Private
The Papal Basilicas of Rome
Overview
Highlights include:
- St. Peter's Basilica
- St. John Lateran
- St. Mary Major
- St. Paul's outside the Walls
This tour will take you to four major basilicas of Rome: St. Peter's, St. Paul's outside the Walls, St. Mary Major, and St. John Lateran. The order of the visit to the basilicas may vary.
St. Peter's Basilica is one of the most impressive sights in Rome, built on the site of Constantine's original basilica and the necropolis where St. Peter was buried. Pope Julius II commissioned the construction of the second basilica in the early 16th century. The structure was worked on by renowned architects, including Michelangelo, Bramante, Maderno, and Bernini. Its size, the light that floods in from the high windows, immense papal tombs, and gilded decoration leave a lasting impression on the visitors.
Like St. Peter's, the Basilica of St. Paul lies outside the ancient walls, over the necropolis where the saint was laid to rest. It was the only one of the Constantine basilicas to have survived from antiquity in its original form when it was burnt down in 1823. Thanks to donations from around the world, it was rebuilt just as it had been, including the original Medieval cloister that survived the fire. Mosaics of every pope from St. Peter to Pope Francis look down on visitors from the inside.
In the city center, the Basilica of St. Mary Major stands on the site where snow fell on an August night in the 5th century. It was one of the first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary, following the Council of Ephesus in 431. The council declared her to be the Mother of God. Much of the church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1348, but the original, beautiful 5th-century mosaics still line the apse walls and the triumphal arch, depicting scenes from both the Old and the New Testaments.
Not far from here is the Basilica of St. John Lateran. It is the cathedral of Rome and the highest-ranking of all the churches in Rome. Known as 'archbasilica,' it was once the official residence of the papacy. As the oldest and most important basilica in the world, it holds the title of Ecumenical Mother Church of the Catholic Faithful. Constantine's original basilica was built on the site of the barracks of the Imperial Guard, who had fought against Constantine at the Battle of Milvian Bridge. Following his victory, Constantine disbanded the guard and razed the barracks, eventually donating the Lateran Palace to the Pope. Like the other basilicas, St. John's has been rebuilt over the years, and much of its current appearance dates to the 17th century. However, the original private chapel of the pope, the Sancta Sanctorum, can still be seen across the road at the top of the Holy Steps.
Duration
7 hours
Starting From
EUR 400
Per person for two travelers
Tailored to your departure and group.
Explore 2000 years of history and faith in Rome's four papal basilicas from the comfort of a luxury vehicle.
- Tour Style
- Private
- Meeting Point
- Your Hotel
Gallery
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's Included
- English-speaking registered guide
- English-speaking driver
- Hotel pick up and drop off
What's Not Included
- Gratuities of any type
- Optional entrance to the cloisters of St. John Lateran and St. Paul's outside the Walls
Traveler Reviews
Emily and David DavisonMy husband and I just took a two week trip to Italy that was planned for us by Eleanor Kinchin-Smith. It was a fantastic trip and we could not have been more thrilled. We worked together with Ele to let her know about our interests and our style of travel. She planned the perfect trip with excellent private guides at all of our sites, professional drivers and lovely hotels. We arrived in Italy with all of our train and ferry reservations made by Ele, with tickets in hand. She was in touch with us daily throughout our trip to make sure that things were going smoothly. She was able to make a few changes to our itinerary as needed. We look forward to working with Ele again on our next trip and have put her in touch with another family member to help plan their trip as well.
Ron and Deb CrosbyDear Guiseppe and Jesse,
We just returned from our most wonderful vacation to Italy and wanted to first thank you for putting together such a wonderful trip, and second to provide some feedback for the future.
Hotels
1. Hotel Sovestro in San Gimignano was wonderful. The staff were very friendly and helpful and made the first portion of our journey very stress free. They made us feel like we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone and would specifically ask for it if we were to make a return visit.
2. Hotel La Baia in Monterosso was nice and it's location was very good especially for us older folks humping luggage from/to the train station.
3. Hotel Lucchesi in Florence- what can I say expect FANTASTIC. The rooftop view at sunset is well worth it. Again very friendly and helpful staff. Would recommend it to everyone.
Wine Tour
Money well spent. We had a great time overall. The driver Mario was OUTSTANDING. He had lots of local knowledge as well as about winemaking. USE HIM AGAIN!!!
The various wineries we visited on tour:
Altesino- fantastic and they were not cheap on their pouring. Great experience.
Azienda Agricola Patrizia Cencion Sloaria- Again a great tour by one of the owner's daughters. We felt like we were the only thing on their mind although there were other customers there. A great way to complete the day.
Again we had a fantastic time and are very appreciative of everything you booked for us. We wish you continued success and if our travels should bring us back to Italy, we know who to call.
Leon and MicheleThe trip was great we appreciate all the hard work you and your team invested to make our experience a once in a lifetime trip. We appreciate all the attention to the details in particular Giuseppe spending the time and the focus with us on the road and as we were exploring your great country.
Bob & SandyJesse & Giuseppe,
Sandy and I have been looking through my slides of our trip to Southern Italy. We had such a good time with you and Giuseppe that we wanted to let you know again. You were the best guides ever.
Location
Italy Rome
Rome and beyond
7 hours through Italy, with every stop chosen by the people who live here.
Where we meet
Your Hotel
This exclusive journey focuses on a singular region, offering deep immersion in local culture and traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a private tour, or will we join a group?
Private. You travel with your own guide and driver, and the only people on the itinerary are the ones you bring with you. Nothing is shared with strangers, and the pace of each day is yours to set.
Can the itinerary be changed to suit us?
Yes. What you see here is a starting point, not a fixed departure. Tell us how long you have, what you love and what you would rather skip, and we will reshape it around you. A slower morning, an extra night somewhere you fell for, a different region entirely.
How do we start planning?
Send us a note using the form on this page, or call us on 1-866-779-2565. A travel specialist replies within one business day, usually with a few questions of their own. There is no cost and no obligation in asking.
When should we book?
The earlier the better, particularly for travel between May and September, when the guides worth having are taken first. That said, we have put together beautiful trips at short notice, so ask and we will tell you honestly what is still possible for your dates.
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