Raphael in Rome: Churches, Frescoes & Tomb

Active

1h - 3h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into the world of a Renaissance genius with a private 1.5-hour guided tour dedicated to Raphael, one of Italy’s most celebrated artists. Explore four remarkable churches in the heart of Rome, where Raphael’s architectural brilliance and masterful frescoes still captivate centuries later. From the elegant Chigi Chapel at Santa Maria del Popolo to his powerful fresco of the Prophet Isaiah at Sant’Agostino, you’ll follow in the footsteps of a true Renaissance master. The tour concludes at the Pantheon, where Raphael’s tomb rests beneath the vast ancient dome. For those seeking a deeper experience, extend your visit with a 1-hour stop at Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance villa in the heart of Trastevere. Admire Raphael’s mythological masterpiece, The Triumph of Galatea, and explore vibrant frescoes by his contemporaries.

Available options

Extended Italian Tour

Raphael + Villa Farnesina : Select this for a 3-hour private tour of the Raphael churches and Villa Farnesina with an Italian-speaking guide. Duration: 3 hours

Regular Portuguese Tour

Raphael Churches Guided Tour: Select this option for a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Raphael churches with a Portuguese-speaking guide. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Regular French Tour

Raphael Churches Guided Tour: Select this option for a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Raphael churches with a French-speaking guide. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Extended Portuguese Tour

Raphael + Villa Farnesina : Select this for a 3-hour private tour of the Raphael churches and Villa Farnesina with a Portuguese-speaking guide. Duration: 3 hours

Extended German Tour

Raphael + Villa Farnesina : Select this for a 3-hour private tour of the Raphael churches and Villa Farnesina with a German-speaking guide. Duration: 3 hours

Extended French Tour

Raphael + Villa Farnesina : Select this for a 3-hour private tour of the Raphael churches and Villa Farnesina with a French-speaking guide. Duration: 3 hours

Regular Italian Tour

Raphael Churches Guided Tour: Select this option for a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Raphael churches with an Italian-speaking guide. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Extended Spanish Tour

Raphael + Villa Farnesina : Select this for a 3-hour private tour of the Raphael churches and Villa Farnesina with a Spanish-speaking guide. Duration: 3 hours

Regular German Tour

Raphael Churches Guided Tour: Select this option for a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Raphael churches with a German-speaking guide. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Regular English Tour

Raphael Churches Guided Tour: Select this option for a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Raphael churches with an English-speaking guide. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Regular Spanish Tour

Raphael Churches Guided Tour: Select this option for a 1.5-hour private guided tour of the Raphael churches with a Spanish-speaking guide. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Extended English Tour

Raphael + Villa Farnesina : Select this for a 3-hour private tour of the Raphael churches and Villa Farnesina with an Italian-speaking guide. Duration: 3 hours

What's included

Entrance fees to & live guide at Villa Farnesina (only if this option is selected during purchase)

Expert live guide

Headsets to hear the guide clearly 

Entrance fees to and live guide at the Pantheon

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your journey begins at Santa Maria del Popolo, a Renaissance church tucked just inside Rome’s ancient city gates. Step into the Chigi Chapel, a masterpiece of harmony and classical elegance designed by Raphael himself. As your guide shares the chapel’s rich history, take in the exquisite marble details and the luminous mosaic dome, both bearing the unmistakable touch of Raphael’s architectural genius.

Stop 2

Next, visit the Basilica di Sant’Agostino, home to Raphael’s striking fresco of the Prophet Isaiah. Gaze upward to see the powerful figure brought to life with dynamic form and profound expression. Note the anatomical precision, especially in the bent knee—a small detail that showcases Raphael’s mastery of the human body. Though modest in scale, this often-overlooked work demonstrates the artist’s command of movement, volume, and classical poise.

Stop 3

Continue to the peaceful Santa Maria della Pace, tucked away near Piazza Navona. Here, in the Chigi Chapel, Raphael’s fresco of the Sibyls adorns the upper wall with vibrant colour and graceful movement. These mythical prophetesses, painted with extraordinary detail and energy, reflect Raphael’s unique ability to merge classical figures with spiritual themes, creating imagery that felt fresh and innovative in his time.

Stop 4

Your final stop is the awe-inspiring Pantheon, one of Rome’s greatest architectural marvels. Beneath its vast dome - once a temple to the gods and now a Christian church - you’ll find Raphael’s tomb. As you stand under the open oculus, your guide will reflect on the artist’s legacy and the honour of being laid to rest in such a monumental space, among the most sacred and enduring in Rome.

Stop 5

Enhance your Raphael experience with a 1-hour visit to Villa Farnesina, a Renaissance jewel nestled in the Trastevere district. Inside, marvel at Raphael’s Triumph of Galatea, where mythological figures swirl in a sea of colour and motion. With your guide by your side, explore the villa’s vibrant and lively frescoes - masterpieces by Raphael and his contemporaries - offering a glimpse into the luxurious world of Renaissance patronage.

