Basilicas Tour and Secret Underground Catacombs
Discover some of the most symbolic sites in the history of Christianity. Explore the Roman Catacombs and two of the most important Basilicas in the world on this tour of the Eternal City.
Basilicas Tour and Secret Underground Catacombs
After being picked up from your hotel in Rome's historic centre, you'll head to the Basilica of St. John in Lateran. This church is one of the four papal major basilicas in Rome. These are the highest-ranking Roman Catholic church buildings, and they all possess a Holy Door and a High Altar at which only the Pope can celebrate Mass.
You'll then visit the nearby Scala Sancta, or Holy Stairs. Learn why these sacred marble steps are one of the main pilgrimage sites in Rome, visited by thousands of devout believers each year.
The next stop on your tour will be another of the major basilicas, St. Mary Major. Enjoy the magnificent artwork inside the building, especially its elaborate frescoes, and don't miss the famous icon of the Virgin Mary, now enshrined in the basilica's Borghese Chapel, which according to legend protected the city from the Plague.
Having explored the basilicas, you'll make your way to the historic Appian Way. On this iconic ancient road, symbolic of the Italian capital, you'll visit the Catacombs of Rome. These subterranean passageways were used as cemeteries and hiding places by early Christians, at a time when they were persecuted by the authorities of the Roman Empire.
The tour ends near the Piazza della Repubblica.
Hotel pick up and meeting point
If your hotel is located in the city centre, you can book the pick-up service. The bus usually takes around one hour to pick up all of the passengers, subject to traffic conditions and the number of passengers booked onto the tour. For this reason, pick up times will start from 1:30pm (1pm from 1st November to 31st March) and will continue thereafter in order to be on time for the beginning of the tour.
Important information
- In Rome, especially in places of worship, it is strictly forbidden to bring strollers, bulky bags or umbrellas, or to wear low-cut clothing. Shoulders should also be covered.
- If the Catacombs of San Callisto are closed, the tour will instead visit the Catacombs of Santa Domitilla.
- This tour does not run on religious holidays.
Price
More Information
Duration
3 hours.
Language
The activity takes place with a guide that speaks in English and Spanish.
Included
Pick up from hotel (only accommodation located in central Rome).
Transfers by bus or minivan.
English speaking guide with expert knowledge of Christian history in the catacombs of Rome.
Entry to the Rome Catacombs.
English speaking escort during the rest of the tour.
When to book?
You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.
Type of voucher
Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible.
Sustainability
All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code.
No printing of documentation required.
Provider
Pets
Not permitted.
Frequently asked questions
-
Q - How to book?
A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.
If you have any other questions please contact us .
Free cancellation
Via Carlo Alberto, number 3.
