Christian Catacombs & St. Clemente Basilica - Private Tour

Rome , Italy

Christian Catacombs & St. Clemente Basilica - Private Tour

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About this experience

Private Tour of the Catacombs and San Clemente Basilica
Discover the hidden layers of Rome with your private guide and driver. This exclusive experience combines comfort and privileged access, created for discerning travelers who wish to explore the Eternal City beyond the surface.
Descend into the fascinating Catacombs, a unique window into early Christian history. Away from the crowds, your expert guide will reveal the rituals, art, and mysteries preserved in these sacred spaces, making the past vividly come alive.
Continue to the Basilica of San Clemente, a true time capsule built on three levels. From the medieval church with splendid mosaics to the Roman structures below, you’ll uncover nearly two millennia of history, each layer revealing a different chapter of Rome.
With seamless transportation and tailored commentary, this private tour offers a refined and effortless discovery of Rome’s most extraordinary underground treasures, designed for those who value exclusivity and depth

Available options

Christian Catacombs & St. Clemente Basilica - Private Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Entrance to the San Clemente Basilica

3 hours guided tour

Professional blue badge guide

Private Tour

Entrance to the Christian catacombs

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your private driver and guide will come to pick up you at your place and you’ll head outside the ancient city walls to one of the largest catacomb complexes – the ancient burial grounds of the illegal, persecuted Christians in Rome. You’ll descend into this dark maze of galleries lined with hundreds of rectangular graves – now empty niches thanks to the Barbarian raids. You’ll learn all about the burial rituals and decode the secret messages in the frescos and carvings on the terracotta and marble gravestones. You’ll see the tiny oil lamps by which the gravediggers worked and see their pick axe marks and scrapes in the soil and tufa rock around you. A truly unique, fascinating, and awe-inspiring experience.

Stop 2

After seein the fascinating Christian Catacombs, you will enjoy a nice ride with your private driver back into the modern city center where you’ll uncover the mysteries of subterranean Rome. San Clemente is a medieval basilica with stunning gold mosaics – in itself a true treasure. But hidden below is another church, built on a pagan temple – built on a Roman house! You’ll see frescoes that have survived since the 8th century and learn about the early church and the martyrs depicted on the walls. You’ll hear why so many churches in Rome were built on top of Pagan temples. You’ll learn all about the mysterious cult of Mithras in the eerie temple beneath, and see the surviving altarpiece of Mithras and the Bull. Your guide will walk you through the first-century Roman apartment and tell you all about a day in the life of an ancient Roman! Than your private driver and guide will drop off you back to your place.

What's not included

Food and Drinks

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Rome

Rome, the capital of Italy, is a city of ancient ruins, artistic masterpieces, and vibrant culture. Known as the Eternal City, it is a living museum where every corner tells a story of its rich history spanning over 2,500 years.

Top Attractions

Colosseum

The Colosseum is an iconic symbol of Rome and one of the most famous ancient amphitheaters in the world. It was used for gladiatorial contests and public spectacles.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill)

Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome. It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Religious Half day €17 (Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel), Free (St. Peter's Basilica)

Roman Forum

The Roman Forum was the political, commercial, and legal hub of the Roman Republic and Empire. It is a sprawling ruin of temples, basilicas, and arches.

Historical 1-2 hours €16 (combined ticket with Colosseum and Palatine Hill)

Pantheon

The Pantheon is a former Roman temple, now a church, known for its large dome and oculus. It is one of the best-preserved ancient buildings in Rome.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain is a Baroque masterpiece and the largest fountain in Rome. It is a popular spot for visitors to throw coins and make wishes.

Architecture 15-30 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cacio e Pepe

A simple yet delicious pasta dish made with Pecorino Romano cheese and black pepper.

Pasta Vegetarian

Carbonara

A rich pasta dish made with eggs, Pecorino Romano, guanciale (cured pork cheek), and black pepper.

Pasta Contains pork and eggs

Supplì

Fried rice balls filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce.

Snack Vegetarian (some variations may contain meat)

Carciofi alla Romana

Artichokes braised with garlic, mint, and olive oil.

Vegetable Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Appian Way Regional Park Biking along the Tiber River Rock climbing in the nearby mountains Picnicking in Villa Borghese Gardens Boating on Lake Albano Enjoying a spa day at a luxury hotel Visiting the Vatican Museums Attending an opera at the Teatro dell'Opera di Roma

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, Spanish, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Rome is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and scams can be a problem in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use official taxis or ride-sharing services
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or bracelets

Getting there

By air

Leonardo da Vinci International Airport • 35 km from city center
Ciampino Airport • 15 km from city center

By train

Roma Termini, Roma Tiburtina

By bus

Tiburtina Bus Station, Roma Termini

Getting around

Public transport

The metro system is efficient and covers major tourist areas. It operates from 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Trastevere Monti Prancipio Testaccio

Day trips

Ostia Antica

30 km from Rome • Half day

An ancient Roman port city with well-preserved ruins, including a theater, baths, and mosaics. It offers a glimpse into daily life in ancient Rome.

Tivoli

30 km from Rome • Full day

A picturesque town known for its stunning villas and gardens, including the famous Villa d'Este with its elaborate fountains and gardens.

Orvieto

120 km from Rome • Full day

A charming hilltop town known for its stunning cathedral, underground caves, and local wine. It offers a mix of history, culture, and scenic views.

Festivals

Natale di Roma • April 21 Festa de' Noantri • July Rome Film Festival • October

Pro tips

Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use public transport or walk instead of taking taxis to save money and experience the city like a local
Try local specialties and ask for recommendations from locals and restaurant staff
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and be respectful of local customs and traditions
Be aware of pickpockets and scams, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots