Papal Basilicas Tour
Visit the four major Basilicas: St. Peter’s, Saint John, St. Paul, St. Mary
Private Transportation
Pick-up & Drop-off at your hotel
If in Rome city center
Skip-the-line tickets
Professional Guides
Duration about 5 hours
Family Friendly Price!
Tour information
This private tour offers a meaningful journey through the four Papal Basilicas of Rome, all part of the ancient tradition of the Seven Pilgrim Churches.
Accompanied by a professional guide and traveling comfortably with a private driver, you will visit the most important churches of the Catholic world, discovering their history, art, relics, and spiritual significance. This tour is ideal for travelers interested in Christian history, sacred art, and architecture, whether visiting Rome for religious reasons or cultural exploration.
Sights included in our Papal Basilicas Tour
St. Peter's Basilica
- Pietà by Michelangelo
- Canopy by Bernini
- Tomb of St. Peter
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
- Tomb of St. Paul
- 13th century mosaic masterpiece on the ceiling of the Apse
- Mosaics with papal portraits
Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
- Astonishing mosaics
- Moving painting of the Virgin Mary
- Tomb of Pope Francis
Basilica of Saint John Lateran
- The Lateran obelisk
- Medieval Cloister
- Beautiful deign by Borromini
Included in the Price:
- Pick-up & Drop-off at your hotel (if located in the city center)
- Private transportation with a Mercedes vehicle throughout the entire tour
- Tickets
- Professional, Private Guides
1. St. Peter’s Basilica
The first stop of your Papal Basilicas Tour is St. Peter’s Basilica, the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church and one of the most iconic buildings in the world.
Built above the tomb of Saint Peter, the first Pope, the original basilica was commissioned by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century. In the 16th century, Pope Julius II decided to rebuild it entirely, giving rise to a monumental project that took 120 years to complete. The new basilica was consecrated in 1626.
Whether religious or not, it is impossible not to be impressed by the vast interior, the soaring dome, and the lavish decoration of marble, mosaics, sculpture, and gold. Inside, you will encounter Michelangelo’s Pietà and Bernini’s monumental bronze baldachin, standing beneath the dome and marking the high altar above Saint Peter’s tomb.
Your guide will introduce the basilica from the outside and explain its history and symbolism. You will then have free time inside to explore at your own pace, take photographs, and, if you wish, spend time in prayer. Afterward, you will meet your guide again and continue the tour.
2. Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
The tour continues to Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four Papal Basilicas and one of the most important Marian shrines in the world. Although located within Italian territory, the basilica belongs to the Holy See and stands on the Esquiline Hill, one of Rome’s seven hills.
Originally founded in the 4th century under Pope Liberius, the present structure was built between 432 and 440, shortly after Mary was proclaimed Mother of God at the Council of Ephesus in 431.
The basilica is especially dear to Pope Francis, who frequently visits the revered icon of the Salus Populi Romani, an image of Mary and Child traditionally believed to have arrived in Rome in 590 AD. According to legend, it was painted by Saint Luke himself.
Inside, the basilica is richly decorated with early Christian mosaics, sculptures, and works of art spanning centuries. It also houses the Crypt of the Nativity, where a crystal reliquary designed by Giuseppe Valadier is said to contain relics of the Holy Crib from Bethlehem. Numerous popes, artists, and notable figures are buried here.
3.Basilica of St. John Lateran
Next, you will arrive at St. John Lateran, the cathedral of Rome and officially the most important basilica in the world, even ranking above St. Peter’s.
Founded by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century after the legalization of Christianity in 313 AD, the basilica has been rebuilt and redesigned multiple times over the centuries. The current structure is a masterpiece of late-Baroque Classicism, with an imposing façade and monumental statues of Christ, Saint John the Baptist, Saint John the Evangelist, and the twelve Apostles.
The interior, redesigned by Borromini, features a majestic nave enriched with sculptures, gilded ceilings, and ancient marble floors. Above the papal altar stands a Gothic canopy believed to contain the relics of the heads of Saints Peter and Paul.
Behind the basilica, you will also see the largest Egyptian obelisk in the world, a 3,600-year-old monument brought to Rome in the 4th century by Constantine’s son.
4. St. Paul Outside the Walls
The final stop of your Papal Basilicas Tour is St. Paul Outside the Walls, built over the tomb of Saint Paul, located beneath the main altar.
Also founded by Emperor Constantine, the basilica was later rebuilt on a much grander scale. Today, it is the second-largest church in Rome, after St. Peter’s, and one of the most impressive examples of early Christian architecture.
The interior is adorned with magnificent mosaics, statues, and a long series of papal portraits. The visit also includes the beautiful medieval cloister, decorated with ancient Roman and medieval elements, offering a peaceful and contemplative conclusion to the tour.
At the end of the visit, your private driver will take you back to your hotel or to any location of your choice in Rome’s city center.
Please note:
– The order of sites may change depending on circumstances and availability.
– Roman churches do not offer skip-the-line services, but the itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the smoothest possible access.
Why Choose Our Papal Basilicas Tour?
Tailored Experience:
Our Papal Basilicas Tour is designed to offer a thoughtful and well-paced exploration of Rome’s most important churches, focusing on their spiritual, historical, and artistic significance.
Expert Guides:
Your professional guide will share clear explanations and engaging stories about the history, architecture, and religious importance of the four Papal Basilicas.
Carefully Planned Itinerary:
Although churches do not offer skip-the-line access, the tour is organized to ensure the smoothest possible entry and a comfortable visit to each basilica.
Balanced Pace:
The itinerary allows time to admire artworks, understand the symbolism of the spaces, and enjoy moments of reflection, without rushing from one site to the next.
Papal Basilicas Tour Itinerary
Book Your Papal Basilicas Tour today!
Experience the spiritual and artistic heart of Rome with our Papal Basilicas Tour. This private itinerary allows you to comfortably visit the four most important churches of the Catholic world, accompanied by a professional guide who will help you understand their spiritual, historical, and artistic significance.
Please note:
– The order of sites may change depending on circumstances and availability.
– Roman churches do not offer skip-the-line services, but the itinerary is carefully planned to ensure the smoothest possible access.
IMPORTANT INFO!
- You MUST bring an ID, a passport or a driver’s license to enter the sights.
- You MUST have your shoulders and knees covered to enter the churches
Included in the Price:
- Pick-up & Drop-off at your hotel (if located in the city center)
- Private transportation with a Mercedes vehicle throughout the entire tour
- Tickets
- Professional, Private Guides
Tour Price
Papal Basilicas Tour
St. Peter, Saint Paul, Saint John, and Saint Mary-
Private Transportation
-
Pick-up & Drop-off at your hotel
-
Skip-the-line tickets
-
Professional Guides
-
Duration about 7 hours
59€
for additional adult
29€
for additional kid under 18
Contact Us!
If you want more info or to design a tailored tour!
Send us a message using the form below, contact us via WhatsApp or call us at +39 376 165 1457
BOOK NOW!
Through the booking calendar
Papal Basilicas Tour
931,00 €