• Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314
  • Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565

The Papal Basilicas of Rome

  • St. John Lateran
  • St. Mary Major, Rome
  • external
  • St. Peters Basilica
  • St. Peters Basilica
  • St. Peters dome
  • Santa Maria Maggiore
  • St. Pauls outside the Walls
  • Santa Maria Maggiore
  • View of St. Peters Basilica from the Tiber

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.

Inclusions/Exclusions

Tour Highlights and 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

Pricing & Availability

Please contact us today by either phone or email for assistance with this booking.
Email : team@italyvacationspecialists.com
Toll Free : 1-866-779-2565


Map

Starting From : EUR 400.00

(Pricing is per person based on 2 pax traveling)

Note : Price also Depends on Point of Departure & Number of Participants. Get in touch with us today to get an accurate quote!


Quick Enquiry Form


Search Your Tour


PRIVATE TOURS

Buy 2 And Get 50% Off Your 3rd Tour

Client Testimonials

  • The 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. ... [Read More]

    - Leon and Michele

  • This company really knows their stuff and recommended our family to stay longer in each location. We didn't listen to them, but wished we had in every single place we went. They recommended Sestri Levante over the Cinque Terre which was our favourite destination on our entire trip. We visited Rome where we stayed in the outstanding Hotel Locorno where they know the owner there, like in every place ... [Read More]

    - Sean & Veet Chapman, CGA

  • I went to high school with the owner of the company who organized my honeymoon for myself and my now wife from Tokyo. We spent three short weeks seeing Piedmont and experiencing wine paradise there, then heading to Nice in France with our private driver and flying to Rome where honestly 4 days is NOT enough. They keep saying to spend more time and we could not agree more! You need to spend more ti ... [Read More]

    - Robin and Kumi Bruun, Tokyo Japan

  • I have traveled to Italy 2x with the IVS for my own pleasure trips and 2x for business with IVS. These guys really pay attention and make your trip go like clockwork. Italy is nuts, just saying! There are so many rules and restrictions now, so we did not want to drive ourselves. Having traveled with them many times and done business on several occasions, most definitely USE this company. They k ... [Read More]

    - JoAnne Beaudoin, Retired Nurse

  • I traveled with JoAnn West through your services, guided by Giuseppe, in July of this year. What a wonderful experience; your service is really top notch! If I return to Italy for a tour, I will absolutely use your services again and recommend you to my friends! ... [Read More]

    - Lucretia Brower

  • I am a travel agent from Lebanon and have organized several group tours as well as individual tours of Italy with Italy Vacation Specialists. I highly recommend them as one of the very best tour operators in Italy to work with, given their professionalism and work ethic which I feel is second-to-none in the travel industry. All of the staff, the guides, the coaches and even the meals we enjoyed we ... [Read More]

    - Nicole Haddad, Lebanese Travel Agent

  • In August 2018, my family of four and myself travelled from Vancouver, BC to Rome Italy and spent 3 weeks touring Italy with IVS. This company had come highly recommended by many friends and associates of ours who had used them before and indeed to say they do an outstanding job is an understatement. You can tell while being in Italy that it is one complicated place to run tours in, just by the ... [Read More]

    - Vijaya Sunil CPA, CGA

  • As a travel agent, but also a traveler to Italy, thee is no other company I would recommend than the Italy Vacation Specialists. Not only do they really care about what they are doing, they also really know Italy and try to educate many people about ways they can best see the country and not fall into tourist traps. I have been on 4 trips with the IVS team, firstly when they did my first 2 tri ... [Read More]

    - Laura Chomiak, Travel Agent

  • Dear 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 wer ... [Read More]

    - Ron and Deb Crosby

  • Jesse & 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. ... [Read More]

    - Bob & Sandy

Incredible Experiences in Italy for Exceptional Prices

Private Tour of Volterra and Her Incredible

Resources


Recommended Tours

Our Featured Properties

Our Recent Blog

Our Top Picks for Family Vacations to Italy

Discover Italy’s best family-friendly destinations, from Sorrento’s charming playgrounds to Minori’s scenic Lemon Trails. With breathtaking beaches, rich history, and welcoming towns, every stop promises unforgettable moments. Pack your bags and create lasting memories in Italy's most enchanting locales ...

Jesse Andrews  |  January 28, 2025
View Post
Italy: The Ultimate Destination for a Magical Christmas Celebration

If you're looking for a Christmas experience that combines history, culture, delicious food, and a whole lot of holiday cheer, Italy is the place to be! Italy has a knack for making everything feel a little more magical during the holiday season. Picture yourself wandering through charming markets, sipping hot cocoa, and nibbling on festive treats ...

Jesse Andrews  |  December 3, 2024
View Post
Top 10 reasons why Italy is a top Winter & Ski Destination

The crisp winter air fills your lungs as you glide down the pristine slopes of the Italian Alps, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas that seem to stretch into eternity. Each turn on the snow-laden trails reveals a new perspective of Italy’s enchanting winter landscape, where the charm of cozy mountain villages meets ...

Jesse Andrews  |  November 13, 2024
View Post

For Customized Holidays or Expert Advice for travel in Italy or the Mediterranean, Please get in touc with your travel agent or have them

  • Direct In Italy: +39 375 823 5314

  • Toll Free: 1-866-779-2565