Catacombs, Appian Way and Roman Basilicas Private Tour

Following the footsteps of St. Peter to this district, home to the warm spirited catacombs and the tombs built by the most wealthy and famous families in Rome, the Appian Way, known as the Queen of Roads, is the first world’s highway. It is dated 312 BC and was the starting point for Roman traders and warriors but it was also flanked by mausoleums and the unmissable Christian Catacombs. Persecution of many Christian martyrs under pagan Emperors, whose bones, once buried underground, became objects of veneration.

These are the largest and busiest of Rome’s catacombs. Founded at the end of the 2nd century and named after Pope Calixtus I, they became the official cemetery of the newly established Roman Church. In the 20km of tunnels explored to date, archaeologists have found the tombs of 16 popes, dozens of martyrs and thousands upon thousands of Christians. Tours last about 45 minutes and give a good idea of the seemingly endless corridors stretching underground.

You walk along the ancient cobblestones past vast tombstones and spectacular countryside you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time.

The Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore is an ancient Catholic basilica that is considered to be the largest of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary in Rome. It is one of the city’s four major basilicas.Built on a pagan temple dedicated to the goddess Cybele, the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore was built in the mid-fourth century under the orders of Pope Liberius. According to legend, the Virgin appeared before the Pope with the instructions for building the church, and the shape of the floor was designed based on a miraculous snowfall.

The Lateran Palace was handed over by Constantine I to the Bishop of Rome, who converted the building into a temple during the fourth century. The Basilica is the “Mother of all Churches” because is the first church of the world.The Cathedral of Rome is among the most beautiful churches in Rome and is a definite must-see.

Erected during the fourth century AD, the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls is one of the four major basilicas of Rome, and the second largest after St. Peter’s Basilica. It was founded on the burial ground of St. Paul.On the basilica’s walls, visitors will be able to observe the portraits of each of the popes, while a ray of sunlight lights up the portrait of the current Pope, Pope Francis.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Child rate applies only when shared with 2 paying adults
• Security checks is obligatory for everyone entering the major Roman Basilicas
• DRESS CODE required for catacombs and churches: knees and shoulders MUST be covered
• According to the Vatican regulation the entrance in the catacombs is organized in groups.
• People with claustrophobia may find difficulties inside the catacombs

• Catacombs, Appian Way and Roman Basilicas Private Tour
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  Pickup included

• Private professional guide in the Basilicas
• Professional Vatican guide inside the Catacombs
• Private English-speaking tour escort at your disposal
• Pick-up and drop off with luxury transportation and private chauffeur
• Entrance tickets in the catacombs.

• Gratuities (optional)

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• This Tour is Provided by Rome Italy Explora.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Europe/Rome.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 7 Travelers is accepted for booking.