Participants in the three-hour guided tour begin their adventure by meeting at Bar San Clemente, located across the street from the Basilica San Clemente on Via San Giovanni in Laterano. An experienced guide will lead the tour through the excavations and the subterranean levels of the Basilica of San Clemente Case, followed by a walk through the winding streets of the Celian neighborhoods to see several third-century homes and ancient murals. The tour continues with a visit to the catacombs of Sant'Agnese with views of apsidal mosaic in the Basilica as well as the fourth-century cylindrical church of Santa Costanza, which was originally built as a mausoleum for the daughter of Emperor Constantine. While the group is exploring the ancient ruins, the guide will discuss the history of Roman middle classes between the fifth and the eighth centuries and the development of architectural styles up to the Medieval period. The tour is held twice a day, staring at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., and the price of the tour includes all entrance fees and transportation. Depending on time limitations, the walking tour may also include a visit the church of Santi Quattro Coronati.
Italy With Us
Via Vespasiano 16-18
Vatican City
Rome 00192
Italy
+39-06-3972-3051
italywithus.com
A maximum of 12 people in each group explore subterranean Rome with a local guide. The three-hour tour begins with a drive to either the catacombs of San Sebastian or San Domitilla Basilicas, the destinations of pilgrimages since Medieval times. As tour members explore the underground chambers of the ancient Christian burial grounds, the guide will discuss the role of the catacombs during religious persecution as well as discoveries made during recent excavations. The tour continues with a visit to the Medieval church, San Clemente, which was built over a fourth-century Basilica. Participants of the tour will view the ancient mosaic, the Tree of Life, as well as learn about two thousand years of history as they explore three lower levels of the church. The tour continues with a stop at the oldest prison in Rome, the Mamertine Prison. According to Christian history, Saints Peter and Paul were held at the prison. The excursion ends at the Piazza Venezia, dropping off the tour members within walking distance to the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain and metro stations. The departure point of the tour is determined when reservations are booked.
Avventure Bellissime
1063 San Marco
Venezia 30124
Italy
+39-04-197-0499
tours-italy.com
The three-hour tour includes visits to the Basilica of St. John in Lateran, the Holy Stairs, the catacombs of Saint Sebastian, and Saint Mary Major Basilica. Bilingual guides provide commentary in Italian and English throughout the tour. Tour members will have the opportunity to see the Holy Stairs, believed to be part of the praetorium of Pilate in Jerusalem, climbed by Jesus Christ during his Passion. The tour continues by passing through the Porta di San Sebastiano to arrive on the Ancient Appian Way and the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis. The Chapel is believed to be the location where Saint Peter met Jesus while fleeing persecution in Rome. The next stop features a visit to the catacombs of Saint Sebastian, who was martyred in A.D. 288 under the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian. The last stop is a tour of the Basilica of Saint Mary Major. The price of the tour includes hotel pick up within Rome, priority entrance to the Basilica, audio guides with headsets, a local tour guide, and drop off at select destinations within Rome. Drop off points include Via Veneto, Largo S. Susanna, Piazza Repubblica, Via Cavour Metro and Piazza Vittorio. The tour is held daily, except on Christmas and Easter. Audio guides are available in Spanish, French, Italian and German.
Odyssey Tours
Via Vittorio Emanuele Orlando 95
Rome 00185
Italy
odyssey-tours.com
