Rome · MAJOR BASILICAS OF ROME TOURS
The good major basilicas of rome tours fill up weeks out and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and how they actually differ.
Skip the line at Santa Maria Maggiore with a multilingual audio guide, exploring 5th-century mosaics, the Nativity crypt, and Bernini’s tomb.
“Really appreciated the sanctity and history of the Basílica.”
Fast access to Rome’s Lateran Cathedral and the Cosmatesque Cloister of St John, with a multilingual smartphone audio guide for $7.
“Ho avuto la possibilità di visitare questa splendida chiesa e il meraviglioso chiostro. Mi è stato sconsigliato però di usare l' audioguida (per giunta difficilissima da scaricare) poiché era domenica e i canti avrebbero coperto la voce dell' audioguida ...bah ...mah”
Priority access to Santa Maria Maggiore Upper Areas, with open-time entry and skip-the-line security for mosaics, popes, and the Bernini staircase.
“Basilica bella ma appuntamenti per visita ai piani superiori no rispettato. la prenotazione non e stara accettata dalla Basilica , no corrispondeva la prenotazione con i loro posti.qui di visita annullata”
Visit Pope Francis’ resting place at Santa Maria Maggiore, then Saint Paul and Lateran, with small-group time to pray and see Holy Doors.
“Guide could have been more interactive and appeared interested in what she’s doing. She was pleasant though and gave enough information. I say this because our other guide from another tour was excellent.”
Rome’s San Clemente Underground small-group tour visits a layered basilica and underground archaeology, with an English guide and admission included.
“An incredible tour of a fascinating, must-visit Roman site. My daughters both love Roman history, and we all absolutely adored this tour and learned so much! This is a fantastic tour to take, as it is lesser known and truly makes for a memorable stop in this beautiful city. Our guide, Gianluca, was so friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. Highly recommend!”
San Clemente Underground tour in Rome: three levels of basilicas and a Mithraic temple, plus 12th-century gold mosaics. 1.5 hours.
“Excellent tour. Amazingly intact ruins. Guide was passionate about the building and answered all questions.”
A 1-hour Rome Catholic tour of the Scala Sancta Holy Steps and St John Lateran, with a specialist guide and sacred relics.
“We really enjoyed having Wen as our guide. We learnt so much, as she was so knowledgeable.”
Night visit to Rome’s St. Agnes Catacombs and after-hours Santa Maria Maggiore. Small group, skip-the-line tickets, English tour.
“Our guide was terrific! Mrs. Emma. Loved the mausoleum. She was very knowledgeable! Enjoyed the whole tour!”
A small-group audio guided visit to Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore, with priority entry, key art highlights, and the Jubilee Holy Door.
“Visite déplacée d’une journée. Confirmation du jour et de l’heure par message. Le jour J aucun guide au point de rdv… Nos messages et e-mails mais aussi appels sont restés sans réponse. J’espère être remboursée et rapidement ! Sinon c’est ce qu’on appelle une arnaque ! Fuyez dans tous les cas.”
See Saint Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran, and Santa Maria Maggiore with a guide, minivan transfers, and audio headsets.
“Our guide Silvia Rana was the most amazing and informative guide that I have ever had. Her extremely welcoming and positive nature was a delight to be around”
Santa Maria Maggiore audioguide with skip-the-line entry, plus optional dome views or underground chapels, 1-4 hours from $17.
Private Jubilee tour in Rome: three Papal Basilicas, prebooked entry, Holy Door access, plus Papal Loggia tickets.
“Our tour was fantastic! Our guide was so exceptional. She explained everything. The jubilee doors and explanation of the churches and art masterpieces are not to be missed. I cannot say enough good things about our tour guide Chiara. I feel she was the best tour guide we have ever had. It felt like a true pilgrimage and we learned so much and she made it so fun. Superb!! Do this tour!!”
Relic-focused Rome walk to Santa Maria Maggiore, Lateran, Holy Cross, Santa Prassede and the Scala Sancta, with expert guides and headsets.
“È saltato il tour per mancanza di partecipanti. Aspetto che mi ridiate i soldi”
Visit four Papal Basilicas in Rome with guided stops, minivan transport, and included admissions, timed for Jubilee Holy Doors.
“Dina was an excellent tour guide! She was very knowledgeable, professional, timely, and friendly. The driver, Walter was a very safe driver, courteous and attentive. They exceeded our expectations and made this experience very memorable!”
Private day trip from Rome to San Giovanni Rotondo with luxury pickup, English escort, Great Church, Padre Pio crypt, monastery rooms, museum, and lunch.
“The trip with my mom to visit Padre Pio in San Giovanni was truly unforgettable. Giuliana and Luigi provided exceptional service, ensuring our every need was met. Giuliana's knowledge enriched the tour, making it highly informative. Spending the day with them was a genuine pleasure. The incredible drive and scenic views added an extra layer of unforgettable beauty to the experience. We highly recommend Giuliana and Luigi for your next tour.”
Every kind of Roman day, and the best of each.
