Discover the grandeur of Rome’s most renowned basilicas with the "San Giovanni, San Paolo, Maria Maggiore Private Tour 2024." This guided excursion immerses you in the rich history and architectural wonders of the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Santa Maria Maggiore. With flexible transit and optional upgrades, the tour provides a seamless and customizable experience. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, this is an opportunity to uncover the sacred treasures that have captivated travelers for centuries. But there’s more to this tour than meets the eye…
Good To Know
- This private tour takes visitors to three renowned basilicas in Rome: San Giovanni, San Paolo, and Santa Maria Maggiore.
- The tour includes an optional upgrade to visit the Scala Santa, a sacred staircase believed to have been climbed by Jesus.
- Convenient transit is provided between the basilicas, and mobile ticketing enhances accessibility.
- The tour is priced at €387.50 per person, with a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
- Customer reviews praise the knowledgeable guides and the overall seamless sightseeing experience offered by this tour.
Pricing and Availability
The private tour of Rome’s significant basilicas has a starting price of €387.50 per person. However, the final cost can vary depending on the size of the group.
Viator offers a Lowest Price Guarantee, ensuring customers get the best deal. Travelers can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy, which allows them to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour begins.
The experience typically lasts between 3 to 3.5 hours, providing ample time to explore the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Santa Maria Maggiore.
Plus, an optional upgrade to visit the Scala Santa is available.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Rome
Tour Inclusions

This private tour offers visitors a seamless sightseeing experience, allowing them to explore three of Rome’s most significant basilicas.
The tour includes visits to the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Santa Maria Maggiore. Travelers can also opt for an upgrade to visit the Scala Santa, a renowned religious site.
The tour provides convenient transit, ensuring a hassle-free journey between the basilicas. Mobile ticketing is provided for added convenience, and a knowledgeable guide accompanies the group, offering insights into the history and significance of these iconic landmarks.
Basilica Visits

Typically, the private tour takes visitors on a journey through three of Rome’s most renowned basilicas.
The first stop is the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, a magnificent structure considered the mother church of all churches in the world.
Next, the tour visits San Paolo Fuori le Mura, a basilica that houses the tomb of St. Paul and is renowned for its opulent interiors.
The final destination is Santa Maria Maggiore, one of the four major basilicas of Rome, known for its stunning mosaics and ancient architecture.
An optional upgrade allows visitors to explore the Scala Santa, the Holy Stairs believed to be climbed by Jesus.
Optional Upgrade

For an additional fee, visitors can opt to include the Scala Santa, or Holy Stairs, in their private tour. This optional upgrade provides an opportunity to explore the sacred staircase believed to be the steps Jesus Christ climbed during his Passion. Visitors will have the chance to ascend the Scala Santa on their knees, a traditional practice, and experience the spiritual significance of this historic site.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Adjacent to the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano |
| History | Believed to be the original stairs from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem |
| Tradition | Climbing the stairs on one’s knees is a common devotional practice |
| Significance | Offers a deeper understanding of the Passion of Christ |
| Duration | Approximately 30-45 minutes to ascend the stairs |
Transit and Ticketing

The private tour of Rome’s significant basilicas includes seamless sightseeing with convenient transit arrangements.
Travelers will receive mobile tickets for easy access, allowing them to move between the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Santa Maria Maggiore without hassle.
The tour’s transportation is provided, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Whether you choose the standard tour or opt for the Scala Santa upgrade, the logistics are taken care of, allowing you to fully learn about the historic and architectural wonders of these renowned basilicas.
With the mobile ticketing, you’ll have your experience details at your fingertips throughout the tour.
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Cancellation and Refund

Travelers enjoy a flexible cancellation policy for this private tour of Rome’s basilicas. Full refunds are available for cancellations made up to 24 hours in advance.
Customers can also opt for the "Reserve Now and Pay Later" option, providing even more flexibility. Cancellation deadlines are based on local time, and there are no fees for rescheduling within the cancellation window.
The booking confirmation received via mobile ticket includes all the necessary details. For any inquiries, the Viator Help Centre is available, offering comprehensive assistance and access to FAQs.
With a focus on customer convenience, this tour provides a hassle-free experience from start to finish.
Customer Support

Centered on providing comprehensive customer support, the Viator Help Centre is available for inquiries related to this private tour of Rome’s basilicas.
Customers can reference the product code, 20163P109, for assistance with booking-related questions. The team offers access to frequently asked questions, addressing common concerns.
Contact options are available for personalized support, ensuring a seamless experience. Travelers can expect attentive and knowledgeable guidance throughout the booking process.
The goal is to offer a hassle-free tour, allowing customers to focus on the enriching exploration of Rome’s iconic basilicas.
Customer Experiences

With a near-perfect rating of 5.0 from 5 reviews, the private tour of Rome’s basilicas has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from travelers.
Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides who bring the history and significance of these sacred sites to life. The tour’s convenience, including hotel pick-up and drop-off, is also noted as a significant advantage.
Travelers have shared their enriching experiences, recommending the tour based on:
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The breathtaking beauty and grandeur of the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, San Paolo Fuori le Mura, and Santa Maria Maggiore.
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The seamless sightseeing experience with included transit, allowing for a stress-free exploration of the basilicas.
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The opportunity to upgrade and visit the Scala Santa, adding a layer of spiritual and historical depth to the tour.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Photography Be Allowed Inside the Basilicas?
Photography is generally allowed inside the basilicas, but visitors should check with the guides as some areas may have restrictions. Proper etiquette, such as avoiding flash, is recommended to respect the sacred nature of these sites.
Are Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?
The tour has a dress code requirement. Visitors must wear modest attire that covers shoulders and knees to enter the basilicas. Photography is generally allowed inside, though flash may be prohibited to preserve the sacred spaces.
How Long Is the Time Spent at Each Basilica?
The tour allots roughly 1 to 1.5 hours of time spent at each basilica, allowing visitors to explore the architecture, artwork, and historical significance of these important religious sites at a leisurely pace.
Are Audio Guides Available During the Tour?
Audio guides aren’t provided, but the knowledgeable tour guide offers insightful commentary throughout the visits to the three basilicas, enhancing the experience for travelers.
Can the Tour Be Extended to Include Additional Sites?
While the standard tour includes visits to three basilicas, customers can inquire about extending the experience to include additional sites. This may incur an extra fee and require adjustments to the tour duration.
Rome: San Giovanni, San Paolo, Maria Maggiore Private Tour
The Sum Up
This private tour of Rome’s iconic basilicas offers a captivating exploration of the city’s sacred history and architectural marvels. With convenient transit, flexible cancellation, and the option to visit the Scala Santa, it promises an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Eternal City.


























