
Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Non-refundable booking. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 190 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica worth booking?
Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica is a 3-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $105 per person. It scores 46 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 190 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 46 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (190)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $105 per person
Pre-tour introduction covering the history of the Vatican and the highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica, helping you better understand the significance of the sites you’ll visit. The exclusive Scavi Tour beneath St. Peter’
What you get
- reservation of Scavi tour
- 45-minute pre-tour introduction
- St. Peter's Basilica Tour ( self guided with pre recorded information)
- Tombs of Popes under St. Peter's Basilica
About this experience
Pre-tour introduction covering the history of the Vatican and the highlights of St. Peter’s Basilica, helping you better understand the significance of the sites you’ll visit. The exclusive Scavi Tour beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where you’ll explore ancient burial sites and visit the traditional tomb of Saint Peter — one of the Vatican’s most unique areas, normally closed to the public. Skip-the-line access to St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing you to enter the world-famous church without the long wait. Inside, admire masterpieces by Michelangelo and Bernini, including the iconic Pietà. Optional Dome climb for panoramic views over Vatican City and Rome, plus a closer look at the basilica’s mosaics and architecture.
What's included
Included
- reservation of Scavi tour
- 45-minute pre-tour introduction
- St. Peter's Basilica Tour ( self guided with pre recorded information)
- Tombs of Popes under St. Peter's Basilica
Not included
- Admission fees
What you'll see and do
St. Peter's Square
Meet our staff at St. Peter's Square within splendid Bernini's Colonnade and stop for a photo by the Bronze Doors, the ceremonial Vatican entrance, guarded by the Swiss Guards
10 minutes here
St. Peter's Basilica
Re-enter St. Peter's Basilica to continue with the guided tour. See the highlights of the church including Bernini's “Baldacchino” and Michelangelo's “Pietà” Your guided tour will end inside St. Peter's and you may stay on for your further private exploration
40 minutes here
St. Peter's Basilica
Enter St. Peter's Basilica with skip line pass and walk through the lower level of St. Peter's Basilica lined with tombs of Pope's
10 minutes here
The Necropolis of Saint Peter
Visit ancient Roman cemetery with tombs and preserved decorations from the 1st century AD. Learn why St. Peter was martyred at Nero's Circus in 64 AD and why he was buried at the Roman cemetery on the slope of the Vatican hill, later covered by the construction of the first Vatican basilica at the time of emperor Constantine. Pay respect at St. Peter's Tomb excavated together with the necropolis over 80 years ago under Pope Pius XII. This is the most exclusive Vatican tour with fewer than 100 permits granted per day.
90 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Rome
The meeting place is OUTSIDE hotl Palazzo Cardinal Cesi, few steps from St. Peter's Square. You must arrive 30 minuts before scheduled starting time, the time necessary to get through Vatican security, and Swiss Guards check point. There is way to reconnct with guide nce past scurity
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The meeting place is OUTSIDE hotl Palazzo Cardinal Cesi, few steps from St. Peter's Square. You must arrive 30 minuts before scheduled starting time, the time necessary to get through Vatican security, and Swiss Guards check point. There is way to reconnct with guide nce past scurity
Before you book
- Cancellation
- All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 2 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- vaticancitytoursandtickets
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour is no available for children under 15
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 190 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
190 verified traveler reviews for Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Biggest disappointment
This was one of my biggest disappointments. I booked the Scavi tour at St. Peter’s in January, 2026. I received my confirmation and e-tickets and booked my fight. (This was going to be the highlight of our trip to Rome) . My husband and I were at the meeting point early but nobody showed up. I later received an apology that the tour was accidentally booked on the wrong day and I will receive a refund. I feel Viator owes us more.
via Tripadvisor
Elizabeth was an excellent guide and host
We met Elizabeth outside the St. Peter's Square. She took us to the square and really gave us a nice briefing on the history of the Vatican itself. It was very detailed and we understood her perfectly. She was patient, kind, and we could see she had Christ in her. She took us to the Scavi office where a Vatican employee took us underground for the last part of the tour. It was a little underwhelming at first, but the last part of the tour was worth it. To see the burial sites of so many different pipes was very overwhelming.
via Viator
Unsatisfied customer
It costs an additional 25. euros when you get there which is ridiculous. Recent 45 minutes in the Sun listening to a preview which was not needed, then taken to the site and waited another 15 minutes outside Dow a different guide . It’s kind of cool inside but definitely not worth 150 euros. Find something better . Oh and there was no one at the first place for tickets and you did not need to redeem your voucher another 40 minutes of wasted time.
via Viator
a special experience, well-organized visit
It was a special experience: You can experience the basilica from a completely different angle. We received a lot of information. With a group of 12 people, it was ideal. So beautiful. Never seen anything like it!
via Viator
Good Tour
This was a great tour but as with anything with the Vatican they can change it at the last minute and rune you plans.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Non-refundable
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 67
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 46
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica cost?
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Prices start at $105 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica take?
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Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 46 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 190 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica?
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No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.
Is Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 3-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica?
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Around 67 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Scavi (excavations) St. Peter's Tomb and St. Peters Basilica start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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