Christian Rome Tour

highlights

• Visit important historic sacred sites in Rome relevant to Rome's rich Christian past
• Explore the ancient sacred underground Christian catacombs
• Bask in the grandeur of Rome's remarkable churches and Vatican Museums
• Private Tour by Car with English speaking Driver to enjoy more of Rome in less time
• Convenient Pick Up / Drop Off at your Rome Hotel or Cruise Ship for optimal convenience
• Your driver will take you as close as possible to each site you visit to minimize walking distance
• To be guaranteed a visit inside St Peter's Basilica, we recommend also booking a Private Vatican Tour Guide. See information below

itinerary

• Circus Maximus
• St. Paul Outside the Wall
• Appian Way
• Catacombs
• San Pietro in Vincoli
• Drive by Piazza Venezia
• Vatican Museum
• Sistine Chapel
• * St Peter's Basilica - pending available time
• ** St Peter's Basilica visit is guaranteed only with Vatican Tour Guide

description

* CHRISTIAN ROME TOUR PRICE LIST

TOUR FROM ROME HOTEL

For up to 2 Persons from Rome Hotel:  470 EUROS
For up to 4 Persons from Rome Hotel:  500 EUROS
For up to 6 Persons from Rome Hotel:  550 EUROS
For up to 8 Persons from Rome Hotel:  600 EUROS
 

ROME TOUR FROM CIVITAVECCHIA CRUISE PORT

For up to 4 Persons from Civitavecchia:  620 EUROS
For up to 6 Persons from Civitavecchia:  670 EUROS
For up to 8 Persons from Civitavecchia:  720 EUROS
  

** Dates on the Booking Form Calendar that are NOT Selectable, are NOT AVAILABLE. 

Rome is a city that is rich in history and has remained one of the most visited cities by Christians from around the globe. From Caesar and Pontius Pilate, to St. Paul and the Apostles, visitors will find that our Christian Rome Tour allows them to walk in the footsteps of the Saints.

Our Christian Rome Tour combines some of Rome’s most significant and incredible churches that have inspired pilgrims and visitors for centuries, with top historic sites, monuments, lively piazzas, and museums that you expect to see in the Eternal City for an exciting tour experience in Rome. Through this tour, you get the best of both worlds in one single day.

CIRCUS MAXIMUS
 

Circus Maximus was the large ancient stadium where chariot races were held for the entertainment of Roman citizens and royalty alike. If you have ever watched the film Ben Hur, you can imagine the action that took place here 2,000 years ago on this 540 meter long track covered with sand!

Although only the traces of this once incredible stadium remains, you can just imagine how imposing it must have been in Ancient Rome with the capacity to seat up to 250,000 spectators. In the lowest two tiers, the seats were made of stone and concrete, the upper tiers were made of wood.  The external side of the stadium was surrounded by arcades in which shops were set up for the spectators - much like modern-day stadiums offer shops and eateries for the spectators.

Commanding the view behind the stadium, is the Palatine Hill that can be considered Ancient Rome’s version of the Hamptons or Beverly Hills. Emperors and the upper crust of Ancient Rome built elegant villas and luxurious palaces away from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Today, only large remarkable ruins of the once large imperial villas remain as vestiges of the opulence of Ancient Rome.

SAINT PAUL OUTSIDE THE WALLS
 

Your journey will continue to St.Paul outside the Walls Basilica, the second largest basilica in Rome after St Peter’s Basilica.  It has the words "Outside the Wall" because it was erected outside the Aurelian Walls -  the ancient 3rd century AD Roman walls that enclosed the city and protected it.

Built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century over the burial site of St Paul the Apostle,  Saint Paul Outside the Walls Basilica was later enlarged by Emperor Theodosius in 386, with a nave and four aisles with a transept. 

By 5th century, it was larger than the original Old Saint Peter's Basilica (St Peter's Basilica as you will visit it on this tour was built between 1506-1626).  Saint Paul is among the four highest ranking Catholic churches known as the Papal Basilicas, and a top pilgrimage destination for millions of Christians world wide. Paul's tomb is below a marble tombstone in the basilica's crypt, about 4.5 feet below the altar.

The beautiful church you see today is an exact replica reconstruction of what stood here before an unfortunate fire destroyed it in 1823.

With help from donors from as far as Russia and Egypt in addition to generous contributions by the Catholic community, this glorious testimony to a revered saint was restored, and the basilica has remained among the most visited churches in Rome.

