Rome Walking Tour of Holy Sites: Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, San Giovanni in Laterano and Scala Santa

Recommended by 100% of travelers

Rome, Italy

2 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Seek out the religious gems of Rome—and discover insider sights and stories you'd miss if exploring alone—on this private walking tour. With just your guide for company, visit what are considered some of the city's holiest sites. Discover the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano (one of the four major papal basilicas); the Scala Santa, or holy stairs; and the 4th–century Basilica of the Holy Cross, all in a single excursion.

This private tour helps keep your sightseeing personal
Choose from a range of start times to best suit your schedule
Visit three top Rome holy sites in one time-saving itinerary
Your guide's stories help bring the landmarks' rich history to life

What's Included

Local guide
Private tour

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Piazza di S. Giovanni in Laterano
P.za di S. Giovanni in Laterano, Roma RM, Italy
Meet your guide down the obelisk in Piazza S.Giovanni the guide will be holding a sign with your name on it.

End point

Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme
Piazza di S. Croce in Gerusalemme, 10, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Itinerary

Meet your guide in Rome’s Piazza San Giovanni, and set off on foot to discover some of the capital’s greatest religious treasures.

Your first stop is the Scala Santa, a sacred marble staircase that’s set within a chapel building. Hear tales of the steps, which are believed to date back to biblical times, and learn how they were brought from the Holy Land to Italy by St. Helena.

Continue to the Basilica of the Holy Cross, where vibrant Renaissance frescoes abound, and see remnants from the Holy Cross such as the nails and thorns among other revered relics.

End at the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome’s official cathedral and one of the city’s oldest places of worship. The monumental basilica is home to a wealth of art and relics, so listen to your guide to hear the stories behind the sights.

Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate

Children must be accompanied by an adult
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
Food and drinks are not allowed in the churches, except for water
Comfortable shoes are recommended
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

5.0

based on 21 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Spiritual

Conrad_C, Jul 2025

Great religious experience! We went up the Scala Santa wearing knee pads. It was a sincere experience that my wife and I shared together with Christ.

Tomasso was a terrific...

Mchughnadine, Nov 2024

Tomasso was a terrific tour guide! He was very knowledgable about the history of the churches and all of the significant artifacts in each one. It was a very special tour and he took his time to make sure we saw it all. We never felt rushed and walked away feeling really wowed by the whole thing. I would highly recommend this tour and Tomasso as the tour guide!

An inspiring visit to some important religious sites

Robert_S, Nov 2024

An inspiring and educational walking tour with Francesco, who certainly was well versed in the art, history, and religious significance of the several magnificent churches and cathedrals that we visited. He was engaging and always ready to discuss a wide range of topics that made the well-spent time pass quickly.

Walking tour of Rome

Tarika_R, Sep 2024

Good guide learned a lot of really interesting stuff about the churches. Would recommend to a friend.

Absolutely Amazing Tour!

Karen_B, Sep 2024

This was hands down one of the best tours we have done in our two visits to Rome!!!! This is a must do for anyone coming to see not just the tourist sites but also traveling as a faithful Christian seeking out a closer experience to Christ and His church. Giorgio M was such a wonderful guide! He answered all of our questions, was patient, extremely knowledgeable and genuinely seemed to enjoy giving us the tour. DO NOT skip the last stop as the guide said many people do. Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme displays for veneration and reflection the relics of Christ’s Passion. It is beautiful and extremely moving.

Our favorite tour!

Lynette_M, Sep 2024

What an amazing experience!!! Our tour guide’s name was Bruno. We had several tours over the last couple of weeks. His was our favorite! He was extremely knowledgeable, patient and kind. He waited while I prayed on the Holy Steps and at the Holy Cross. He showed us several different sites, our favorites were The Holy Steps, The Cathedral of St. John, and The Church of the Holy Cross. It was not just educational but a very spiritual experience!

GO DO THIS!

Samia_T, Jul 2024

This is a must do in Rome! What I was able to see and experience and the history of it all was wonderful. My tour guide was fantastic - so passionate and knowledgeable. I loved it and would do it again!

Very knowledgeable and passionate tour guide. Really appreciates history

Divinia_M, May 2024

The grandeur of the basilicas and the history attached to each. Very awe inspiring. Easy and not hurried tour.

Unexpected, beautiful sites less visited

Rebecca_B, May 2024

A really informative tour of three beautiful sites. Not too physically taxing. Beautiful architecture. The guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable. I’d highly recommend this tour. You get to see some very significant sites without the massive crowds of more touristy sites.

Everything from the...

Samuel_C, Mar 2024

Everything from the Basilica holy cross in Jerusalem to San Giovanni in Lateran and Scala Santa my tour guide was an excellent guide and taught me very well about its history!

Excellent tour!

Anna_D, Mar 2023

Excellent tour! Thomas was very knowledgeable, answered all of our questions; I would definitely recommend this tour, you will not be disappointed!

Highly recommend this tour esp with Tomasi

74s5cz26x2, Dec 2022

Climbing the escala sancta on my knees and seeing the sacred table. Seeing part of the Holy Cross, the Nail and thorns on Jesus’ crown

A must Do. Now. Don’t wait.

Angela_F, Jul 2022

These three sites have been on my list for years and despite 4 previous trips to Rome I was not able to see them. The wait seem to make it sweeter. It was an amazing 2.5 hrs with Francesco who was an outstanding guide and garnered invitations to stay with us in Texas as a result. Climbing the stairs on my knees was incredibly powerful as I repeated the traditional Jewish Prayer on each step. I was sobbing in gratitude by the halfway point. The holy relics and churches were stunning and I especially found the full size copy of the Shroud of Turin (gift from Turin) amazing. Please do this tour. Please ask for Francesco. Please allow God to open your heart and mind during your time in these holy places.

Fun and facts with Giorgio

Felixberto_V, Apr 2022

It ended up being a private one as only the three of us were there for the tour. Giorgio, our guide, took his time to show and tell us information we did not know before. It was a moving experience going through the Cathedral and the steps of the Scala Santa. He was on time to meet us.

Afternoon with Giovanni Giorgio

Christine_T, Jun 2019

Rome walking tour of holy sites with Giovanni Giorgio was EXCELLENT. GREAT guide, very knowledgeable, great presentation, and interaction with our kids. After the tour he phoned us a taxi (for five)… returned to make sure that we were collected... and when the taxi was late... he phoned and waited until we were collected. AMAZING tour, tour guide, and service level!!! Giorgio rocks!!!