Papal Basilicas, St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour with Transfers Tickets at Rome
Papal Basilicas, St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour with Transfers
Customer reviews
Summarised reviews
- Spectacular visuals
- Worth every penny
Visitors have praised the knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, who bring the history and significance of the sites to life. The tour provides a unique and unforgettable experience, with many visitors commenting on the stunning architecture and the opportunity to see holy relics up close. While some visitors have noted that the tour can be physically demanding, most agree that it's well worth the effort.
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Papal Basilicas, St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour with Transfers
This guided Rome tour takes you through centuries of Christian history, from papal basilicas to ancient underground burial sites. You'll visit four major papal basilicas including St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major, plus explore two remarkable catacombs along the historic Appian Way. The tour combines above-ground religious architecture with subterranean archaeology, offering insight into how early Christians lived and worshipped in Rome.
Your tour includes the Sancta Sanctorum with its famous Holy Stairs, believed by tradition to have been climbed by Jesus Christ. At St. John Lateran, you'll discover the pope's official cathedral and the highest-ranking church in the Western world. The Basilica of St. Mary Major showcases 5th-century mosaics and relics from the nativity manger. Below ground, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian reveal ancient Christian burial practices through frescoes, inscriptions, and prayer niches carved from volcanic rock.
What is Included
- Round-trip transfers in air-conditioned coach from central Rome
- Expert guide providing commentary in English, Italian or Spanish
- Entry to Sancta Sanctorum and Holy Stairs
- Visit to Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
- Entry to Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Guided tour of Catacombs of St. Callixtus
- Exploration of Catacombs of St. Sebastian
Good to Know
Meet your guide in central Rome 15 minutes before departure for check-in procedures. Bring valid photo ID for entry verification at certain sites. Modest clothing covering knees and shoulders is required for all religious venues.
Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a layer for the cooler underground catacombs. Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the catacombs. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with severe mobility issues or claustrophobia.
Tours are available in English, Italian and Spanish - confirm your preference when booking. On Wednesdays, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus may be replaced with the Catacombs of Domitilla due to closures.
If you're planning more Rome tours, consider combining this spiritual experience with other historical sites. The Colosseum and Roman Forum tour offers insight into ancient Roman daily life, whilst the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel showcases Renaissance masterpieces alongside papal history.
Why you'll love it
- Visit the pope’s official seat, the stunning Basilica of St
- Mary Major, and two ancient catacombs—all with expert insights and hassle-free transfers
- Kick things off at the Sancta Sanctorum, where you’ll find the Holy Stairs—believed to be the very steps Christ climbed before meeting Pontius Pilate
- Step inside the Archbasilica of St
- John Lateran, the pope’s home church, then take in the splendor of St
- Mary Major perched on Esquiline Hill
- Go underground to explore the catacombs of St
- Callixtus and St
- Sebastian, where ancient faith, art, and history come alive
- Sit back and enjoy smooth transfers between stops while your guide shares the incredible stories behind each site.
What's included
- Guided tour of the Holy Stairs at Sancta Sanctorum Guided tour of St
- John Lateran Archbasilica & St
- Mary Major Basilica Guided tour of St
- Callixtus & St
- Sebastian Catacombs with entry Expert English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome
Good to know
- Age suitability
- Children under the age of 8 are not permitted on this tour.
- Opening hours
- Sun09:00-17:00
- Know before you go
Before embarking on this 3-hour tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour. Additionally, consider dressing modestly as you'll be visiting a place of worship. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to account for security checks and ticket collection. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but please inform the tour operator in advance if you require any special assistance.
- Visitor guidelines
Arrive 15 minutes before departure to allow for check-in procedures
Carry a valid photo ID for entry verification at certain sites
Dress with knees and shoulders covered for church entry
Sturdy walking shoes and a layer for the cooler catacombs are recommended
On Wednesdays, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus may be replaced with Domitilla
- Cancellation policy
Free cancellation
Frequently asked
Are transfers included in this tour?
Yes, your experience includes round-trip transfers in an air-conditioned coach from central Rome.
Which languages are tours offered in?
Guided tours are available in English, Italian and Spanish. Please confirm your preference at booking.
Can I take photos in the catacombs?
Photography and video recording are not allowed inside the catacombs. Please respect the guidelines.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, modest clothing covering knees and shoulders is required to enter religious venues on this tour.
Are the catacombs accessible to wheelchair users?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with severe mobility issues or claustrophobia.
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