Private Tour

Private Tour: Basilicas of Rome

Overview

Available languages

English

7 hours

Mobile ticket

Explore five of Rome’s major basilicas with an option to visit the Catacombs ancient burial site, on this seven-hour private tour including transportation from your Rome hotel by air-conditioned vehicle. Visit the Eternal City’s St. Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore, St. John Lateran, Holy Cross in Jerusalem, and Church of Domine Quo Vadis, learning from your private guide about their design and the relics, including from the Passion of Jesus, housed inside their ornate chambers.

Additional Info

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

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

Cancellation Policy

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

What To Expect

Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore

The Largest Basilica entitled to the Virgin Mary

45 minutes • Admission Not Included

Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura

The Basilica dedicated to St Paul

1 hour • Admission Not Included

What‘s Included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Private tour

Landing and facility fees

Fuel surcharge

Transport by air-conditioned minivan

English Speaking driver

Entrance fees 8 euro per person for the Catacombs

Gratuities

Lunch at your own expense

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Options

Private Tour: Basilicas of Rome

Pickup included

Reviews

5.00

20 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Amazing Day
Douglas O,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
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.
Fabulous Day Trip in Rome
Global769754,,Apr 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rome Private Excursions was very easy to communicate with. My husband can’t walk a lot, so this was the prefect option for us to see the main sites in Rome in one day. Our driver was professional and prompt. I would definitely recommend them and use their services again in the future.
Excellent Tour of the Basilicas of Rome
sgE5603QD,,Jan 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Rome Private Excursions has great customer service. They're very professional. Max is outstanding for this tour. This is our second year in a row with him on this tour. His knowledge, customer service and attitude are just exceptional.
This is the second time...
Don B,,Dec 29, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
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!!
A Must for Catholics interested in their faith
rosannep2015,,Nov 19, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Max was an amazing guide! So full of history about Rome and the church. Took us to awesome churches we never would have known about. Hundreds stand in line be to see the Pantheon but few to see the column that Jesus was tied to and whipped. The steps we walked up to be judged by Pontius Pilot. Or walk in the house/church where the early Christians meet and Paul and Peter evangelized. Relics of the manger, cross, nails and thorns from the crown. The catacombs were very interesting. GREAT DAY. Highly recommend!!
GREAT EXPERIENCE
jamesmG8168EE,,Nov 16, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything was fantastic. Can not say enough as to how professional and knowledgeable all three have been . We especially would like to thank you for the outstanding knowledge and abilities of Paula at the Vatican! She provided us with extremely informative information and guided us through the maze of the Vatican we never would have made it were it not for she. To the point we may even still be inside the Vatican. We simply cannot say enough as to her knowledge personality and understanding of my situation in particular. Also the timeliness of both drivers to be where they said they would be when they said they would be there . The personalities and knowledge of both drivers were of a great assistance in our new understanding of all of Rome. We sincerely thank you all throughout this entire process in making it seamless and successful! We would highly recommend your services to our friends and relatives! Jim & Karen McKenna
Tour of Cathedral and several Basilica’s
JerryClement,,Nov 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
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 7, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
This was a terrific tour. Very informative and enjoyable. A perfect way to spend a day in Rome. Highly recommend this tour.
Awe inspiring Tour of Rome and the Vatican including last minute accommodations
yvetteg988,,Aug 27, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our tour guide Max picked us up right at the ship and was so knowledgeable about Rome. He made sure that we experienced the highlights. My husband had gotten injured getting off the tender in Greece (be careful) a few days earlier and required stitches on his foot. I was considering asking to cancel the tour the day before but I asked for accommodations and access to a wheelchair. Luca from Private Excursions arranged for a wheelchair responding to my frantic email, "Do not worry we will take care of everything". And they did! This allowed my husband to visit the Vatican, Sistine Chapel, and Trevi fountains. We could not use our tour of the inside of Colosseum given the climbing involved but Max got us so close that we could see the inside of this great structure. We arranged for a private tour inside the Vatican. The private tour guide knew every accessible route, lift, elevator and ramp which made this experience possible for us. I cried standing inside the Sistine Chapel - the beauty inspired a sense of awe. Max showed a great place for lunch managing to park in front. No small feat to find a spot in Rome! , I shopped in an outdoor market (fabulous truffle oils and the most delicious peaches I ever tasted) while Mark enjoyed a glass of wine before going back to the ship. I am indebted to the staff for making this once in a lifetime experience possible. Grazie mille!
Excellent service!
Paradise35815540085,,May 24, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great tour. Manny spoke good English. He took us to all the places we requested and then some. The reservations he got us for lunch were perfect. Great food, great prices, and service to match. We would definitely consider Shore Excursions again when in Europe.