General information
| Destination | Category |
|---|
| Rome, Italy | Sightseeing Tours |
Program details
Look up and see God everywhere with this full-day tour of the four Papal Basilicas of Rome and the Sistine Chapel. You will visit the Vatican to see St Peter’s and the Apostolic Palace, and then to Rome itself to admire the architectural masterpieces of St Paul Outside the Walls, St John Lateran and Santa Maria Maggiore.
St Peter’s is the world’s largest in terms of area and length. It is truly a sight to behold. You will also visit the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope, which is where Michelangelo spent four years painting frescoes of scenes from The Book of Genesis at the Sistine Chapel.
The pilgrimage continues at St Paul Outside the Walls, which was built on the site where St Paul the Apostle was said to have been buried. The basilica is renowned for its apse mosaic of Christ flanked by the apostles and the golden Holy Door.
The baroque St John Lateran is the seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It also has a stunning apse mosaic and is famed for its Holy Stairs, which are believed to be the steps Jesus stood on when he was about to be tried.
Santa Maria Maggiore is a Unesco World Heritage site and described by no less than the Vatican ‘an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman churches’. Among its many outstanding features are the fifth century mosaics of the central nave and triumphal arch.
Meeting/ Pick up point: 15 minutes before departure at the bottom of the steps between Caffe Vaticano and Hotel Alimandi Vaticano. The guides will be wearing Dark Rome polo shirts or jackets.
Start or opening time: 8.15am every Monday, Thursday and Friday.
End or closing time: Languages: English.
Others: Please dress respectfully and note that knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women.
Extra measures may be implemented at some venues due to heightened global security. As a result, we may experience delays in getting through mandatory security checks when entering these venues. Extra measures may also restrict the size of bags that can be brought inside. To avoid disruptions or possible denied entry, we strongly suggest that you avoid bringing large purses, bags, or backpacks on your tour. The Vatican only permits very small bags, and specifically prohibits large bags, tripods, umbrellas, and backpacks. Any such items must be checked into the free luggage storage area which may result in your having to leave the tour early to retrieve them at the entrance.