Exploring the rich history and captivating sites beyond Rome’s Aurelian Walls offers a unique window into the city’s past. This guided tour delves into the underground Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, a labyrinth of ancient catacombs that served as burial grounds for early Christians. Afterward, visitors venture to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, a stunning architectural masterpiece boasting impressive mosaics and a fascinating history. With comfortable transportation and an expert guide, this immersive experience promises to transport participants back in time and leave them eager to uncover more of Rome’s enduring legacy.
Key Points
- The tour explores the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
- The 3.5-hour experience is priced from €1,640 per person, with bus/coach transportation provided between the sites.
- The tour features guided visits to the Catacombs, Basilica of San Sebastiano, and the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
- An optional photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is included in the itinerary.
- The tour has an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on customer reviews, with some concerns about cancellations and delays in pickup.
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Contents
Tour Overview
The tour takes visitors outside the Aurelian Walls to explore the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, as well as the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Priced from €1,640 per person, the 3.5-hour tour is conducted in Spanish with English translation available.
Travelers will be transported by bus between the sites, with guided tours at each location.
The tour includes a photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rome.
Itinerary Highlights
This tour’s itinerary highlights transportation via bus/coach rides of approximately 20 minutes each between locations.
The first stop is the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, where visitors will enjoy a 50-minute guided tour.
Next, they’ll visit the Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura for a 15-minute guided tour.
The main highlight is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where guests will have a 1-hour guided tour.
An optional photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is also included.
The route passes the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis along the Via Appia Antica.
Transportation
Bus/coach rides between the tour sites make up the transportation component of this experience.
These bus transfers:
- Occur approximately every 20 minutes between each location
- Provide a comfortable and efficient way to travel between the Catacombs, Basilicas, and other stops
- Allow guests to sit back and enjoy the scenic drive along the historic Appian Way
- Are included in the tour price, eliminating the need for separate transportation arrangements
- Ensure a seamless transition between the various sites and activities on the itinerary.
Sites Visited
Visitors on this tour first explore the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, where a guided tour delves into the underground world of ancient Roman burial sites.
They then visit the Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura for a 15-minute guided tour.
The highlight is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, where travelers enjoy a guided tour lasting an hour.
An optional photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore can also be included.
Throughout the route, the tour passes notable sights like the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis along the historic Via Appia Antica.
More Great Tours NearbyRoute
The tour winds through the historic Via Appia Antica, passing iconic landmarks like the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis.
The route includes the following highlights:
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Catacombs of Saint Sebastian, where visitors embark on a 50-minute guided tour of these ancient underground burial sites.
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Basilica of San Sebastiano Fuori le Mura, with a 15-minute guided visit.
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Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, the main attraction with a 1-hour guided tour and photo stop.
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Optional photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
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Bus/coach rides between locations, each lasting approximately 20 minutes.
Customer Experience
Typically, the tour earns an impressive overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.
Customers praise the guides’ knowledge and helpfulness, noting their ability to accommodate language needs.
However, some negative experiences have been reported, including cancellations and delays in pickup.
Reviewers suggest adding a tour of the entire Appian Way to enhance the experience.
Important Information
To join the tour, guests meet at The Space Cinema in Piazza della Repubblica, exiting the metro on the left side.
Participants must dress appropriately, covering their shoulders and knees to enter the Basilica of St. Paul.
Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia, as it includes navigating the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian.
Baby carriages are also not permitted.
Guests should be aware of these important details:
- Proper attire required for basilica entry
- Mobility and claustrophobia considerations
- No baby carriages allowed
- Meeting point at The Space Cinema
- Exiting the metro on the left side
Reviews and Feedback
Reviewers have generally praised the tour guides Valentina and Romana for their ability to accommodate language needs, ensuring a positive experience for guests.
However, some negative feedback has been reported, including incidents of tour cancellations and delays in pickup.
While the overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 6 reviews suggests a generally satisfactory experience, there’s room for improvement, particularly in the consistency of the tour logistics.
Guests have suggested adding a tour of the entire Appian Way to enhance the experience, providing a more comprehensive exploration of the area’s rich history and landmarks.
Outside Aurelian Walls – Catacombs & Basilica of St.Paul
Recap
This tour offers a captivating exploration of Rome’s rich history, delving into the ancient Catacombs of Saint Sebastian and the magnificent Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. With comfortable transportation along the scenic Appian Way, it combines culture, history, and stunning architecture, providing an immersive experience for visitors. The tour’s highlights, itinerary, and practical information ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable adventure.
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