ANCIENT APPIAN WAY / VIA APPIA

We will then make our way to the Ancient Appian Way, one of the most strategically significant roads of Rome built in 312 BC - making it one of the earliest roads of Ancient Rome. It connected Rome to Brindisi in south-east Italy and was used as a main route for military supplies and troops.  The existing roads at that time were built by the Etruscan and lead in a different direction.  The Appian Way was considered by the Romans to be the "Queen of the Long Roads".

Appia longarum teritur regina viarum

"The Appian way is the queen of the long roads"

With so many roads beginning in Rome and extending to regions essential to Romans, the expression "All roads lead to Rome" was borne.

According to Christian tradition, it was along the Appian Way that an escaping Peter encountered a vision of Christ, inspiring him to go back into the city to face certain martyrdom.

CHRISTIAN CATACOMBS

As we make our way along the Appian Way, we will visit the Christian catacombs, the early 2nd and 3rd century AD Christian underground receptacles of the dead. Burials were forbidden within the city walls, so outside the city walls and beneath the surface, miles of tunnels were hewn out of soft tufa stone.

The catacombs were in essence an underground cemeterial complex that can be described as a labyrinth of galleries and chambers about 12 miles long, on four levels, and about 20 meters deep.  Aside from many Christians being buried here, so have been martyrs and popes. Decorations and inscriptions can still be seen on crypts and tombs inside the catacombs.

For such an exploration, a guided tour is conducted of the most visited area of the underground catacombs.

Entrance fee to the catacombs is 8 Euros per person that includes a guided tour inside the catacombs, explaining the significance of the many things that you will see. You will join a small group of English-speaking travelers.

SAINT PETER IN CHAINS / SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI

We then travel onward to San Pietro in Vincoli (Saint Peter in Chains), a Roman Catholic titular church and minor basilica also known as the Basilica Eudoxiana.

It was first built in 432-440 AD to house a portion of the chains that held Saint Peter where he was imprisoned in Jerusalem.  The Empress Eduoxia (wife of Emperor Valentinian III) received the chains as a gift from her mother in mid 5th century, who in turn received them from the bishop of Jerusalem.  The Empress gifted the chains to Pope Leo I.

According to legend, when Pope Leo compared these chains with the chains that Saint Peter was held in during his final imprisonment in the Mamertine Prison, the two chains miraculously fused together.  Today, the chains are preserved inside a reliquary under the basilica's main altar.

Although the Basilica is otherwise simple in architecture and decor, you will also have the honor of viewing Michelangelo's Moses that was completed 1515. Seated in a tense position, the muscular Moses rests one arm on the Tablets of the Law, and the other hand holds his long wavy beard that grows from the figure's attractive pensive face.  It should be noted that the statue of Moses was intended to be viewed from below with the statue intended to be placed above the viewers.

This impressive sculpture was originally intended as part of a massive 47-statue, free-standing funeral monument for Pope Julius II to be included in St Peter’s Basilica, but the Pope suspended Michelangelo’s work on the statue in order for him to begin the fresco masterpiece on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

The intended tomb never materialized as the Pope intended, but eventually the Moses statue was completed and became the centerpiece of the Pope's funeral monument and tomb in his family's church.

You will drive by  Piazza Venezia with the controversial yet spectacular Vittorio Emanuele Monument, dedicated to the first king of Italy.

In order to build this huge monument, a large area of the Capitoline Hill and a medieval neighborhood were sacrificed. Romans regard the monument as pompous and too large.  The Romans nicknamed it the "Typewriter" given its shape, and "Wedding Cake" with the white carrara marble facade that looks like frosting on an ornate cake. Even with all of its controversy and criticism, the monument attracts a large number of visitors and it’s an iconic representation of Rome. It is also a wonderful landmark to find your way in the city.

Next you can make a stop for lunch. You may choose between an informal cafe, trattoria, pizzeria or a traditional ristorante (restaurant).  Your driver will be happy to offer you suggestions on where to stop for lunch based on your location in Rome during lunch time, and your lunching preferences.

THE VATICAN

After lunch, you will visit the tiniest country in the world, the Vatican.

Inside the Vatican Museums, you will be amazed and delighted at the vast collection of masterpieces, including the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums are located within the walls of the Vatican City and display a vast number of artwork collected by Popes throughout the centuries that date from the early Classical era to the Renaissance. 

