Catacombs, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and Roman Basilicas Private Tour
Rome, IT
100% of travellers recommend this
Non-refundable - Your booking can not be cancelled, modified or refunded.
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Highlights
- Explore the incredible tunnels of the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus
- Visit the ancient Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
- Discover the oldest church in the world, the Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
- Admire the stunning Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura
- Experience a personal tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel
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Duration 8 to 9 hours
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Private professional guide
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Luxury transportation included
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Entrance tickets included
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Pick-up and drop-off included
Experience the captivating history and beauty of Rome with the Catacombs, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Roman Basilicas Private Tour. This tour takes you on a journey through Christian Rome, where you can savor the lively history of popes, saints, and artists who dedicated their lives to the Church. Explore the incredible catacombs of Saint Callixtus, where you can venture deep underground and learn about the very beginning of Christianity. Visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome, and admire its stunning architecture and history. Discover the ancient Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the oldest church in the world, and marvel at its grandeur. Finally, experience the Vatican Museums and the world-famous Sistine Chapel, where you can revere priceless masterpieces and breathtaking frescoes. This tour is a truly unforgettable experience for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in the rich history and artistry of Rome.
At a Glance
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8 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English, Italian, Spanish; Castilian
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the heart of Christianity with a private tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and historic Roman Basilicas, including the Catacombs.
Included
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Professional Vatican guide inside Catacombs -
Private professional guide (Roman Basilicas & Vatican Museums)
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Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation and private chauffeur
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Private English speaking tour escort at your disposal
Excluded
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Food and beverages -
Gratuities. if you are satisfied with the service, a gratuity is customary.
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
For many visitors to Rome, a trip to the catacombs is one of the most moving and memorable parts of their holiday. While a visit to the Appian Way is worthwhile in itself – as you walk along the ancient cobblestones past vast tombstones and spectacular countryside you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time – a tour of the catacombs is undoubtedly the main highlight. Venture deep underground to explore the incredible tunnels that were dug out by hand nearly 2,000 years ago and learn all about the very beginning of Christianity. This is a side of Rome you’ve never seen before.
60 minutes
Admission Included
The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is an ancient Catholic basilica that is considered to be the largest of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. It is one of the city’s four major basilicas. Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore was built on a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in the mid-fourth century under the orders of Pope Liberius. According to legend, the Virgin appeared before the Pope with the instructions for building the church, and the shape of the floor was designed based on a miraculous snowfall. Over the years, the basilica has had many different names, such as Saint Mary of the Snow (due to snow that led to the church’s shape), Santa Maria Liberiana (for Pope Liberius), St. Mary of the Nativity (because it received a relic of the Holy Nativity), and it was finally called Santa Maria Maggiore, as it is the largest of the 26 churches in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
30 minutes
Admission Included
The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century. The Basilica is the oldest church in the world. Founded during the fourth century in honour of St. John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, St John Lateran (Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano) is the Cathedral of Rome and the most important of the four major basilicas. It is known as St John Lateran Archbasilica, as is it considered the mother church of the Roman Catholic faithful.In the early part of the fourth century, the Laterani family were stripped of their land as one of their members was accused of conspiring against the Emperor. It was given to the Bishop of Rome in order to build the first Roman basilica.Throughout the centuries, St John Lateran has survived several fires and an earthquake in 897. Nevertheless, it still maintains its first form even though it has been reconstructed on several occasions. The Basilica also houses a baptistery, which for many years was the only baptistery in Rome. The Basilica of St. John Lateran has played an important role throughout history; it was here that all popes were enthroned up until 1870. Nowadays, Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterno is where the Pope, as Bishop of Rome, celebrates Holy Thursday Mass.
30 minutes
Admission Included
Basilica Papale Di San Paolo Fuori le Mura
Erected during the fourth century AD, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (Basilica di San Paolo Fuori le Mura) is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and the second largest after St. Peter's Basilica. It was founded on the burial ground of St. Paul. When Paul the Apostle was executed in the first century AD in Rome, his followers built a shrine over his grave. In 324 a small church was consecrated on the same grounds, which was later demolished in 386 to make space for the construction of a larger and more beautiful basilica, completed in 395. After the fire, many countries made donations for the restoration of the church, which was reopened in 1840. The temple was later declared a national monument. The interior of the Basilica of St. Paul is magnificent, with enormous marble columns and beautiful gold mosaics. Unfortunately, because of the fire of 1823, few parts of the Medieval basilica remain intact. However, the church still houses some mosaics from the thirteenth century, a large twelfth-century chandelier, or the marble tombstone under which the remains of St. Paul lie. On the basilica’s walls, visitors will be able to observe the portraits of each of the popes, while a ray of sunlight lights up the portrait of the current Pope.The atrium located in the exterior is one of the most noteworthy parts of the church. It is made up of 150 columns, and from here, visitors can see the façade of the Basilica covered by an enormous golden mosaic built between 1854 and 1874, which reflects the rays of sunlight. The centre of the portico houses a colossal statue of St. Paul. Although the Basilica isn’t in the heart of the city, we recommend visiting this unique and astonishing church in order to see its impressive mosaics, atrium and interior. It is one of the most worthwhile of Rome.