What's not included

Entrance to and a live guide at Villa Farnesina (unless specifically chosen during purchase)

Food and drinks

Pick-up and drop-off

Optional gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

DE PT EN IT FR ES

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Entrance to and a guided tour of Villa Farnesina is not included unless specifically chosen during purchase

Please provide the full names of all travellers when booking, since the tickets for the Pantheon are nominative

Each traveller must present a valid passport or ID that matches the same name provided at the time of booking for a successful entry

Please note that the total duration of the option with Villa Farnesina included is 3 hours, as it takes about 30 minutes to go from the Pantheon to Villa Farnesina

It’s recommended to have a moderate level of fitness to join this tour since there is a moderate amount of walking involved

This tour is subject to weather conditions and/or liturgic-calendar events. If canceled you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund 

Photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted (please note that photography is not permitted at Basilica di Sant'Agostino)

Bringing food, drinks, pets, luggage or large bags is not allowed

Your phone should be put on silence before visiting the basilicas

Wear comfortable shoes as there is a moderate amount of walking involved and you will be walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some steps and stairs

We recommend you to bring your own headphones in order to minimise plastic waste

Meeting point

Meet us at the Flaminio Obelisk in the middle of Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.

Important notes

Meet us at the Flaminio Obelisk in the middle of Piazza del Popolo, Piazza del Popolo, 00187 Rome. Look for a member of staff holding a yellow Touriks sign.

About Emilia-Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is a region in Northern Italy known for its rich cultural heritage, culinary delights, and picturesque landscapes. From the vibrant cities of Bologna and Modena to the charming countryside and the stunning coastline of the Adriatic Sea, Emilia-Romagna offers a diverse and unforgettable travel experience.

Top Attractions

Two Towers (Torri degli Asinelli e della Garisenda)

The Two Towers are iconic symbols of Bologna and offer panoramic views of the city. The taller Asinelli Tower can be climbed for a stunning perspective.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Piazza Maggiore

Piazza Maggiore is the main square of Bologna and a central hub of activity. Surrounded by historic buildings, it's a great place to relax and soak in the city's atmosphere.

Historical 30 minutes to a few hours Free

Ferrari Museum (Museo Ferrari)

The Ferrari Museum in Maranello is a must-visit for car enthusiasts. It showcases the history and innovation of Ferrari, with a collection of iconic race cars and memorabilia.

Museum 2-3 hours €20-€30

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese Museum (Museo del Parmigiano Reggiano)

This museum in Reggio Emilia offers a fascinating look into the history and production of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Visitors can learn about the traditional cheese-making process and even taste the famous cheese.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (tastings may have a small fee)

Bologna Food Tour

A food tour in Bologna is a delicious way to explore the city's culinary heritage. Guided tours take visitors to local markets, delis, and restaurants to sample traditional dishes and learn about the region's food culture.

Cultural 3-4 hours €50-€80

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tortellini in Brodo

Tortellini in Brodo is a classic Emilia-Romagna dish consisting of small, ring-shaped pasta filled with a mixture of meat, typically served in a rich chicken broth.

Pasta Contains meat and gluten

Lasagna alla Bolognese

Lasagna alla Bolognese is a layered pasta dish with ragù (a meat-based sauce), béchamel sauce, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

Pasta Contains meat, gluten, and dairy

Tagliatelle al Ragù

Tagliatelle al Ragù is a traditional pasta dish made with fresh egg tagliatelle and a rich meat sauce, often referred to as ragù alla Bolognese.

Pasta Contains meat and gluten

Parmigiano Reggiano

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, granular cheese made from cow's milk. It is aged for at least 12 months and is known for its rich, nutty flavor.

Cheese Contains dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Apennine Mountains Cycling through the countryside Beach activities in Ravenna Spa treatments in Bologna Wine tasting in the vineyards Beach relaxation in Rimini Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Emilia-Romagna, with warm weather and numerous festivals and events. This is the best time to enjoy the region's beaches and outdoor activities.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, German
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time, CET)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Emilia-Romagna is generally a safe destination for travelers. The region has a low crime rate, and violent crime is rare. However, petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, can occur in tourist areas and crowded places. It's important to take precautions to protect your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or distractions

Getting there

By air

Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport • 6 km from Bologna city center
Forlì Airport • 30 km from Forlì city center

By train

Bologna Centrale, Modena Station

By bus

Bologna Bus Terminal, Modena Bus Terminal, Parma Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia-Romagna) operates an extensive network of buses and trams in the region, making it easy to get around without a car. The system is efficient and affordable.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bologna City Center Modena City Center Parma City Center Ravenna

Day trips

Ferrari World (Maranello and Modena)

30 km from Bologna • Full day

A day trip to Maranello and Modena offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Ferrari. Visit the Ferrari Museum, take a factory tour, and explore the charming city of Modena.

Ravenna

80 km from Bologna • Full day

Ravenna is a historic city known for its Byzantine mosaics and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Explore the city's rich history, visit the famous mosaics, and relax on the nearby beaches.

Parma

100 km from Bologna • Full day

Parma is a charming city known for its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and delicious food. Visit the historic sites, explore the food markets, and enjoy a traditional Parmesan cheese or prosciutto tasting.

Festivals

Bologna Motor Show • December Modena Cento Ore • September Fiera del Cioccolato • October

Pro tips

Visit local markets and food shops for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Explore the region's countryside and smaller towns for a more relaxed and authentic travel experience
Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interactions with locals and show respect for the local culture
Use public transportation, walk, or rent a bike to reduce your carbon footprint and save money
Book accommodation and popular attractions in advance, especially during peak season and major events