The Vatican Museums was founded by Pope Julius II, who also commissioned the current Basilica to be rebuilt over the previous Old Saint Peter's Basilica.  His collection started with one masterpiece discovered buried underground in Rome: The Laocoon and his Sons group sculpture. It will take two hours to visit the Museum, The Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica. Most visitors to the Vatican Museums choose to visit the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, the more popular areas in the museum.

The Raphael Rooms originally formed a reception suite inside the papal palace which were the public area of the Papal apartments inside the Apostolic Palace.  Pope Julus II commissioned Raphael, a young and a talented artist from Urbino, to decorate the interior walls of these papal rooms.  These impressive rooms are not to be missed: Stanza di Eliodoro (Room of Heliodorus), the Stanza della Segnatura (Room of the Signature), and Stanza dell'Incendio del Borgo (Room of the Fire in the Borgo).

The Room of the Signature features the famous School of Athens that represents the degrees of knowledge or truth acquired through reason and features various philosophers, scientists and thinkers of classical era.

At the end of your journey exploring the many halls and galleries of the Vatican Museums will take you to the Sistine Chapel to admire the world famous frescoes by Michelangelo: The Sistine Ceiling and The Last Judgement.  The Sistine Chapel was previously known as Cappella Magna, but took the name of Pope Sixtus IV who restored the chapel in late 1400.

Michelangelo was commissioned to paint the Sistine Ceiling in 1508 and it was completed in 1512. Using vibrant colors and figures that appear more sculptural and 3-dimensional that flat paintings, the Sistine Chapel depicts nine stories from the Book of Genesis.

The Last Judgment was commissioned by Pope Paul III and was painted by Michalengelo between 1535-1541 spanning across the entire wall behind the altar.  The painting depicts the second coming of Christ on the Day of Judgement as described in the Revelation of John, Chapter 20.

If Self Touring the Vatican, pending available time, you may have the possibility to also visit Saint Peter's Basilica.

Commissioned by Pope Julius II, it required many  renowned architects of the Renaissance era such as Donato Bramante, Michelangelo, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and more, to see the basilica through its long term completion.  Originally, the Basilica of Saint Peter was built over the burial site of Saint Peter.

Saint Peter's Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and one of the holiest Catholic shrines and the greatest churches of Christendom. Not to be missed during your visit inside the Basilica is Michelangelo's famous Pieta sculpture that launched his career as the most prominent sculptor of his time,  Bernini's colossal bronze canopy above the alter - the Baldacchino,  Cathedra Petri and Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament.

As you exit the Basilica, you can also admire the oval Square of Saint Peter's that seems to embrace you with its magnificent tall colonnades.

RECOMMENDATION FOR ST PETER'S BASILICA

If you wish to be guaranteed a visit to St Peter's Basilica, we strongly recommend booking also a Licensed Tour Guide for a private guided tour of the Vatican that also includes direct backway access to Saint Peter's Basilica through the Designated Entrance for "Guided Visitors Only". 

Currently, the Vatican does NOT permit access to the Basilica to visitors without a Licensed Tour Guide. 

Without a Tour Guide (SELF TOURING), you would be required to exit the Vatican Museums, be driven around the Vatican near St Peter's Square and attempt to access the Basilica from St Peter's Square.  Unfortunately the security lines to enter the Basilica can be unpredictably long and if you run out of time (especially ontime restricted shore excursions) you may not have sufficient time to visit the Basilica as well.

See Vatican Tour Guide Information and Prices BELOW.
 

From here, you will begin your relaxed drive back to your hotel in Rome or Cruise Ship in Civitavecchia.

Thank you for choosing Stefano Rome Tours. We look forward to seeing you in Rome soon!

Our Guests who booked this Christian Rome Tour also enjoyed the following Day Tours from Rome:

• ASSISI- follow the footsteps of Saints Francis and Claire in one of Umbria's most beautiful Medieval towns
• HISTORIC ABBEYS - exult in visits to two of central Italy's most remarkable abbeys
• TIVOLI VILLAS - delight in Villa d'Este's Italian Renaissance gardens and ancient Roman ruins of Emperor Hadrian's massive imperial complex
  

Important Information

 
Please READ the important information below as well as Read & Accept our  TERMS OF SERVICE  and  Privacy Policy  prior to placing your reservation request(s).

PAYMENT OPTIONS for Christian Rome Tour:

Payment can be made in Euro funds at the end of your journey directly to your driver, or you may prepay in advance via PayPal or Credit Card online when you Confirm your Tour.

