Christian Rome Private Tour: Papal Basilica/Catacombs/Appian way
Description
Discover Rome’s most interesting attractions, which most tourists miss. Go beneath the bustling city to the Catacombs of San Callisto, where you can see ancient tombs and artwork. Then along cobblestone streets and under aqueducts on the Appian Way, once considered one of the most important roads in the Roman Empire. Embark on an intriguing journey exploring the "Secrets Below Rome" with a private driver. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pick-up as you venture into the depths of Rome's history. Descend into these ancient underground burial sites, where early Christians once gathered and revered. Next, follow the path of ancient Romans along the storied Appian Way. Marvel at the remnants of this historic road, immersing yourself in the echoes of its past. With personalized transportation and insightful guidance, delve into the hidden narratives and lesser-known wonders that lie beneath Rome's surface.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Originally known as the Porta Appia, the gate sat astride the Appian Way, the regina viarum (queen of the roads), which originated at the Porta Capena in the Servian Wall.
The Catacombs of Rome (Italian: Catacombe di Roma) are ancient catacombs, underground burial places in and around Rome, of which there are at least forty, some rediscovered only in recent decades.
The Appian Way (Latin and Italian: Via Appia) is one of the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic. It connected Rome to Brindisi, in southeast Italy. Its importance is indicated by its common name, recorded by Statius, of Appia longarum... regina viarum ("the Appian Way, the queen of the long roads"). The road is named after Appius Claudius Caecus, the Roman censor who began and completed the first section as a military road to the south in 312 BC during the Samnite Wars.
Santa Maria in Palmis also known as Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, is a small church southeast of Rome. It is located about some 800 m from Porta San Sebastiano, where the Via Ardeatina branches off the Appian Way, on the site where, according to the apocryphal Acts of Peter, Saint Peter met the risen Christ while Petrus was fleeing persecution in Rome. According to the tradition, Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" (Latin: Domine, quo vadis?). Christ answered, "I am going to Rome to be crucified again"
The Villa of Maxentius is an imperial villa in Rome, built by the Roman emperor Maxentius. The complex is located between the second and third miles of the ancient Appian Way, and consists of three main buildings: the palace, the circus of Maxentius and the dynastic mausoleum, designed in an inseparable architectural unit to honor Maxentius.
The pyramid of Cestius is a Roman Era pyramid in Rome, Italy, near the Porta San Paolo and the Protestant Cemetery. It was built as a tomb for Gaius Cestius, a member of the Epulones religious corporation. Due to its incorporation into the city's fortifications, it is today one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.
The Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls (Italian: Basilica Papale di San Paolo fuori le Mura) is one of Rome's four major papal basilicas,[a] along with the basilicas of Saint John in the Lateran, Saint Peter's, and Saint Mary Major, as well as one of the Seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome.
The Orange Trees Garden is the name used in Rome to describe the Parco Savello. It is about 7,800 square meters and is located on the Aventine Hill. The park offers an excellent view of the city. The garden, as it is today, was designed in 1932 by Raffaele De Vico.
The Aventine Hill is the southernmost of Rome's seven hills.
The Circus Maximus is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue in Rome, Italy. In the valley between the Aventine and Palatine hills, it was the first and largest stadium in ancient Rome and its later Empire.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Please provide pick up place.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(7)
This was a great way to see parts of Rome off the beaten path. Stefano took my wife and I to sites outside the city wall. He explained many sites and waited while we toured the Catacombs and St Paul Basilica. He provided cold bottled water twice. He was did several drive by stops in route to all locations and explained each stop. His knowledge of his city was impressive.
★★★★★ Stefano made this tour truly exceptional. From the moment we were picked up in a very slick and comfortable Mercedes, we knew we were in for a wonderful experience. Stefano was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable. His understanding of Roman history and architecture brought every site to life, from the catacombs and Appian Way to the beautiful churches and historic landmarks we visited. He took the time to explain what we were seeing and made the entire experience interesting and enjoyable. He was also an excellent and very safe driver, provided us with bottles of water, and made sure we were comfortable throughout the day. His warmth and attention to detail made the tour feel personal rather than rushed. We feel incredibly lucky to have experienced these remarkable sites, and even more fortunate that Stefano was the person who guided us through them. He truly made an amazing day in Rome even more memorable. We cannot recommend Stefano highly enough! ★★★★★ Stefano made this tour truly exceptional. From the moment he picked us up in a very elegant and comfortable Mercedes, we knew we were in for a wonderful experience. Stefano was incredibly kind, patient, and knowledgeable. His deep knowledge of Roman history and architecture brought every place we visited to life, from the catacombs and the Appian Way to the beautiful churches and historic monuments. He took the necessary time to explain what we were seeing, making the entire experience interesting and enjoyable. He was also an excellent and very safe driver, offered us bottles of water, and made sure we were comfortable throughout the day. His warmth and attention to detail made the tour personal and relaxed, never rushed. We feel incredibly lucky to have been able to visit these extraordinary places and even luckier to have had Stefano as our guide during this experience. He truly made a wonderful day in Rome even more memorable. We could not recommend Stefano more highly!
