Private Tour: Exploration of Rome's Five Major Basilicas

Embark on a private tour of Rome’s five major basilicas, including an optional visit to the ancient Catacombs. Discover the rich history, stunning architecture, and sacred relics housed within these iconic landmarks.

Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore - The Largest Basilica entitled to the Virgin Mary
  • Abbazia di San Paolo Fuori Le Mura - The Basilica dedicated to St Paul
  • Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis - Where Jesus left His foot print
  • Basilica di Santa Croce in Gerusalemme - Check out the relics of the life of Jesus
  • Scavi di San Giovanni in Laterano - Explore the Cathedral of Rome
What's Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Private tour
  • Landing and/or facility fees
  • Surcharges on fuel
  • Transport by air-conditioned minivan
  • English Speaking driver
What's Not Included
  • Entrance fees 8 euro per person for the Catacombs
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch at your own expense
Additional Information

Embark on a private seven-hour journey exploring five iconic basilicas in Rome and optional visit to Catacombs, the renowned ancient burial site, all with the convenience of air-conditioned transportation from your Rome accommodation. Discover the splendors of the Eternal City including St. Paul Outside the Walls, Santa Maria Maggiore, St. John Lateran,…

Location
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
5.0
(20 Ratings)
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Douglas_o
Jun 13, 2025
Amazing Day - 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.
Review provided by Viator
Global769754
Apr 23, 2025
Fabulous Day Trip in Rome - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sge5603qd
Jan 12, 2025
Excellent Tour of the Basilicas of Rome - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Don_b
Dec 29, 2024
This is the second time... - 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!!
Review provided by Viator
Rosannep2015
Nov 19, 2024
A Must for Catholics interested in their faith - 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!!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jamesmg8168ee
Nov 16, 2024
GREAT EXPERIENCE - 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jerryclement
Nov 1, 2024
Tour of Cathedral and several Basilica’s - 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!
Review provided by Viator
Dianne_r
Oct 7, 2024
Perfect day in Rome - This was a terrific tour. Very informative and enjoyable. A perfect way to spend a day in Rome. Highly recommend this tour.
Review provided by Viator
Yvetteg988
Aug 27, 2024
Awe inspiring Tour of Rome and the Vatican including last minute accommodations - 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paradise35815540085
May 24, 2024
Excellent service! - 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $154
up to 8 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).