Skip to main content

VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option

Recommended by 100% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rome, Italy
  • 1 hour (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Bypass the daytime crowds and explore Santa Maria Maggiore on this after-hours tour. Enjoy a peaceful, intimate experience with access to areas of the Basilica that are usually closed to the public. Discover Bernini’s spiral staircase, the hall of the popes, and golden mosaics in the Loggia. Choose a small-group tour or upgrade to a private option for a fully immersive experience.
  • Beat the heat and explore this Basilica when the temperatures are cooler
  • Learn directly from your guide as you take in sacred relics
  • Easy to fit into a busy vacation schedule
  • Access rooftop terraces for views of Rome unavailable anywhere else

What's Included

  • Top rated Expert Guide
  • Special Access after public closure
  • Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
  • Loggia Mosaics
  • Hall of the Popes
  • Rooftop Terraces
  • Bernini’s Staircase
  • Highlights of the Basilica
  • Borghese Chapel
  • Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
  • Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
  • Bernini’s Tomb
  • Sistine Chapel
  • Mosaics and Ceiling
  • Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, Roma RM, Italy

      In front of the fountain beneath the “Column of Peace,” in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Start time
    .6:45 pm

    Itinerary

    1

    Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

    1 hour Admission Ticket Included

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
    • Most travelers can participate
    • The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not for all places during the tour. There is an elevator to the Loggia level but nothing to the Terrace level. There is partial accessibility—a person in a wheelchair could visit the Basilica main level, the Loggia, and the Room of the Popes but could not access the terrace level at all. They would experience the "alone" feeling of the Basilica but would have to wait while the rest of the tour went to the terrace level.
    • Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
    • Please note: For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not permitted on the terraces, and therefore, we are unable to accept bookings for guests with children under 7 years old. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
    • The minimum number required is 2 travelers.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    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 26 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Brando was very...

    Dulce_B, May 2026
    Brando was very knowledgeable. Meeting place was easy and convenient. Very interesting and beautiful church. Was able to pay respect to Pope Francis.

    Excellent tour! The guide...

    Andrea_B, May 2026
    Excellent tour! The guide was very informative. Learned a lot of new information. Would recommend to friends and family.

    Santa Maria Maggiore, Spectacular! Thanks Silvia

    Michae_P, Apr 2026
    Silvia was a fabulous guide unlocking some of the meaning and history of this world famous Basillica. After hours was really special with a nice sunset hitting the top of the structure. Pope Francis tomb is also special. Highly recommend.

    From $126.35

    per person

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

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 26 days in advance.

    Compare Similar Experiences

    1 / 3
    Current
    VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option


    1 hour
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $126.35
    Rome Catacombs Night Tour with Santa Maria Maggiore After Hours


    2 hours 45 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $242.27
    Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica and Dome Guided Tour


    1 hour 30 minutes
    Free Cancellation
    From
    $63.76