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Italy
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Lazio
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Metropolitan City of Rome
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Rome
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Private Tour: Christian Rome
6 h
Private
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, 00185 Rome Italy
We will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the Basilica of St. Mary Major which reigns as an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman churches. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value, and represent the Church's role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome. Built on the Esquiline hill in 352 A.D., this is the smallest and most precious of the four basilicas, and for centuries has held its position as a Marian shrine par excellence. Among the Patriarchal Basilicas, St. Mary Major is the only one to have kept its original structure, though it has been enhanced over the course of years. Special details within the church render it unique including the 5th century mosaics of the central nave, the Cosmatesque pavement, the 15th century coffered ceiling in gilt wood . The numerous chapels, from the most ornate to the most humble, constructed by popes, cardinals and pious confraternities, the high altar begun by Ferdinando Fuga and later enriched by the genius of Valadier, the Baptistery and finally the relic of the Holy Crib complete the array of splendors contained within these walls.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza di Porta San Giovanni, 4, 00184 Rome Italy
The tour continues with the visit of the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the oldest and highest ranking of the four major basilicas in Rome. Built by the Emperor Constantine, first residence of the Popes until the year 1307, the Cathedral of the City, with the wonderful 17th century remaking by Borromini, the beautiful gentilitial chapels, the relic of the table of the Last Supper, the lovely 13th-century cloister, the Baptistry, the oldest and tallest among the 13 Egyptian obelisks in Rome, the Holy Stairs of Christ's Passion, is a site not to be missed.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Scala Santa and Chapel of San Lorenzo, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14, 00184 Rome Italy
The Scala Sancta are a set of 28 white marble steps that are Roman Catholic relics located in an edifice on extraterritorial property of the Holy See in Rome, Italy proximate to the Archbasilica of St. John in Laterano.[1] Officially, the edifice is titled the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (Pontificio Santuario della Scala Santa). The Holy Stairs, which long ago were encased in a protective framework of wooden steps, are in an edifice that incorporates part of the old, Papal Lateran Palace. The Holy Stairs lead to the Church of St. Lawrence in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum (Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum) or simply the "Sancta Sanctorum" (English: Holy of Holies), which was the personal chapel of the early Popes.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme 12, 00185 Rome Italy
The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem or Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and titular church in rione Esquilino, Rome, Italy. It is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
According to tradition, the basilica was consecrated circa 325 to house the relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ brought to Rome from the Holy Land by Empress St. Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine I. At that time, the Basilica's floor was covered with soil from Jerusalem, thus acquiring the title in Hierusalem; it is not dedicated to the Holy Cross which is in Jerusalem, but the Basilica itself is "in Jerusalem" in the sense that a "piece" of Jerusalem was moved to Rome for its foundation. The most recent Cardinal Priest of the Titulus S. Crucis in Hierusalem was Juan José Omella, since 28 June 2017.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, Via Appia Antica, 51, Rome Italy
From here the tour will take you to the Old Appian Way, passing by Porta San Sebastian and the chapel of "Domine Quo Vadis". This tiny 9th-century church (redone in the 17th century) was built on the spot where Peter, while fleeing the city to escape Nero's persecution, saw a vision of Christ. Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, where are you going?" ("Domine quo vadis?" in Latin), to which Christ replied, "I am going to Rome to be crucified again." This miraculous sign gave Peter faith and courage, causing him to return to Rome and meet his destiny.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Catacombe di San Callisto, Via Appia Antica 110, 00179 Rome Italy
We finally arrive at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus: the present catacombs are a series of underground galleries and vaults of various sizes. These were holy sites where Christians buried their dead and came to pray and celebrate liturgy. After Constantine, the bodies of many martyrs and saints were moved to churches within the city. Being outside the old city walls, the catacombs were often pillaged and seriously damaged by the invading Goths and Lombards in the 6th and 7th centuries. In time, the catacombs were abandoned and forgotten to be rediscovered only centuries later. By late 19th century, they had once again become an important and romantic place for visitors to learn about their early Christian past. Expect to pay approximately 08.00 euro per person for admission to the Catacombs. Kindly take note that the admission fee includes a guided tour with a local guide. They may not be using a microphone that is why we suggest that you stay as close as possible to the guide to better hear what (s)he will be saying.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura, Piazzale di San Paolo 1, 00146 Rome Italy
No tour would be complete without the visit of Rome's second largest church, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Erected on the site which is traditionally believed to be the burial place of the Apostle Paul, the cella memoriae was subsequently turned into a basilica by the Emperor Constantine and consecrated in 394 by Pope Silvester I. Throughout the centuries the Basilica would not cease to be embellished and enhanced by the Popes only to be almost completely destroyed by a terrible fire on the night of July 15, 1823. The Basilica was reconstructed identically to what it had been before, using all the elements which had survived the fire and embellished over time with beautiful mosaics , a magnificent portico with 150 columns while contemporary work has uncovered the tomb of the Apostle so that all pilgrims can pray and visit
Duration: 1 hour
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This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, 00185 Rome Italy