CANCELLATION POLICY:

We kindly ask that cancellations be made at least 7 days in advance so we can rebook your service and your reserved driver does not lose work for that day. We thank you for your cooperation and consideration. 

EMAIL INQUIRIES / BOOKING REQUESTS

Please allow up to 24 hours for email correspondences in response to email inquiries and tour reservation requests.

We reply to ALL emails and booking requests we receive. If you don't receive correspondence from us within 24-48 hours please CHECK YOUR SPAM FOLDER, or send us an email from a different E-mail account. 

* VATICAN MUSEUM ADMISSION TICKETS:

Price of Vatican Museums Admission Tickets booked online at the current price of 21 Euros* per person. Please book your admission tickets for the 2:00 PM time slot, or as instructed in your Confirmation Email.

* Ticket prices may change up or down without notice at the discretion of the monuments and museums and cannot be guaranteed until they are actually booked.

* Remember to bring the printed ticket vouchers for Vatican Museums with you in order to enter the museum. You cannot enter without your printed vouchers.

YOUR ROME TOUR DRIVER

This tour provides an English-speaking Driver who is NOT a Licensed Tour Guide. Your driver will be happy to provide general touristic information while at the vehicle, but will not be able to accompany you to sightsee away from the vehicle.

* Italy has strict laws and regulations aimed to protect official licensed guides that makes it unlawful for Drivers to act as tour guides or accompany guests to sightsee on foot away from the vehicle. In order for us to comply with Italy’s laws, Drivers are required to remain with the vehicle while guests sightsee away from the vehicle.

* On this Christian Rome Tour by car you will SELF TOUR (unaccompanied by your driver) when away from the vehicle.

* You will be dropped off as close to the sites as possible in accordance with municipality and traffic laws.

MEETING POINTS TO MEET YOUR DRIVER

 
For Rome Tours from Rome hotel / accommodation:

Your driver will meet you inside the lobby of your hotel or area permitted by your hotel.

For Apartments or B&B’s without a lobby, your driver will meet you outside the main entrance of your Address.

* If your hotel or accommodation is located on a street or in an area that is restricted to vehicle traffic, your driver will park as close as lawfully possible, and meet you on foot at your Address to accompany you to your parked vehicle.

For Shore Excursions from Civitavecchia:

Your driver will meet you on the Pier next to your Ship at your tour's scheduled pick up time holding a sign with the NAME in your reservation.

Do NOT leave the ship area, and do NOT take a shuttle bus outside the port. 

Look for your driver in the same area on the Pier as ALL private drivers will be waiting for their clients.  After you meet your driver you will be accompanied to your vehicle and your Rome private shore excursion will begin with a leisurely drive from Civitavecchia to Rome. 

IMPORTANT Regarding visiting SAINT PETER'S BASILICA

If visiting St Peter's Basilica is important to you, we suggest booking a Private Vatican Tour Guide to be guaranteed visit to St Peter's Basilica via the shortcut backway entrance from inside the Sistine Chapel that is currently designated for Visitors with Tour Guides only. 

Without a Tour Guide to access the basilica (SELF TOURING), the Vatican security may require you to exit the Museums and access the Basilica from St Peter's Square where you may find potentially long security lines that may prevent you from having sufficient time to also visit the Basilica. We cannot guarantee that you will be able to also visit St Peter's Basilica without a licensed tour guide if you run out of time. The situation inside the Vatican is completely outside of our control and may change without notice.

While you may extend your Christian Rome Tour starting from Rome hotel by the hour (at hourly fee) if needed, this would not be possible to extend your tour on a Rome shore excursion from Civitavecchia due to ship schedule restrictions.

PRIVATE VATICAN GUIDED TOURS

Vatican Tour Guides offer a valuable service so you enjoy an informative private guided tour of the Vatican Museum highlights, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter's Basilica, and will take you directly to your Driver at the end of your tour right on time. 

The Vatican Museums is also vast and complex, making it easy for many visitors to get lost inside the multi-level labyrinth of halls and galleries and miss out on many of the Must See works of art and masterpieces. 

Vatican Tour Guides are also STRONGLY RECOMMENDED on Shore Excursions so you will not risk getting lost inside the Vatican and exiting too late as a result placing you at risk of arriving to your ship on Time. 

Please inquire within for TOUR GUIDE FEES and how to BOOK your Private Vatican Guide.

We can book a Licensed Tour Guide for you upon request and make all the necessary arrangements. Tour Guides are paid separately and directly in Euros at the conclusion of their walking tour as the Guides do NOT work for us, they work independently.