2–3 hours
Guided in English
Mobile ticket

Highlights

Discover the hidden heart of the Vatican on this exclusive underground tour, strictly limited to only a few visitors per day. This rare experience grants you privileged access to the Vatican Catacombs and Roman Necropolis, a sacred area located deep beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Walk along ancient Roman burial streets lined with pagan and early Christian tombs as your expert guide reveals the secrets of this underground world. Visit the site traditionally believed to be St. Peter’s Tomb, the burial place of the Apostle and the spiritual foundation of the Christian Church — a once-in-a-lifetime privilege. After your underground visit, enjoy a VIP skip-the-line entrance directly into St. Peter’s Basilica. Continue with a guided tour inside the Basilica, the largest church in the world and a masterpiece of Renaissance art. Admire Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s majestic Baldachin, and richly decorated chapels. Due to extremely limited availability, early booking is strongly recommended.

Inclusions

What's included

Small-group experience for a more intimate visit
VIP skip-the-line entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica
Guided tour inside St. Peter’s Basilica (if the option is selected)
All reservation and entrance fees
Visit to St. Peter’s Tomb
Professional licensed guide
Exclusive access to the Vatican Necropolis

What's not

Food & Drink
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not suitable for children under 10 years old.

Itinerary

St. Peter’s Necropolis Hidden beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Necropolis is an ancient Roman burial ground dating back to the 1st–4th centuries AD. It features original funerary streets lined with pagan and early Christian tombs and is traditionally believed to house the Tomb of Saint Peter, the Apostle. Access is extremely limited, making it one of the most exclusive and sacred sites in the Vatican.
1 hAdmission included
St. Peter’s Basilica St. Peter’s Basilica is the largest church in the world and one of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art and architecture. Built over the Tomb of Saint Peter, it features iconic works such as Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s majestic Baldachin, and richly decorated chapels that reflect centuries of faith, devotion, and artistic genius.
1 hAdmission included
St. Peter’s Square St. Peter’s Square is the grand monumental plaza in front of St. Peter’s Basilica, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. Surrounded by majestic colonnades, it symbolizes the welcoming arms of the Church and is one of the most iconic and awe-inspiring squares in the world.
15 minAdmission included

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

4.3

Ratings come from 22 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

Meeting point: Meeting Point: Largo del Colonnato, 5, in front of the Galleria San Pietro Shop (near St. Peter's Square). Your guide and our staff will be there to welcome you. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth check-in. For assistance, please call +39 328 001 0018.
Pickup: Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size: Up to 10 travellers
Operated by: Vatican Guided Tours

Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting Point: Largo del Colonnato, 5, in front of the Galleria San Pietro Shop (near St. Peter's Square). Your guide and our staff will be there to welcome you. Please arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure a smooth check-in. For assistance, please call +39 328 001 0018.
Most travelers can participate. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Children must be accompanied by an adult. Not suitable for children under 10 years old.
All participants must carry a valid identification document (passport or ID) to enter the sites. Entry may be denied without a valid document, with no refund.
A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
There is no refund on reservation fees and tickets of monuments that are closed due to event that is out of our control.

How it compares in Rome

Its from-price is 39% below the median of the 8352 experiences we list in Rome.
Its length is typical for the group.
By number of reviews it ranks 1618 of 8352.

About Rome

Rome layers nearly three thousand years of history into one walkable city, from the Colosseum and Forum to Baroque piazzas and Vatican art.

Ancient Rome is still in plain sight. The Colosseum, the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill sit together at the city's heart, the Pantheon still stands with its open oculus, and fragments of temples and aqueducts turn up between apartment blocks. Across the Tiber, Vatican City holds St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling.

Top-ranked sights in Rome: Colosseum, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel.

See all 8352 experiences in Rome