Facade of a Roman basilica on the Appian Way with visitors exploring the site.
Interior of a Roman basilica with ornate frescoes and arches on the Appian Way tour.
Tour group exploring Roman basilica interior on Appian Way.
Interior of a Roman basilica with ornate ceiling and columns on the Appian Way tour.
Walking along the Appian Way near ancient ruins and trees, Rome.
Skeleton in robe surrounded by skulls in Roman catacombs on the Appian Way.
Ancient fresco depicting figures in Roman attire inside catacombs on the Appian Way, Rome.

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

Rome
Guided Tours
Google Verified Seller

Duration: 3 hours (approx.)

Transfers included

Comfortable roundtrip transfers in a A/C Bus

Guided tour

Expert local tour guide

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Explore Rome's spiritual heritage with this guided tour, featuring visits to Papal Basilicas and St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour. Your journey begins at Esquiline Hill where your expert guide will lead you through the Holy Staircase — believed to be Christ’s path to Pontius Pilate. The experience continues with a visit to the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Rome's oldest church, known for its stunning sculptures and intricate interiors.

Experience a hassle-free journey with round-trip coach transfers as you explore three of Rome’s Papal Basilicas: St. Mary Major on Esquiline Hill and the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran—the pope's official seat—alongside expert-led tours to two ancient catacombs.

Begin your adventure at Sancta Sanctorum, where history comes alive with the Holy Stairs believed to be those climbed by Christ before Pontius Pilate, offering a unique glimpse into early Christian devotion.

Discover Rome’s architectural marvels starting from the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran and moving on to the majestic Basilica of St. Mary Major, perched atop Esquiline Hill with expert insights enhancing your visit.

Venture beneath ground level at the St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour where you’ll encounter a rich tapestry of ancient faith, art, and history in these historic underground sites.

While relaxing on smooth transfers between destinations, explore Rome’s fascinating stories with your guide as they bring to life each site's remarkable past.

Access to the Holy Stairs at Sancta Sanctorum on a Guided tour

Entry into St. John Lateran Archbasilica & St. Mary Major Basilica with an Expert-guided experience

Use of ticket for entry and exploration in the St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian Catacombs Tour, including transfers (on the cruise)

Expert guide proficient in English, Italian, or Spanish-speaking during Guided tours

Return AC coach transfers provided from central Rome

Individual Costs

Facade of a Roman basilica on the Appian Way with visitors exploring the site.

Facade of a Roman basilica on the Appian Way with visitors exploring the site.

Your Exciting Adventure Begins

Start an expert-led exploration starting from the heart of the city. Your knowledgeable guide will first take you to the Holy Staircase, a series of 28 marble steps believed to be those that Christ ascended while heading to meet Pontius Pilate before his crucifixion.

A Journey through Rome's Sacred Sites

Next, visit the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, recognized as the oldest church in the West and notable for its stunning sculptures and intricate interiors. Your journey continues to the Basilica of St. Mary Major where you can admire 5th-century mosaics depicting scenes from the Virgin Mary's life. Here too is an intricately decorated altar that holds relics believed to be part of the Holy Manger, associated with the nativity.

Explore Rome’s Christian Underworld

Beneath Rome's vibrant streets and renowned landmarks lies a hidden ancient Roman secret. The catacombs, carved into soft volcanic rock, served as both burial grounds and places for worship. Your tour will take you along the Appian Way, an essential route of the Roman Empire, where beneath it lie the Catacombs of St. Callixtus and St. Sebastian.

Delve deep into this underground labyrinth to discover early Christian art including paintings, sketches, and sacred tombs that provide a unique insight into Rome's religious traditions and artistic heritage.

Interior of a Roman basilica with ornate frescoes and arches on the Appian Way tour.

Interior of a Roman basilica with ornate frescoes and arches on the Appian Way tour.

Tour group exploring Roman basilica interior on Appian Way.

Tour group exploring Roman basilica interior on Appian Way.

Interior of a Roman basilica with ornate ceiling and columns on the Appian Way tour.

Interior of a Roman basilica with ornate ceiling and columns on the Appian Way tour.

What to bring

    Come prepared with comfortable walking shoes and an extra layer for the cooler underground conditions.

    Prohibited items

    • You cannot bring large objects, pets, or any food and drinks on this tour.
    • Taking photos or videos inside the catacombs is not allowed.

    A dress code requiring clothing that covers knees and shoulders must be followed.

    Accessibility considerations

      The tour isn't suitable for wheelchair users, nor those with claustrophobia or significant mobility challenges.

      More details to note

      • If you visit on a Wednesday, Saint Callixtus will be substituted by the Domitilla catacombs.

      Punctuality is essential; late arrivals won't be accepted.

      Walking along the Appian Way near ancient ruins and trees, Rome.

      Walking along the Appian Way near ancient ruins and trees, Rome.

      Skeleton in robe surrounded by skulls in Roman catacombs on the Appian Way.

      Skeleton in robe surrounded by skulls in Roman catacombs on the Appian Way.

      Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a layer for chilly temperatures in underground areas to ensure you stay warm during your visit.

      To maximize your experience, start with the Sancta Sanctorum tour early as it sets the tone with its historical significance of the Holy Stairs.

      Plan your day by visiting attractions from furthest to nearest; begin at Esquiline Hill and work back towards city center for efficient travel between sites.

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      Operating hours

      Roman Catacombs

      Monday
      9:00am - 5:00pm
      Tuesday
      9:00am - 5:00pm
      Wednesday
      Closed
      Thursday
      9:00am - 5:00pm
      Friday
      9:00am - 5:00pm
      Saturday
      9:00am - 5:00pm
      Sunday
      9:00am - 5:00pm
      • Timings are displayed in the venue's time zone.

      By proceeding with any booking via Staybook, you acknowledge and agree to adhere to all the .

      FAQs

      This experience is not wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those who have claustrophobia.
      Your expert guide will be fluent in English, Italian, or Spanish.
      Yes, clothing that covers the knees and shoulders is required due to strict dress codes at certain sites.
      No, pets are not permitted during this experience.
      You should bring comfortable walking shoes and a layer to stay warm in cooler underground temperatures.
      The tour includes visits to the Sancta Sanctorum, Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of St. Mary Major, and the catacombs of St. Callixtus & St. Sebastian.
      Food and beverages are not allowed on this tour, so you should plan accordingly before starting your journey.
      No, round-trip AC coach transfers from central Rome will be provided as part of the tour package.
      Photography is prohibited inside the catacombs, but it's not mentioned for other sites on this tour.
      Large items are not permitted on this tour.

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