Is photography allowed inside St. Peter’s Basilica?

Photography is permitted in most areas without flash, but some chapels may restrict photography.

Are there any restrictions on clothing?

Yes, visitors must cover shoulders and knees to enter the basilica and Vatican sites.

How many people are in each small group tour?

Groups are limited to keep the experience personal and manageable, usually fewer than 15 guests.

How long is the tour?

Tours generally last between 2 and 3 hours.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility issues?

While the tour covers paved surfaces and steps inside, some areas may be challenging; discuss specifics with the operator beforehand.

Does the tour include access to the dome or Vatican Museums?

This tour focuses on St. Peter's Basilica and Square; separate tours cover the dome and Vatican Museums.

St. Peter's Basilica Tour in Rome by Touriks | Sightseeing Tour

In the heart of Rome, where history and faith converge, Touriks offers a small group tour of St. Peter's Basilica and Square that brings visitors closer to one of the most monumental sites in the Western world. Located within Vatican City—the independent city-state at the core of Rome—St. Peter's Basilica stands as the largest basilica on the planet, a sprawling Renaissance marvel that draws millions annually. But with Touriks’ intimate small-group approach, the experience sheds the crowds and transforms into a focused journey into art, architecture, and history.

The tour begins beneath the towering colonnades of St. Peter's Square, a vast open space designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century. Here, visitors learn the secrets behind the elliptical piazza’s design, how it directs thousands during papal audiences, and the vision behind its iconic 284 columns. Moving inside the basilica, the guide reveals the layered symbolism and engineering feats of Michelangelo’s masterpiece dome, whose views define Rome's skyline.

Art enthusiasts will linger over Michelangelo’s 'Pietà,' a rare glimpse of the artist’s youthful compassion carved in marble that somehow captures infinite sorrow and serenity. The tour also includes a visit to St. Peter’s Tomb, adding spiritual gravity to the surroundings, as well as admiring mosaics and chapels that illustrate centuries of devotion and artistry.

Touriks’ commitment to small groups means every question finds an answer, making this tour less about spectacle and more about connection—whether with the place, its people, or history. This blend of detailed storytelling and easy pace makes it a standout activity in Rome’s layered outdoor and cultural landscape, giving visitors a rare chance to see beyond the surface of a site often overwhelmed by scale and crowds.