Vatican Underground and Basilica Dome Tour – Price, Discounts, Highlights and More!

General Information

This is a 1 hour 45 minutes guided tour of St. Peter’s Basilica, giving you elevator access to the dome in addition to the underground tour of the papal tombs.

You will start your tour at St. Peter’s Square, where your guide will take you around the square’s building for about 30 minutes.

You then proceed to the Basilica’s inside to explore its rich Renaissance architecture, colorful and golden marble sculptures, and mosaics on the dome from the top balcony.

Reach the Dome’s open balcony and spend about 20 minutes enjoying a breathtaking view of Vatican City and iconic Rome attractions like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, etc.

As you climb down, your guide proceeds with you to the 15-minute Vatican underground tour of the grottoes, visiting St. Peter’s tomb and the papal tombs, its original 4th-century frescoes, and walls.

Ticket Highlights

  • Access to the Dome of St. Peter’s Basilica and admire panoramic views of Rome and its popular attractions.
  • Explore the splendid marblework, ceiling paintings and mosaics throughout the Basilica.
  • Visit St. Peter’s Tomb and touch the original 4th-century walls of the basilica to feel its texture.
  • Go to the underground grottoes to see the tombs of the popes, church dignitaries, famous kings and queens and marvel at the ancient frescoes.
  • You can choose either a small group or a private tour.

✅ Inclusions:

  • Access to St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica and the Dome
  • Entry to the Vatican Grottoes underground
  • Live, professional guide
  • Entry fees to the top of the Dome by elevator
  • Sterilized headsets to hear your guide better
  • Use of hand sanitizer during the tour
  • Full on-site assistance
  • Multi-lingual tour is available in 6 languages

❌ Exclusion

  • Access to the Vatican Necropolis, Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums
  • Skip-the-line tour
  • No strollers or wheelchairs
  • No pick or drop/ transportation

Ticket Prices

This underground guided tour ticket is available in three variations: Small group tour, semi-private tour and private tour.

The price of the ticket is subject to change based on the option you select while booking. 

For the most basic, small-group tour, the adult ticket costs €42 for people aged 17+ years.

Children between 4 and 16 years old can get their tickets for €36.

Infants aged 3 years and below do not require a ticket.

  • Small-group Tour with a maximum of 25 participants
Visitor AgePrice
Adult ticket (17+ years)€42
Child ticket (4 to 16 years)€36
Infant ticket (3 years and below)Free entry
  • Semi-Private Tour (a maximum of 10 participants)
Visitor AgePrice
Adult ticket (17+ years)€79
Child ticket (4 to 16 years)€69
Infant ticket (3 years and below)Free entry
  • Private Tour
Visitor AgePrice
Adult ticket (17+ years)€249
Child ticket (4 to 16 years)€89
Infant ticket (3 years and below)Free entry

Meeting Point

Meet your guide at Largo del Colonnato 5, by the first columns of the Colonnade. Get Directions

It is outside the basilica before entering St. Peter’s Square.

Look for a yellow label with the Touriks logo on it. 

Note: Before meeting your guide, do not go for a security check/metal detectors.

Important Information About this Ticket 

  • As the tour goes to the basilica dome (about 117 m high) and then underground, it can often be unsuitable for people with vertigo and claustrophobia.
  • It is also not recommended for people with heart or respiratory problems, mobility issues, or pregnant women.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as there can be quite a bit of walking on uneven surfaces.
  • Weather conditions can restrict access to the Dome’s terrace. In that scenario, you have the option to cancel for a complete refund or request a partial refund and visit the other areas.
  • Dress modestly, following the Vatican dress code to enter the Basilica (knees, chest, belly, and shoulders covered)
  • Note that it is not possible to bypass the security line. Security checks are mandatory for every visitor, which can take 15 to 20 minutes.
  • You will need to go through metal detectors at the square’s entrance.
  • Leave any strollers at the luggage deposit at the basilica’s entrance.

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