Private Tour: Secret Rome and Historical Churches
3h30
Private
Instant confirmation
About this activity
Meet your art historian guide in central Rome, and stroll to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, the first Christian basilica to be built in the city and Rome’s official cathedral. Admire its Borromini-designed interior, and see the table that Jesus is said to have used at the Last Supper.
From the basilica, stroll through Rome and learn about the changes that took place from the days of the Roman Empire to the dawn of Christianity through to the 10th century. If there is a sight that you particularly want to see, let your guide know. Your itinerary is flexible, as it is a private tour.
With tales of medieval Rome ringing in your ears, head to Caelian Hill and step inside the monastery of Santi Quattro Coronati to see the Chapel of Sylvester. A true treasure, the chapel is home to a rare collection of medieval frescoes, so impressive that many refer to it as the medieval Sistine Chapel.
Mid-way through your tour, enjoy a half-hour break for a snack (own expense), and then continue to the nearby Church of San Giovanni e Paolo. Admire the sturdy foundations of the Claudianum — a grandiose arcade built into the church grounds — and then head inside the church itself to see a cosmatesque floor containing secret symbols.
Lying beneath the church is the Case Romane del Celio, a series of underground Roman house excavations. The small, yet fascinating, site offers a glimpse of Roman home life, and art work, sculptures and frescoes can all be seen. A further highlight in the Caelian Hill area is Santo Stefano Rotondo, a beautiful round church that dates back to the 5th century.
After 3.5 hours, your tour ends at Via San Gregorio.
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From the basilica, stroll through Rome and learn about the changes that took place from the days of the Roman Empire to the dawn of Christianity through to the 10th century. If there is a sight that you particularly want to see, let your guide know. Your itinerary is flexible, as it is a private tour.
With tales of medieval Rome ringing in your ears, head to Caelian Hill and step inside the monastery of Santi Quattro Coronati to see the Chapel of Sylvester. A true treasure, the chapel is home to a rare collection of medieval frescoes, so impressive that many refer to it as the medieval Sistine Chapel.
Mid-way through your tour, enjoy a half-hour break for a snack (own expense), and then continue to the nearby Church of San Giovanni e Paolo. Admire the sturdy foundations of the Claudianum — a grandiose arcade built into the church grounds — and then head inside the church itself to see a cosmatesque floor containing secret symbols.
Lying beneath the church is the Case Romane del Celio, a series of underground Roman house excavations. The small, yet fascinating, site offers a glimpse of Roman home life, and art work, sculptures and frescoes can all be seen. A further highlight in the Caelian Hill area is Santo Stefano Rotondo, a beautiful round church that dates back to the 5th century.
After 3.5 hours, your tour ends at Via San Gregorio.
Included
- Private art-historian guide
- Entry/Admission - Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano
- Entry/Admission - Caelian Hill
- Entry/Admission - Santo Stefano Rotondo
- Entry/Admission - Santi Giovanni e Paolo
- Entry/Admission - Ss. Quattro Coronati
- Entry/Admission - Case Romane del Celio
Not included
- Gratuities
- Food and drinks, unless specified
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- A dress code is required to enter places of worship and selected museums. No shorts or sleeveless tops allowed. Knees and shoulders MUST be covered for both men and women. You may risk refused entry if you fail to comply with these dress requirements
- A moderate amount of walking is involved recommended to wear comfortable shoes
- Not wheelchair and stroller accessible
Features
Tourism
100%
Cultural
75%
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Excellent tour seeing things we would otherwise have missed.
This was a wonderful tour. It showed us a side a Rome and it's history that we did not know existed and would have missed. Our guide was knowledgable, charming and very patient with all our questions. This tour helped us tie together the ancient and Renaissance Rome we had gotten to known over the previous several days