Christian Rome

This tour will give you a comprehensive look at the religious history of the Eternal City.

Meet up with our English-speaking licensed guide and art historian and be escorted through the steps of the ancient pilgrims. First, you will visit the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, with its marvelous gold mosaics. Built in 352 A.D., it is one of Rome’s four patriarchal basilicas. Continue on foot or hop in a taxi for a quick ride to visit the mother of all Roman catholic churches: Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano. Constructed on the site of the original papal headquarters, it is the official cathedral of Rome and home to the magnificant cosmatesque mosaics. From here, the tour can stay on foot and continue to La Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs. At the top of the Holy Stairs is Sancta Sanctorum, the former private chapel of the popes. Entrance to this significant chapel is included in the three-hour walking version of this tour.

Alternatively, after Basilica di San Giovanni, you can be chauffeured out of the hustle and bustle of the city center, to the age-old paving cobblestones of the Ancient Appian Way, known as the “Queen of Roads” and the reason behind the phrase “all roads lead to Rome.” This version of the tour will finish with a visit to one of the famous catacombs where you will learn about these fascinating, ancient Christian underground cemeteries.