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Small Group

Catacombs and Secrets of Rome Small Group Tour

Italy 3 hours Private (Up to 18 Guests) ★ 5.0 (123 Verified Reviews)

Tour Overview

Catacombs Group Tour – Uncover Rome’s Hidden Underground

Step Beneath Rome and Discover Its Secret Past

Join a small group Catacombs tour and descend into the hidden layers of Rome, where history, faith, and mystery intertwine. Beneath the city’s bustling streets lie ancient burial chambers, early Christian art, and forgotten temples, waiting to be explored.

Walk Through the Ancient Catacombs of Priscilla

Your journey begins at the Catacombs of Priscilla, an underground network once used as a burial site for early Christians. Here, you’ll encounter:

  • The oldest known frescoes of the Virgin Mary, dating back to the 2nd century
  • Winding tunnels lined with ancient tombs, telling stories of faith and persecution
  • A silent world frozen in time, offering a glimpse into Rome’s early Christian community

Explore the Layered History of the Basilica di San Clemente

Rome is a city of layers, and nowhere is this more evident than in San Clemente Basilica:

  • Above ground: A stunning medieval basilica
  • Beneath: A 4th-century church, where early Christians once worshiped
  • Even deeper: A 3rd-century Mithraeum, a temple dedicated to the mysterious cult of Mithras
  • All the way down: The echo of a 1st-century Roman aqueduct, still carrying water after nearly 2,000 years

Why Choose This small Group Tour?

  • Small, semi-private group for an intimate experience
  • Expert guides revealing the fascinating history of underground Rome
  • Children under 7 years old join for free

Book Today!

Step back in time and uncover the secrets beneath Rome. Reserve your tour today and explore a world hidden below the Eternal City.

Duration 3 hours
Tour Type Small Group
Language English Expert
Guarantee 100% Private

VIP Tour Highlights

Skip-the-Line Priority VIP Access to all iconic monuments
Licensed, English-fluent historian and local cultural guide
Luxury air-conditioned Mercedes vehicle with private chauffeur
Fully customizable start times & door-to-door hotel pickup

Detailed Itinerary

1

Capuchin Monastery

The Capuchin Monastery, nestled within the bustle of Rome, offers a starkly unique glimpse into the rituals of mortality.

 

This friary is famed for its Capuchin Crypt, a series of chapels adorned with the skeletal remains of over 4,000 Capuchin monks, arranged artistically and symbolically. But this is more than macabre art; it serves as a profound reminder of life's ephemeral nature, a memento mori echoed in the inscription: "What you are now, we once were; what we are now, you shall be.

2

Catacombs of Priscilla

The Catacombs of Priscilla, resting quietly beneath the bustling streets of Rome, hold a distinct place in early Christian history. This extensive network of burial galleries, named after the noblewoman Priscilla, served as a sacred burial ground for Christians in the 2nd to 4th centuries.

 

The catacombs are particularly renowned for their precious 3rd-century frescoes, including what is believed to be the oldest known depiction of the Virgin Mary. The "Madonna and Child" and "The Three Wise Men" frescoes are among the most recognized.

What’s Included & Excluded

What Is Included

  • Customized tour tailored to your preferences.
  • Headsets available.
  • Skip-the-line tickets for a hassle-free experience.
  • Engaging, well-groomed guides to enhance your tour.
  • The option for the guide to meet you at your hotel upon request.

Not Included

  • Transportation costs to and from the tour's meeting point.
  • Water or lunch during the tour.
  • Tips or gratuity for the guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The tour requires a minimum of 2 people per booking to be conducted.
  • The tour/activity is designed to accommodate a maximum of 15 people.

You have 3 options for moving around the city:

  • Private car hire (this costs about €150 per hour).
  • Your guide will call a taxi (a typical taxi trip is about €15)
  • Your guide will take you on public transport (tickets cost €1,50 each)
  • Comfortable shoes, such as sneakers with cushioned insoles, are highly recommended for walking.
  • Sunscreen and a hat (in sunny weather)
  • A light jacket or layers, as it can get chilly underground.
  • A small bag to carry your belongings
  • Cash or credit card for souvenirs, or food
  • Large bags or backpacks
  • Weapons or sharp objects
  • Smoking
  • This tour involves walking, narrow stairs, and uneven terrain. Visitors with mobility issues may find the tour challenging. It is not wheelchair accessible.
  • We recommend you book one month in advance especially during peak season.
  • Please note, this tour is mostly underground in very narrow spaces, which may be an issue if you or anyone in your party suffers from claustrophobia.
  • For a full refund, tours must be cancelled at least 96 hours prior to the scheduled start time.
  • If a tour is cancelled between 72 and 24 hours before the tour, only the balance amount will be refunded, and the ticket fee will be retained.
  • No refund will be issued for tours cancelled within 24 hours or less of the scheduled start time.

Customer Reviews & Ratings

5.0 ★★★★★
Overall rating based on 123 verified traveler reviews
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