Thank you so much for this incredible review! We’re truly delighted to hear that Stefano made your Christian Rome tour such a special and memorable experience. It’s wonderful to know that you appreciated not only his knowledge of Rome’s history and architecture, but also his kindness, patience, safe driving, and attention to every detail throughout the day. We’re especially happy that the experience felt personal, comfortable, and never rushed. We will be very pleased to share your generous words with Stefano. Thank you again for choosing us and for recommending him so highly. We hope to welcome you back to Rome for another unforgettable experience!
Truly interesting tour!! The driver Stefano was very knowledgeable and professional. It is an experience that I highly recommend.
Grazie mille per la splendida recensione! Siamo davvero felici che il tour della Roma Cristiana sia stato interessante e coinvolgente e che Stefano abbia contribuito a rendere l’esperienza piacevole con la sua preparazione e professionalità. La vostra raccomandazione ci fa molto piacere e speriamo di potervi accogliere nuovamente a Roma per un’altra esperienza speciale!
Our driver Stefano was prompt, courteous, and accommodated every request we had! He used his knowledge of the city and sites that we wanted to visit to make our day easy and fun. We were able to tour all the basilicas we wanted and go through the Holy Doors for the Jubilee year. Even though we were hampered by a foot injury, Stefano found a way to easily get us into every site with minimal difficulty. We were so very well cared for - it was an exceptional experience. Stefano found us a charming restaurant to eat before returning to our hotel at the airport. He also made time to help us with some personal errands! This is the second time we have used eternal city tours and we will not use anyone else on any future trips! For comfort, personalization, and value you will find none better!
Wow, thank you so much for your incredible review! We are absolutely thrilled to hear that you had the best time ever on your Jubilee 2025 Christian Rome Private Tour with Eternal City Tours! It's wonderful to know that our guide, Stefano, was prompt, courteous, and went above and beyond to accommodate your requests. We pride ourselves on the professionalism and knowledge of our drivers, and we're particularly delighted that Stefano was able to navigate the basilicas, Holy Doors, and even your personal errands with such care and ease, especially with your foot injury. Finding ways to ensure minimal difficulty and maximum enjoyment is what we strive for. Thank you also for highlighting the charming restaurant and the smooth transfer back to your airport hotel. We are truly honored that this is your second time choosing Eternal City Tours, and your endorsement that we offer the best in comfort, personalization, and value means the world to us. We look forward to welcoming you back for all your future trips to Rome!
This was a GREAT EXPERIENCE. The tour was the best one we had in Rome the detail was explicit. The driver we had was experienced / knowledgeable and exceptional to work with.
Thanks for sharing your review! It sounds like you had a wonderful time on the Jubilee 2025 Christian Rome Private Tour. It's great to hear that the driver was experienced, knowledgeable, and made the tour so special for you.
Michael was amazing! He walked us thru the museum at a good pace explaining things and getting us into the Sistine Chapel for a wonderful experience. I highly recommend this tour because there is so much to see and we just needed to narrow down some important things.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed the Jubilee 2025 Christian Rome Tour and that Michael helped make the experience both smooth and meaningful. There's truly so much to take in, and we're glad the tour helped focus on the most important highlights. We hope to welcome you back to Rome again soon!
Best insider tour of the most interesting historical Christian sites in Rome. The Church of Domine Quo Vadis was something that we would have missed, and it was amazing - the story of St. Peter told in one tiny church and even a sculpture by Michelangelo. Also the Villa of the Roman emperor Maxentius where we saw the emperor’s private version of the Circus Maximus. Patrick has a real passion for his tours and a genuine love of relating his knowledge to us. Highest recommendation for this tour!
We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed discovering Rome’s lesser-known yet deeply meaningful Christian sites, like the Church of Domine Quo Vadis and the Villa of Emperor Maxentius. It’s wonderful that these special places and their stories left a lasting impression. Patrick will be thrilled to know that his passion and knowledge made your experience memorable. We’re grateful for your highest recommendation and would love to welcome you back for more incredible discoveries!