30 minutes
Admission Included
Experience a personal tour of the Vatican's collection with your own private, licensed guide at your side. Described as one of the best experiences in Rome, this tour takes you on a journey of discovery. Revere priceless masterpieces of the Renaissance together with sculptures and mosaics from antiquity. All in the papal collection. All waiting for you to discover them. Taking a private tour means you can customize your time in the Eternal City's epicenter to include exactly what you want. The Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Museums' mind-blowing collection await you, but so too do Bernini’s stunning sculptures, the Raphael Rooms’ unforgettable frescoes, the stirringly beautiful Flemish artworks of the Gallery of Tapestries, and the hauntingly lifelike statues of the Gallery of the Candelabra.
120 minutes
Admission Included
Regarded as Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the Sistine Chapel is a jaw-dropping attraction you must see at least once in your lifetime.The Sistine Chapel is one of the greatest treasures of the Vatican City, of Rome and of the world in general. It is known as much for its decoration, as for being the temple in which popes are chosen and crowned.The construction of the building was between 1473 and 1481 during the mandate of Pope Sixtus IV, to whom it owes its current name. What grabs the attention in the Sistine are the frescoes that completely cover the walls and the ceiling. Some of the most important artists who worked in the chapel are Botticelli, Perugino, Luca and Michelangelo.Without any doubt, The Creation of Adam is the best-known image from the Sistine Chapel. It is located in the central part of the vault and represents the story from Genesis in which God gives life to Adam.Located over the high altar Michelangelo’s other masterpiece, The Final Judgment.
30 minutes
Admission Included
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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A small amount of walking is involved -
According to the Vatican regulation the entrance in the catacombs is organized in groups.
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Child rate applies only when shared with 2 paying adults
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Dress code required: knees and shoulders must be covered
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
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People with claustrophobia may find this tour difficult under the catacombs
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking. -
Visit the nearby Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore.
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Consider dining at Trattoria Da Enzo nearby.
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Check out the Appian Way before the tour.
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Bring a light jacket, it can get chilly.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Step into the heart of Christianity and embark on a remarkable journey through Rome's Christian history with the Catacombs, Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and Roman Basilicas Private Tour. This extraordinary tour combines history, faith, and art into a captivating experience that will leave you in awe of Rome's rich heritage. From majestic basilicas to ancient catacombs, each monument holds a millennium of tales, bringing the city's lively history to life. As you delve deep underground into the catacombs of Saint Callixtus, you'll be transported back in time to the beginnings of Christianity, exploring hand-dug tunnels that unravel the stories of early believers.What to expect
During this tour, expect to be mesmerized by the breathtaking beauty and historical significance of Rome's most sacred sites. Marvel at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, the largest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome, and discover the legends and miracles associated with its construction. Visit the Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, the oldest church in the world, and immerse yourself in its fascinating history as the mother church of Roman Catholicism. Explore the Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura, built on the burial ground of St. Paul, and admire its stunning mosaics and grandeur. The journey culminates in the Vatican Museums and the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, where you can admire masterpieces from the Renaissance and Michelangelo's iconic frescoes.Who is this for?
This tour is a perfect fit for history enthusiasts, art lovers, and those seeking to deepen their understanding of Christianity. Whether you're a devout Catholic or simply fascinated by the interplay of faith and art, this tour offers a unique perspective on Rome's religious and cultural heritage. From pilgrims seeking a spiritual connection to curious travelers wanting to uncover the city's hidden gems, this tour caters to a wide range of visitors. Regardless of your background or beliefs, this immersive experience will leave you with a profound appreciation for Rome's place as the spiritual epicenter of Christianity.Why book this?
This private tour offers an exclusive opportunity to delve into the soul of Rome and explore its most sacred corners with a knowledgeable guide. With the freedom to customize your itinerary, you can focus on the aspects of Rome's Christian history that resonate most with you. Uncover the hidden stories behind each monument, gaining a deeper understanding of their significance and the role they played in shaping Rome's religious fabric. By booking this tour, you'll enjoy skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, avoiding the crowds and maximizing your time to fully appreciate the art and architecture. Immerse yourself in the spiritual and artistic treasures of Rome, creating memories to last a lifetime.Good to know
Please note that this tour lasts between 8 to 9 hours. It involves significant walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Shoulder and knees must be covered when visiting religious sites. It is advised to bring a water bottle and sunscreen during warmer months, as the tour involves outdoor elements. Additionally, it is essential to follow the instructions of your guide to ensure a seamless and enriching experience. Prepare to be captivated by the extraordinary history, art, and faith that await you in the heart of Rome.Reviews
Previous visitors have been enamored by the depth of knowledge and passion displayed by their guides throughout this tour. They have expressed how this experience allowed them to connect with Rome's Christian history in a profound way. The catacombs, in particular, have left a lasting impression, with travelers describing them as a moving and memorable part of their visit. The Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel have been hailed as true highlights, with the artwork and architecture surpassing all expectations. Visitors have appreciated the flexibility of the tour, which allowed them to focus on their specific interests and spend more time at the sites that captivated them the most. Overall, this tour has received rave reviews for its educational value, personalized experience, and the opportunity it provides to witness the wonders of Rome's Christian heritage firsthand.
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