Admire two of the most important Basilicas of the Catholic world and the unforgettable Catacombs. See the worshiped the Holy Stairs at St. John in Lateran.  The heart of Christianity from the time of the persecutions to the rise of the Pope's power. A fascinating journey into the history of Catholic Rome, uncover ancient secrets hidden beneath the surface of modern Rome

Now is your chance to witness the wonderful chapel that became a holy grail for pilgrims. After reaching the final step of the Holy Stairs at The Chapel of the Sancta Sanctorum, pilgrims would pray through the iron grating protecting it. According to Medieval historians, it was “the most venerated sanctuary in Rome”. Visit what was once the private chapel of the Popes until the Renaissance period. It's still here as a testimony of the splendour of the ancient patriarchy and a millennium of Roman Pontifical history. No one knows who founded it, but you'll get plenty of interesting facts with your audio guide. See the Holy Stairs, which Jesus is said to have once ascended, and look up at the image of the Holy Saviour, the most ancient and venerated object in the Sancta Sanctorum. This is hung above the altar, and is referred to as the “Acheropita,” which means "not made by human hands."

Your private storyteller will let you experience an authentic pilgrimage to sacred places of Rome during this tour, discovering three of the Great Basilicas in Rome: S.Giovanni in Laterano, S.Paolo fuori le Mura, and S.Maria Maggiore. During this tour, you will have the opportunity to learn about Christianity and see impressive artwork and masterpieces from many different centuries. The Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore is an absolute Early Christian masterpiece of art and architecture. Outside the historical district, you'll find the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the walls. Imposing, elegant, majestic, and built where Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul) was buried. The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, defined also as the "mother of all churches" is part of a great monumental complex including the great obelisk, the Lateran Palace, and the Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs. Upgrade your tour with a visit to the world-famous Scala Sancta!

See the major sites of Christianity with our Rome basilicas and catacombs tour. Visit St John in Lateran, St Mary Major, the Holy Stairs and the Appian Way.

We are immensely pleased to lead to you to visit the most significant sites of the Catholic Church in Rome. Included one Papal Blessing on Parchment in English. • Saint John Lateran • The Holy Stairs • Saint Mary Major • Saint Paul Outside the Walls • St. Peter’s Basilica (if and when open) • One Christian Catacomb (Skip-The-Line tickets included) Lunch included in a tipical Roman Restaurant. Upgradable with Official Licensed Expert Tour Guide (in Private option) Pickup and dropoff will be at your accommodation in Rome. Private or Shared Tour available options. Worry-Free and Safe Private Tour Experience, operated only with: • Expert Professional English-Speaking Drivers • Selected local Expert Licensed Tour Guides (when booked) • Welcoming by private licensed fully-insured air-conditioned comfortable Vehicles

On this tour you will explore three of the most important Basilicas in the world, after St. Peter's: St. John Lateran, St.Mary Major and St. Paul Outside the Walls. Built in the 4th century by the emperor Constantine, the Basilica of St. John Lateran is the oldest church in the western world. A former seat of the papacy, and the current seat of the Archdiocese of Rome, St. John Latera is Rome's Cathedral. Its many treasures include the original doors of the Roman Curia or senate house. Nearby are the Scala Sancta ( Holy Stairs ) believed to be the very steps on which Chist stood trial before Pontius Pilate. St. Mary Major is one the oldest churches dedicated to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, and is known for its mosaics featuring scenes from the life of Mary. It also houses the relic of Christ's manger. Last but not least, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is the second largest Basilica after St. Peter's Basilica. It was founded on the burial ground of St. Paul.

Experience the oldest church in the western world – the St. John Lateran Archbasilica – and the entire Lateran Complex with an informative multilingual audio guide. One of the four Archbasilicas in Rome, the Church’s history dates back to early Christianity and, together with the Cloister, the Baptistery, the Holy Stairs (Scala Santa), and its Sancta Sanctorum chapel, forms a complex of substantial religious history and culture. This is the church where the Pope lived up to the XIV century until the residence shifted to the Vatican City after 1870. Marvel at the Cloister, measuring approximately 36-meters on each side. One of the widest in the city, observe the Roman Gothic architecture of the precious gilded marble column carved by one of the most talented stonemason families in Rome – the Vassallettos. You’ll find the entrance to the Baptistery behind the church. Featuring a dome and columns, look out for internal frescoes that were made under Pope Urban II in the XVII century. Mosaic decorations have almost disappeared but many artists have left their mark on the walls such as Andrea Sacchi, Carlo Rainaldi (the altar), and Luigi Valadier (the statue of St. John Baptiste). Opposite the St. John Lateran is the entrance to the Scala Santa, which translates to ‘Holy Stairs’. Legend says these 28 marble steps were the stairs on which Jesus climbed to Pontius Pilate’s office during his trial. Today, pilgrims climb up the stairs strictly on their knees only, praying and asking for grace. The Sancta Sanctorum chapel is considered to be one of the holiest sites of Christianity and holds the highest treasure of relics including an ancient image of Jesus the Saviour holding the New Testament. The rest of the chapel has been decorated by many popes over the years.