• Bus Tours

Semi-Private Vatican Basilicas Tour – Explore the Three Major Papal Basilicas Outside the Vatican.

Join our top-rated semi-private guided tour in Rome and explore three of the most important Papal basilicas outside Vatican City. This immersive 3-hour Vatican Basilica tour takes you to Santa Maria Maggiore, Saint Paul Outside the Walls, and Saint John in Lateran—the most significant of all Catholic churches in Rome.

Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle and the expertise of a licensed, English-speaking guide who will bring centuries of history and faith to life.

What to expect.

Meet your guide at Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore, near the fountain, at 8:50 AM. This square is located in front of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, just a few blocks away from the Termini train station.

Your tour of the Vatican Basilicas will begin with the largest Marian Basilica in Rome – Santa Maria Maggiore. Built in the 5th century, this major Papal Basilica is home to the relic of the Sacred Crib, as well as breathtaking artworks.

Your second stop is the Basilica of Saint Paul outside the Walls. Once the largest church of all Rome, this Major Papal basilica is the resting place of Saint Paul. The sheer size of this basilica is impressive, and the atmosphere is truly unforgettable. Explore St. Paul’s with your guide and have some quiet time to pray or meditate.

The last stop on this unique tour is the most important church in Rome, the Archbasilica of Saint John in Lateran. This Cathedral is the head church of all Roman churches and the official seat of His Holiness the Pope. Admire the incredible beauty of this basilica before moving to the most sacred Papal Chapel of Sancta Sanctorum to see the largest relic in Rome – Scala Santa (Holy Stairs)

Due to the jubilee celebrations, we may need to modify the itinerary. However, rest assured that we will visit the same locations, just in a different order.