We will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to the Basilica of St. Mary Major which reigns as an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman churches. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value, and represent the Church's role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome. Built on the Esquiline hill in 352 A.D., this is the smallest and most precious of the four basilicas, and for centuries has held its position as a Marian shrine par excellence. Among the Patriarchal Basilicas, St. Mary Major is the only one to have kept its original structure, though it has been enhanced over the course of years. Special details within the church render it unique including the 5th century mosaics of the central nave, the Cosmatesque pavement, the 15th century coffered ceiling in gilt wood . The numerous chapels, from the most ornate to the most humble, constructed by popes, cardinals and pious confraternities, the high altar begun by Ferdinando Fuga and later enriched by the genius of Valadier, the Baptistery and finally the relic of the Holy Crib complete the array of splendors contained within these walls.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano, Piazza di Porta San Giovanni, 4, 00184 Rome Italy
The tour continues with the visit of the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the oldest and highest ranking of the four major basilicas in Rome. Built by the Emperor Constantine, first residence of the Popes until the year 1307, the Cathedral of the City, with the wonderful 17th century remaking by Borromini, the beautiful gentilitial chapels, the relic of the table of the Last Supper, the lovely 13th-century cloister, the Baptistry, the oldest and tallest among the 13 Egyptian obelisks in Rome, the Holy Stairs of Christ's Passion, is a site not to be missed.
Duration: 40 minutes
Stop At: Scala Santa and Chapel of San Lorenzo, Piazza di San Giovanni in Laterano 14, 00184 Rome Italy
The Scala Sancta are a set of 28 white marble steps that are Roman Catholic relics located in an edifice on extraterritorial property of the Holy See in Rome, Italy proximate to the Archbasilica of St. John in Laterano.[1] Officially, the edifice is titled the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs (Pontificio Santuario della Scala Santa). The Holy Stairs, which long ago were encased in a protective framework of wooden steps, are in an edifice that incorporates part of the old, Papal Lateran Palace. The Holy Stairs lead to the Church of St. Lawrence in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum (Chiesa di San Lorenzo in Palatio ad Sancta Sanctorum) or simply the "Sancta Sanctorum" (English: Holy of Holies), which was the personal chapel of the early Popes.
Duration: 20 minutes
Stop At: Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, Piazza di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme 12, 00185 Rome Italy
The Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem or Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme, is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and titular church in rione Esquilino, Rome, Italy. It is one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
According to tradition, the basilica was consecrated circa 325 to house the relics of the Passion of Jesus Christ brought to Rome from the Holy Land by Empress St. Helena, mother of Roman Emperor Constantine I. At that time, the Basilica's floor was covered with soil from Jerusalem, thus acquiring the title in Hierusalem; it is not dedicated to the Holy Cross which is in Jerusalem, but the Basilica itself is "in Jerusalem" in the sense that a "piece" of Jerusalem was moved to Rome for its foundation. The most recent Cardinal Priest of the Titulus S. Crucis in Hierusalem was Juan José Omella, since 28 June 2017.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, Via Appia Antica, 51, Rome Italy
From here the tour will take you to the Old Appian Way, passing by Porta San Sebastian and the chapel of "Domine Quo Vadis". This tiny 9th-century church (redone in the 17th century) was built on the spot where Peter, while fleeing the city to escape Nero's persecution, saw a vision of Christ. Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, where are you going?" ("Domine quo vadis?" in Latin), to which Christ replied, "I am going to Rome to be crucified again." This miraculous sign gave Peter faith and courage, causing him to return to Rome and meet his destiny.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Catacombe di San Callisto, Via Appia Antica 110, 00179 Rome Italy
We finally arrive at the Catacombs of St. Callixtus: the present catacombs are a series of underground galleries and vaults of various sizes. These were holy sites where Christians buried their dead and came to pray and celebrate liturgy. After Constantine, the bodies of many martyrs and saints were moved to churches within the city. Being outside the old city walls, the catacombs were often pillaged and seriously damaged by the invading Goths and Lombards in the 6th and 7th centuries. In time, the catacombs were abandoned and forgotten to be rediscovered only centuries later. By late 19th century, they had once again become an important and romantic place for visitors to learn about their early Christian past. Expect to pay approximately 08.00 euro per person for admission to the Catacombs. Kindly take note that the admission fee includes a guided tour with a local guide. They may not be using a microphone that is why we suggest that you stay as close as possible to the guide to better hear what (s)he will be saying.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Basilica Papale San Paolo Fuori le Mura, Piazzale di San Paolo 1, 00146 Rome Italy
No tour would be complete without the visit of Rome's second largest church, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. Erected on the site which is traditionally believed to be the burial place of the Apostle Paul, the cella memoriae was subsequently turned into a basilica by the Emperor Constantine and consecrated in 394 by Pope Silvester I. Throughout the centuries the Basilica would not cease to be embellished and enhanced by the Popes only to be almost completely destroyed by a terrible fire on the night of July 15, 1823. The Basilica was reconstructed identically to what it had been before, using all the elements which had survived the fire and embellished over time with beautiful mosaics , a magnificent portico with 150 columns while contemporary work has uncovered the tomb of the Apostle so that all pilgrims can pray and visit
Duration: 1 hour
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Professional informative English-speaking driver
- Live commentary on board
- Private vehicle for the day
- Flexible itinerary
- Transport by air-conditioned sedan/minivan
- Courtesy and service
Not included
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Gratuities
- Admission to the Catacombs (approx. 8 euros)
- Walking tour guide inside the sites
- Entry/Admission - Catacombe di San Callisto
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 7 days of travel. In this case confirmation will be received within 48 hours, subject to availability
- Infant seats available
- If you are not ready to depart at the assigned time , we cannot promise to fulfill the mentioned itinerary nor promise to extend the duration of the tour.
