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Private Tour: Basilicas of Rome

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Rome, Italy
  • 7 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Go behind the scenes to discover the five major basilicas of Rome and learn about the influence of Christianity on the Eternal City during this in-depth private guided tour. Get a peek at priceless relics—believed to be thorns from Jesus’s crown—and marvel at Renaissance artworks and stunning architectural gems. Tours include free time for lunch and comfortable transfers in your own private vehicle—plus the option to explore the mysterious catacombs.
  • An in-depth private guided tour of the five basilicas of Rome
  • Listen to informative commentary on the culture and history of the Eternal City from your guide
  • Journey along the history-packed Appian way and get a peek at priceless church relics
  • Tours include the option to visit the catacombs, Rome’s subterranean ancient burial site

What's Included

  • English Speaking driver
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Landing and facility fees
  • Entrance fees 8 euro per person for the Catacombs
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch at your own expense

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We will pick you up straight at your accommodation in Rome and drop you off back to your accommodation

Operating hours
.8:00 am

Itinerary

1

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

45 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

2

Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura

1 hour Admission Ticket Not Included

3

Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis

30 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

4

Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme

45 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

5

Scavi di San Giovanni in Laterano

45 minutesAdmission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • 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
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

5.0
based on 20 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing Day

Douglas_O, Jun 2025
What an amazing day! I loved learning the history of Christianity in Rome and seeing the church’s of significant centers away from the Vatican. The churches were magnificent works of art, history, religion and architecture all in one. Our guide was Max. I cannot recommend this tour enough. It was the highlight of our trip to Italy so far.

This is the second time...

Don_B, Dec 2024
This is the second time we have done this tour, and it is an absolute must do. You visit basilica’s that are not on the main tours, and learn a ton of history and see a lot of interesting relics. Our guide - Max - was an absolute treasure. He is by far the best guide in all of Rome. Such a knowledgeable and kind hearted person. Truly a treasure. We would book every time we come to Rome!!

Tour of Cathedral and several Basilica’s

JerryClement, Nov 2024
Max did an outstanding job, he had a solid grasp of history, I would highly recommend this tour. It is not practical to see the Basilica’s and Cathedral that we were able to see. Good pace! Very friendly and knowledgeable!

Perfect day in Rome

Dianne_R, Oct 2024
This was a terrific tour. Very informative and enjoyable. A perfect way to spend a day in Rome. Highly recommend this tour.

Amazing Experience

Annamarie_O, Mar 2024
Max provided us with the most amazing tour of the beautiful Basilicas of Rome. His knowledge of the history of each place was incredible. We learned so much. He has a fantastic personality.

Must Do!!!

Don_B, Aug 2019
What a fabulous host. Max was amazing. Very long day, but well worth it. Lots of hidden gems!!! Nice!

Highly recommended tour

Roving22871351719, Jun 2019
MAX our tour guide was very good, very knowledgeable, very accommodating and helpful. If you are a Christian and want to know more of Christian history and see relics, this tour is a MUST. Could not believe until you actually see it. Just amazing. Away from the big crowds. So many things to see and learn about ancient Christian history. Places you would not normally go as they are not as recognisable and famous as St. Peter's. Definitely a tour you would not regret joining especially if Max is your guide. I would rate this 5 🌟 +.

Our guide, Massimo, was very...

joann.lagman, May 2017
Our guide, Massimo, was very knowledgeable. He gave us different lenses in which to view each site, religious, historical, and its value as art. This is an excellent way to see the Basilicas of Rome.

From $460.38

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 44 days in advance.

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