Catacombs and Underground Rome

An off the beaten path private guided tour to cover the Appian Way, Catacombs of St. Callixtus, Pagan Temple and Ancient Basilica of San Clemente, Cappucin Bone Church, and Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano. 

Suggested Itinerary

We would start the tour with a trip outside the Aurelian Walls down the ancient Appian Way to the Catacombs of Rome. Here you would explore these ancient burial grounds and learn about early christian worship and symbology.

From the catacombs we would head back toward the center, visiting three of Rome's most important churches along the way. The Basilica of St. John in Lateran is the official cathedral of Rome, presided over by none other than Pope Benedict XVI himself. Just across the way your guide will point out the Scala Santa, or holy staircase that led to the Praetorium of Pilate in Jerusalem and were therefore sanctified by the footsteps of Jesus during his Passion. The stairs were later brought to Rome from Jerusalem upon request of the mother of Constantine, St. Helena. A short stroll away is the ancient Basilica of San Clemente. Three layers tell the fascinating story of this church, dating back to the first century when the structure was a temple to the Pagan Goddess Mithras. A Christian church was erected on the site in the 4th century, and the Basilica we see today was finished in 1120.

Returning to the historic center, your guide would accompany you on a visit to the Cappuchin Crypt, also known as the 'Bone Church'. Few attractions in Rome rival this underground crypt created by the Capuchin Friars using thousand of bones of their fellow monks to decorate the walls and ceilings.

Tour duration: 5 hours

Cost: (total, not per person):
1-2 people: 315 Euro  
3-4 people: 325 Euro
5-6 people : 350 Euro
7-8 people: 400 Euro
9-10 people: 450 Euro (enquire about larger groups)

A 25 Euro discount is offered in the event of cash payment! To take advantage of this offer, instead of paying for your tours in full, simply leave a 50 Euro deposit per private tour (see booking protocol on the booking page)


*NOTE: 2-3 taxi transfers may be used for this tour and are not included in the price. For groups of 4 or more, inquire about booking private transport for the duration of the tour* Also not included are entrance fees to monuments.*