Private Tour

Private Jubilee Tour: 3 Papal Basilicas with Santa Maria Maggiore

Overview

Available languages

English

3 hours

Mobile ticket

Journey through Rome's spiritual and cultural heart with a tour of its three papal basilicas. From the sacred ambiance and ancient beauty of Santa Maria Maggiore, the majestic grandeur of St. John Lateran, and the peaceful cloisters and exquisite mosaics of St. Paul Outside the Walls, each basilica offers a distinct encounter with history, art, and divinity. Embark on a Jubilee pilgrimage that spans centuries of architecture, papal tradition, and religious faith. Discover the spiritual significance and architectural splendor of each basilica on this unforgettable odyssey through the soul of Rome.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This tour does NOT include St. Peter’s Basilica.

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.

Access to certain parts of churches may be limited in the case of religious ceremonies.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Lastly you’ll visit the majestic Basilica of St John in Lateran. Designed by the 17th-century architect Borromini, it is a vast, peaceful place with statues of the apostles lining the nave and golden mosaics decorating the apse. It is the most important cathedral in Rome for two reasons. It is the site of the first-ever legal Christian Church in the world and is also the seat of the Bishop of Rome – who is the Pope. It is called the ‘Head and Mother of all Churches’. The giant bronze doors were the original doors of the Roman Senate, and the world’s largest, oldest Egyptian obelisk stands outside. Opposite is the Holy Staircase, brought from the Holy Land by Saint Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine who legalized Christianity. Once climbed by Christ, today it is protected by wood and pilgrims can only climb it on their knees.

45 minutes • Admission Included

Basilica Papale Di San Paolo Fuori le Mura

Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls was built atop the tomb of Saint Paul of Tarsus who was martyred in that same area. A mighty fire destroyed 90% of the vast marble basilica in the 1800s so it was rebuilt along its original dimensions with donations of marble and money from Egypt, Russia, and Greece. It has a peaceful cloister for quiet contemplation before entering the nave, lined with 80 columns and the portraits of every pope since St. Peter. The Baldachin of porphyry stone covers the altar and the grave of Saint Paul below, and a giant marble Easter candle dating to the 13th century, which survived the fire stands in pride of place. A massive, solid gold mosaic of Christ crowns the basilica. Outside is a Vatican post office, souvenir shop, and a café for some refreshment before returning to the city center.

45 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

Private transportation

Special loggia access in St. Mary Major

Basilica of St. John in Lateran

Basilica of St. Mary Major

Tomb of Saint Paul

Basilica of St. Paul

Expert private guide

Saint Peter’s Basilica is not included

Tips & Gratuity

Options