- Order of stops may vary.
- Your driver is not a licensed tour guide. Due to strict Italian laws and regulations in place to protect officially licensed guides, drivers can comment and explain attractions only from inside the vehicle. Drivers cannot elaborate on the attractions when they are outside of the vehicle.
- This is a private service no one will join your party
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- Pleae be aware that on Sundays some Churches have restrictions to the places you may visit.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
75%
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Amazing day touring some of Rome's most spectacular and historic churches. Additionally, a visit to the catacombs also included which was also incredible. Very much enjoyed our time with our skilled driver, Damiano and the background knowledge he offered not only on the basilicas but also on a great place for lunch. Highly recommend this tour if you're interested in diving a bit more deeply into many of the churches not on everyone's to-do list, particularly if you want to visit all of the Seven Pilgrimage Churches made famous by St. Philip Neri.
Davidd was our driver and tour guide he was prompt and very professional during the entire tour. This was our second time to visit Rome, our last visit was limited and we were not able to visit the sites we wanted to. This is the best way to get around Rome. Having your own driver and vehicle makes it easy to get to the sites, and did not have to worry about finding a parking space or long walks. We were dropped off right at the entrance to most sites. We set the time frame for visits at each sites, that way we could spend as much time as we wanted to really explore the sites and get a good understanding about the Rich History at each site. Our driver Davidd also recommended a local place for lunch, and when we arrived we had a table waiting for us. The food and service was excellent. We have taken many tours mostly in groups, but having your own private driver and vehicle is the best way to see the sites you want to see on your schedule. I would highly recommend this tour. .
This was an awesome tour! Would suggest to anyone. We were able to go where we wanted and customize as we went. The first thing in the morning our driver, Alessandro, asked what we wanted out of the tour. We were able to visit many places and he even had us at St Peters Square at noon, we were able to here the church bells ring. Beautiful! My son wanted pizza so Alessandro took us to a place he likes to go, not a tourist trap. It was wonderful. We ended the tour at the place I asked, the Pantheon! He dropped us back off at our hotel. This was our last day of a 3 week European trip, what a wonderful end!
We went on a Sunday and because it was a private tour we were able to hit things at the perfect time, meaning no lines anywhere at all. The catacombs were inspiring and the churches marvelous. Our tour guide was Max. He was very informative and talked to us like friends. We had a stop at St. Peter's on the list but because the Pope was speaking we told him we would much rather see the Pantheon as it was our last day in Rome and we had yet to see it. Though it wasn't on the list he took us there and gave us tons of information. I would highly recommend this tour to everyone
This was a truly wonderful and personal tour. Damiano was an amazing tour guide who took our interests and questions to heart. He was very informative and went out of his way to make our tour special. He was truly a gentleman, made us feel at ease and welcomed any questions. He provided amenities to make our trip very comfortable, such as special pastries, and cold bottled water. We were interested in pizza for a quick lunch, and Damiano enhanced the experience by bringing us to a local town shop which had excellent pizza. He also brought us to a couple of unexpected locations special to our interests. One location provided a special view of the Vatican, and the second was a visit to a chapel along the Appian Way where Jesus met St. Peter. Damiano also went out of his way to obtain beautiful post cards from this chapel without our asking. In addition to all this, the tour of all the sites was excellent. Damiano explained all the historical background. It was truly a wonderful experience thanks to our excellent tour guide, Damiano! Visited September 2015