
Papal Audience and St. Peter's Basilica: Guided Tour
- Rome, Italy
- 3 hours 50 mins
See the pope himself, plus join a guided-tour of St. Peter's Basilica

Book your guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica online. Includes access to St. Peter's dome so you can see the Vatican from a new perspective
Gain incredible insight (and views of Vatican City) with tickets for a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica and climb to the top of the dome.
Start your tour by ascending the stairs to the dome of St. Peter's. Contemplate the interior mosaics of the dome up close while your guide shares stories about the history of this Renaissance-style church.
Once you reach the viewing deck, marvel at the stunning views of St. Peter's Square and the Vatican Gardens from above.
Admire Rome from a height of 136 meters, and spot the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Castel Sant'Angelo, and other historic sites.
From here, descend directly into the Basilica and avoid the long lines at its entrance. Wander through renowned works of Renaissance and Neoclassic art by Canova, Michelangelo, and Bernini with an art historian as your guide.
Ticket access to St Peter's dome
Guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica
Headset so that you can always hear your guide
Free time after the tour to explore the Basilica at your own leisure
Access to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel
Skip-the-line service
Guided tour of St. Peter's dome
Access to Papal Grottoes
Not suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo
Entry to St. Peter's Basilica is free of charge. In peak times, you could wait in line for up to 25 minutes to enter
Dress Code (for all genders):**
Knees and shoulders must be covered
No hats or sunglasses
No clothing with rips, tears, or transparent material
Failure to comply to these rules may result in denied entry
Strollers are not allowed inside the Basilica
Not wheelchair-accessible
Tour subject to weather and liturgical events
320 steps to climb up the dome
This tour includes access to St. Peter's Dome, a guided tour of St. Peter's Basilica with an art historian, and a headset so you can always hear your guide. After the tour, you’ll have free time to explore the Basilica at your leisure.
No, skip-the-line access is not included in this tour. However, your guide will escort you directly to the Basilica and avoid the long entrance lines. During peak times, waiting could take up to 25 minutes.
You will start by ascending 320 steps to the top of St. Peter's Dome where you will admire stunning views of St. Peter's Square, the Vatican Gardens, and the city of Rome. Your guide will share the history of the dome and the mosaics that line the interior.
Yes, visitors must adhere to a strict dress code. Knees and shoulders must be covered and no hats or sunglasses are allowed. Clothing with rips, tears, or transparent material is not permitted. Failure to comply may result in being denied entry.
No, this tour is not wheelchair-accessible and may not be suitable for those who suffer from claustrophobia or vertigo due to the 320 steps to the top of the dome. It is also not recommended for people with difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
You should arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled start time and meet your guide at the meeting point at Largo del Colonnato 5 (outside the Basilica). Do not go through the security check before meeting the guide. You can bring your own wired headphones for the audio guide if you prefer.
The meeting point is at Largo del Colonnato 5, outside St. Peter’s Basilica before entering St. Peter's Square and the security checks. Look for the yellow sign with the TOURIKS logo.
The following are not included in this tour: skip-the-line service, access to the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel, guided tour of the Papal Grottoes, and hotel pick-up/drop-off.
Yes, there is a mandatory security check at the Dome's ticket office and at St. Peter’s Basilica. Large bags and backpacks are not allowed, and waiting times may occur, especially during high season.
The tour is subject to weather conditions and liturgical events. It may be adjusted or canceled depending on the circumstances. Always check the weather before your visit.
No, strollers are not allowed inside St. Peter's Basilica. Please plan accordingly.
Discover the best places to stay nearby this activity in Rome for a complete experience.
Explore similar activities to visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica.
Discover the best fast-track entry, skip-the-line access, guided tours, and audio guides in Vatican City.
Enjoy the protection of your payment information, providing you with peace of mind when booking your tickets to visit Vatican City.
Access special deals and discounts to make the most of your visit in Vatican City. Enjoy unforgettable experiences without breaking the bank.
We collaborate with trusted partners to ensure a smooth, reliable experience when booking your Vatican City tickets and tours.








