Explore the rich Christian heritage of Rome with this immersive 3.5-hour private tour. Explore the Eternal City’s ancient burial practices and witness the significance of early Christianity as you visit the Catacombs and the impressive Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura. Along the way, capture stunning views of the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore. With private transportation for your comfort and convenience, this tour provides a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden depths of Rome’s captivating religious history. What secrets might these sacred spaces reveal?
Key Points

- This private tour explores significant Christian sites outside the Aurelian Walls, including guided visits to the Catacombs of Rome and Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura.
- The 3.5-hour tour includes transportation, entrance tickets, and a photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
- The tour itinerary highlights the rich history and importance of Christian landmarks, such as the Via Appia Antica and Baths of Caracalla.
- The tour departs from a central meeting point in Centro Storico and provides the option for a different drop-off location.
- The tour experience is designed to be immersive, with insights into ancient burial practices and the enduring Christian legacy in Rome.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Rome
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Itinerary Highlights
- Pickup Locations
- Tour Stops
- Transportation
- Drop-off Locations
- Tour Experience
- Important Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Are Wheelchairs Allowed on the Tour?
- Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
- Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
- Can I Request a Different Language Guide?
- How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Rome
- More Private Tours in Rome
- More Tour Reviews in Rome
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Rome we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview

Embarking on this private tour outside the Aurelian Walls, guests can expect a 3.5-hour immersive experience exploring Rome’s captivating catacombs and historic basilicas.
Priced from £165.04 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, entrance tickets, a professional guide, and private transportation.
Conducted in English, the tour offers a flexible booking option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Highlights include guided visits to the Catacombs of Rome and the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, as well as a photo stop at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Guests will also explore the famous Via Appia Antica and discover significant Christian sites along the way.
Want to keep it personal? More private experiences we love in Rome
Itinerary Highlights

What’re the highlights of the tour’s itinerary?
The tour begins with a visit to the Catacombs of Rome, where guests will enjoy a guided tour for 45 minutes.
Next, the group heads to the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura for another 45-minute guided tour.
The final stop is a 10-minute photo opportunity at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
During the transportation between locations, guests will have the chance to explore the famous ancient street of Via Appia Antica and discover significant Christian sites like the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis.
The tour also includes a visit to the Basilica of San Sebastiano, an important Catholic pilgrimage route.
Pickup Locations

For this private tour, visitors are picked up from the Centro Storico area of Rome. This central location provides a convenient starting point for the day’s activities.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing participants to select an optional additional drop-off location after the main tour concludes.
Some key pickup details:
- Pickup is from the Centro Storico, the historic heart of Rome.
- The tour departs from a central meeting point, making it easy for guests to access.
- After the tour, guests have the option to be dropped off at an additional location, beyond the main ending point.
The tour’s pickup and drop-off logistics are designed to provide a seamless and personalized experience for visitors exploring the wonders outside the Aurelian Walls.
Tour Stops
This private tour takes guests to several iconic Christian sites outside the Aurelian Walls of Rome.
The first stop is the Catacombs of Rome, where a guided tour (45 minutes) provides insights into the ancient Roman burial practices and early Christian communities.
Next, visitors explore the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, a majestic church that serves as one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome (45-minute guided tour).
The final stop is a photo opportunity at the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, a stunning example of Baroque architecture.
Throughout the tour, guests learn about the rich history and significance of these important Christian landmarks.
More Great Tours NearbyTransportation
The tour includes car travel between the various locations. Guests will be transported by private car for 15 minutes to the Catacombs, 20 minutes to the Basilica of St. Paul, and 25 minutes to the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore.
The transportation allows for a seamless experience, enabling guests to:
- Avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation
- Maximize time at each site without the need for lengthy commutes
- Enjoy the comfort and convenience of a private vehicle
At the end of the tour, the driver will return guests to the main drop-off location in Rome’s Centro Storico, with an optional additional stop available if desired.
Drop-off Locations
At the conclusion of the tour, the driver will return guests to the main drop-off location in Rome’s Centro Storico. This is the primary stop where the tour began.
Alternatively, guests may choose to be dropped off at another location, if desired.
The itinerary provides approximate travel times between the various tour stops and the drop-off points. For instance, the journey from the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore to the Centro Storico drop-off takes around 25 minutes.
This flexible drop-off arrangement allows visitors to conveniently return to their preferred destination in the city center after the comprehensive private tour outside the Aurelian Walls.
Tour Experience

Guests embark on an immersive journey through Rome’s ancient Christian heritage, exploring the city’s renowned Catacombs and renowned Basilicas.
The tour guides visitors through the captivating history of Rome’s Catacombs, where they’ll learn about the burial practices of early Christians.
Highlights include:
- Exploring the famous Via Appia Antica, a well-preserved ancient street
- Visiting significant Christian sites like the Baths of Caracalla and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis
- Discovering the Basilica of San Sebastiano, an important Catholic pilgrimage route
The tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s rich religious past and gain a deeper understanding of the city’s enduring Christian legacy.
Important Information
This tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
Guests are required to dress appropriately, with no shorts or sleeveless shirts allowed. This is due to the sacred nature of the sites visited, which include several important Christian churches and catacombs. Proper attire helps maintain respect for the religious and historical significance of these locations.
During the tour, guests will explore ancient streets, burial sites, and pilgrimage routes, learning about Roman Christian practices.
With a duration of 3.5 hours and guided tours at each stop, this private excursion provides an immersive experience outside the Aurelian Walls of Rome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Wheelchairs Allowed on the Tour?
Wheelchairs are not allowed on this tour, according to the important information provided. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the sites visited.
Can I Bring My Own Snacks and Drinks?
According to the tour overview, guests are not allowed to bring their own snacks and drinks. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all necessary entrance tickets and a professional guide.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
Yes, there’s a dress code for the tour. Visitors can’t wear shorts or sleeveless shirts when visiting the religious sites. Appropriate attire is required to ensure a respectful experience.
Can I Request a Different Language Guide?
Yes, you can request a different language guide for the tour. The tour provider offers the tour in English, but they may be able to accommodate other language requests if available, depending on staff and scheduling.
How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?
The tour involves moderate walking, with approximately 45 minutes spent exploring the Catacombs and another 45 minutes at the Basilica of San Paolo. Guests can expect to walk around 1 mile during the 3.5-hour tour.
Outside the Aurelian Walls – Catacombs & San Paolo – Private
Recap
This private tour provides an immersive exploration of Rome’s rich Christian heritage. Visitors will discover the Catacombs of Rome and the Basilica of San Paolo Fuori le Mura, gaining insight into ancient burial practices and the early history of Christianity in the city. With private transportation and a guided experience, the tour offers a unique and convenient way to explore this significant aspect of Rome’s past.
You can check availability for your dates here:

































