Vatican: Papal Basilicas and Holy Doors Tour with Transfers Vatican: Tour of Major Papal Basilicas with Transfers

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.
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.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.