speaking guide
• Assistance at meeting point

• Tip: Check out Pietro Cavallini's Madonna della Bocciata fresco in the Vatican Grottoes and hear the story behind its unique name.
• Strict dress code: knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.
• Mobile phones must remain on silent mode inside the Basilica.
• This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible. The right semicircle of Saint Peter’s Square is equipped with ramp access to the Basilica. For any special requirements, contact accoglienza@fsp.va in advance.
• Sign language guided tours are available in Italian at the Basilica. This service must be booked at least 48 hours in advance at the following email address: visiteguidate@fsp.va.
• Expect a long wait at security, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to 2 hours!
• Around religious holidays at the Vatican, parts of the tour, such as the Papal Tombs, may not be open. In this case, the tour of the Basilica itself will be extended.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore all three Vatican highlights with skip-the-line access to the Museums and a seamless transition to the Basilica with reserved entry.

• Everything you get: Skip the ticketing queues and follow your expert guide through the Vatican Museums, including the Gallery of Maps, Raphael Rooms, and more. Get all the context you need before stepping into the Sistine Chapel to admire Michelangelo’s masterpieces. Later, enjoy a 20-minute guided walk around the Vatican City Walls before entering St. Peter’s Basilica through Porta Angelica with reserved access for a self-guided visit.
• Why choose this: Maximize your time with reserved Basilica access and a guided transition from the Museums, with your expert guide highlighting St. Peter’s must-see treasures and hidden stories you'd likely miss on your own.
• Upgrade: Go for a fully guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica for a deeper, more immersive experience. Explore with an expert who brings its history to life and gain deeper context inside one of the world’s most important churches. Prefer a more exclusive experience? Opt for a semi-private tour (max 10 guests) for deeper engagement and a more intimate Vatican visit.
• Go for the early morning tour with Dome climb to explore before the rush and see the Vatican from above.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel with skip-the-line entry
• Reserved entry to St. Peter's Basilica
• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica (as per option selected)
• Expert English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, or Portuguese-speaking guide
• Semi private tour with a max group of 10 (as per option selected)
• Early morning tour with St. Peter's Basilica and Dome climb (as per option selected)
• Headphones

Exclusions

• Gratuities
• Entry to St. Peter's Basilica Dome

• Names on tickets must match a valid photo ID. Double-check the details at checkout for a smooth entry.
• Your ticket includes a specific entry time. Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your chosen slot.
• Knees, shoulders, and back must be covered for all guests.
• While the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users, the Vatican Museums offer free wheelchair hire and free entry for visitors with mobility impairments (certified invalidity exceeding 74%) and a companion if required.
• When in Sistine Chapel, silence is mandatory and photography is prohibited. Guides will provide all necessary and interesting details before entry.
• Expect a considerable wait at the security line, especially during peak times. Patience is key, it could take up to an hour!
• Please be aware that during the Jubilee Year, certain areas of the Vatican Museums may be inaccessible due to religious ceremonies. Additionally, entrance to St. Peter's Basilica may also experience unannounced closures. These circumstances are beyond our control. Thank you for your understanding.
• The Vatican Museums reserve the right to close any section, including the Sistine Chapel, due to unforeseen circumstances. The closure of any museum section does not entitle visitors to any refund.
• With the Jubilee underway, all entrances to St. Peter's Basilica are restricted. Therefore, in order to secure access, it will be necessary to complete the reservation no later than 5 days before the experience.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Gain insights into the art, history, and spiritual legacy of St. Peter’s with a licensed guide, and climb the Dome for stunning views over Vatican City.

• Everything you get: Explore the interiors of the basilica with a local expert guide who brings context to its sculptures, mosaics, and sacred spaces—including Michelangelo’s Pietà and the Papal Crypts in the Vatican Grottoes. Then, ride the elevator partway up the Dome and climb the final stretch of stairs to reach the top, where panoramic views of Vatican City and Rome await.
• Why choose this: The Basilica is vast, layered with centuries of history and symbolism. Instead of wandering without context, this tour gives you structure, stories, and expert insight—plus access to one of its most iconic experiences: the climb to the top of the Dome.

Inclusions

• Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Dome with entry
• Expert English, Spanish, French, German or Italian-speaking guide
• Access by elevator to the base and stairs to the top
• Breakfast (for French and English options, if selected)

Exclusions

• Entry to Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
• Entry to the Necropolis / St. Peter’s Tomb / Scavi

• The Dome is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with vertigo or claustrophobia. Even with elevator access, 320 steps must be climbed to reach the cupola.
• Knees and shoulders must be covered for all guests.

• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.