As evening falls over the Eternal City, you will meet your top-rated guide and a small group of just six people for your Exclusive Rome Catacombs and Maria Maggiore tour. With a luxury private transfer, this VIP semi-private tour takes you to two historic sacred sites: the complex of Saint Agnes Outside the Walls and the Papal Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore.

First, you’ll drive a short distance to the Saint Agnes complex of ancient Catacombs, and holy buildings. You’ll tour the impressive 4th-century Mausoleum of Constantia, daughter of the first Christian Emperor Constantine. A rotunda, it is one of the most important early Christian buildings in the world. Walk into the 7th-century basilica with golden mosaics that have survived since the 600s.

Then, descend to the catacombs; the ancient underground burial chambers of the first Christians. Like Indiana Jones, you’ll explore this subterranean web of tunnels and tombs, decoding ancient symbols and learning the stories of Christian persecutions under the Romans. A truly inspiring and humbling experience.

Next, in your chauffeured Mercedes vehicle, you’ll head to the majestic Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. A favourite of the popes and the people, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit after the official closing hours, exclusive to LivTours clients.

On this VIP tour, you will gain special access to areas not always open to the public. First, visit the exterior Loggia, or upper balcony, with stunning mosaics. Wander through the Hall of the Popes, up to the spectacular rooftop terraces. Marvel at panoramic views of Rome’s skyline and the medieval bell-tower.

Then descend to the spacious, opulent main body of the Basilica, via Bernini’s famous shell-shaped staircase. Often called the People’s Church, you’ll see the famous mosaics of the Virgin Mary, Bernini’s grave, and the relics of the Manger. Your tour ends as you head back into the piazza ready for a Roman evening.