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Vatican: Papal Basilicas and Holy Doors Tour with Transfers

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$130.54 /person
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About the activity

Explore the Vatican's most important Basilicas and Holy Doors on our three-hour guided tour in English, with transfers. The tour ends with a pilgrimage to the Holy Stairs, Rome’s most sacred relic.

  • Free cancellation
    Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
  • Instant confirmation & Mobile tickets
    Receive your ticket right away. Use your phone or print your voucher.
  • Live guiding
    English
  • Duration
    3 hours
  • Includes
    • Small groups and accredited guides
    • Transportation is included
    • Free time to shop for souvenirs or to use facilities
    • Bonus stop to make your pilgrimage complete
    • Pick-up/Drop-off are not included, we meet in a public place
    • Food/drinks are not included
    • Gratuities are not mandatory but very much appreciated
Highlights & Description

Highlights

  • Small groups to make it a true spiritual experience
  • Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle are included in the tour price
  • Countless artworks and sacred relics
  • We help you to reach remote locations hard to access on your own
  • Instant confirmation for the peace of mind

Description

The tour offers a convenient way to visit three major Papal Basilicas in a single day. We will begin at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, situated in the heart of Rome near the Termini train station, allowing easy access.

This 5th-century church, one of the largest dedicated to the Virgin Mary, features a stunning baroque facade that conceals an ancient core adorned with gold, marble, frescoes, and mosaics. Beneath the holy altar lies the sacred relic of the Holy Crib. The church holds many secrets and legends, which our tour guide will gladly share.

The next stop is one of the world's largest churches, the magnificent Saint Paul Outside the Walls. As the name suggests, it is located outside the ancient walls. All transfers are included in the tour price, which makes reaching this basilica a breeze.

Besides providing an unforgettable spiritual experience, this Papal Basilica holds the record of Popes. Gaze in awe at portraits of every Pope that has served since the beginning of Christianity. Massive in size, Saint Paul's feels like home, cozy and warm. Originally built by Emperor Constantine, it is the resting place of Saint Paul.

The last stop on your route is the highest-ranked church in Rome, Saint John in Lateran. Possibly, the very first Catholic church built by the Emperor Constantine, Saint John’s, is Rome’s Cathedral. This is the place where a newly elected Bishop of Rome becomes Pope. The highlights of this awe-inspiring church include the official throne of the Pope and numerous chapels adorned with baroque statues.

To complete your pilgrimage, we decided to include one of the most sacred sites in the world: the Holy Stairs. Housed in the Papal Chapel of Sancta Sanctorum, it is believed that Jesus Christ ascended these steps before his crucifixion. They once led to the praetorium of Pontius Pilate in Jerusalem. Use this opportunity to meditate or pray in peace as the tour ends.

Good to know before you go
  • Dress code: Vatican
  • Please meet your guide outside the Saint Mary Major Basilica!
  • Due to the Jubilee celebrations, we may have to change the order in which we visit the basilicas.
Meeting point

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the cancellation policy for this activity?
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
2. When will I receive the confirmation of my booking?
You will receive an email notification right after your successful payment. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam or junk mail folder. When the payment is completed you have the option to download your ticket directly.
3. Are mobile tickets enough or do I have to print them?
Tickets don't need to be printed. You can show your ticket from your smartphone as a PDF.
  • Adults
    13-99 years
  • Children
    3-12 years
  • Infants
    0-2 years
August 2025
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