Award Winning Tour
Reserved Access
The Four Papal Basilicas – Our Unmissable Tour Experience
Discover the rich history, art, and spirituality of Rome’s four official papal basilicas with our expert local guide leading the way. Your tour begins with check-in and introductions at our meeting point in Piazza Santa Maria Maggiore, right in front of the magnificent Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
Once inside, we’ll admire its intricate mosaics, dazzling gold ceilings, and sacred relics as your guide shares the captivating stories that bring this iconic site to life.
Climb The Holy Stairs at The Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
Continue to the Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran, the official seat of the Pope and one of Rome’s most historic churches. Just outside, we’ll experience the spiritual significance of the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), believed to have been ascended by Jesus on His way to Pontius Pilate. With your guide’s insights, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the importance of this legendary site.
Visit St. Paul Outside the Walls and St. Peter’s Basilica
Next, head to the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, built over Saint Paul’s burial site. Stroll through its peaceful cloisters, take in its majestic architecture, and listen as your guide brings its spiritual heritage and centuries-old stories to life.
Your tour’s grand finale awaits at St. Peter’s Square, framed by Bernini’s sweeping colonnades and centered around the ancient Egyptian obelisk.
Standing before St. Peter’s Basilica—renowned as the world’s largest church and a cherished emblem of Vatican City—your guide will explain its layered history, architectural masterpieces, and the many meaning behind its iconic façade.
By afternoon, the basilica offers free entry and invites you to step into its sacred halls. Here you’ll have the perfect opportunity to finish your papal basilicas experience by exploring Saint Peter’s at your leisure.
With a perfectly planned itinerary, insightful commentary, and the expertise of your guide, our Four Basilicas Tour offers a seamless and immersive experience, allowing you to uncover the treasures and history that make these sacred sites – and the Holy City – truly extraordinary.
Still searching for the perfect Vatican tour? Then browse our full catalogue of Vatican tours to choose the experience that best suits your travel desires.
