Papal Basilicas, St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour with Transfers

About this experience

Papal Basilicas, St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour with Transfers This guided Rome tour takes you through centuries of Christian history, from papal basilicas to ancient underground burial sites. You'll visit four major papal basilicas including St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major, plus explore two remarkable catacombs along the historic Appian Way. The tour combines above-ground religious architecture with subterranean archaeology, offering insight into how early Christians lived and worshipped in Rome. Your tour includes the Sancta Sanctorum with its famous Holy Stairs, believed by tradition to have been climbed by Jesus Christ. At St. John Lateran, you'll discover the pope's official cathedral and the highest-ranking church in the Western world. The Basilica of St. Mary Major showcases 5th-century mosaics and relics from the nativity manger. Below ground, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian reveal ancient Christian burial practices through frescoes, inscriptions, and prayer niches carved from volcanic rock. What is Included Round-trip transfers in air-conditioned coach from central Rome Expert guide providing commentary in English, Italian or Spanish Entry to Sancta Sanctorum and Holy Stairs Visit to Archbasilica of St. John Lateran Entry to Basilica of St. Mary Major Guided tour of Catacombs of St. Callixtus Exploration of Catacombs of St. Sebastian Good to Know Meet your guide in central Rome 15 minutes before departure for check-in procedures. Bring valid photo ID for entry verification at certain sites. Modest clothing covering knees and shoulders is required for all religious venues. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a layer for the cooler underground catacombs. Photography and video recording are not permitted inside the catacombs. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or visitors with severe mobility issues or claustrophobia. Tours are available in English, Italian and Spanish - confirm your preference when booking. On Wednesdays, the Catacombs of St. Callixtus may be replaced with the Catacombs of Domitilla due to closures. If you're planning more Rome tours, consider combining this spiritual experience with other historical sites. The Colosseum and Roman Forum tour offers insight into ancient Roman daily life, whilst the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel showcases Renaissance masterpieces alongside papal history.

Highlights

• Visit the pope’s official seat, the stunning Basilica of St
• Mary Major, and two ancient catacombs—all with expert insights and hassle-free transfers
• Kick things off at the Sancta Sanctorum, where you’ll find the Holy Stairs—believed to be the very steps Christ climbed before meeting Pontius Pilate
• Step inside the Archbasilica of St
• John Lateran, the pope’s home church, then take in the splendor of St
• Mary Major perched on Esquiline Hill
• Go underground to explore the catacombs of St
• Callixtus and St
• Sebastian, where ancient faith, art, and history come alive
• Sit back and enjoy smooth transfers between stops while your guide shares the incredible stories behind each site.

What is included

• Guided tour of the Holy Stairs at Sancta Sanctorum Guided tour of St
• John Lateran Archbasilica & St
• Mary Major Basilica Guided tour of St
• Callixtus & St
• Sebastian Catacombs with entry Expert English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking guide Round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome

Before you go

Before embarking on this 3-hour tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven terrain and climbing stairs. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the tour. Additionally, consider dressing modestly as you'll be visiting a place of worship. Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to account for security checks and ticket collection. The tour is wheelchair accessible, but please inform the tour operator in advance if you require any special assistance.

Cancellation terms

These tickets cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.