Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

4 hours

Rome Walking Tours: History and Underground Tours

The Catacombs and Basilica of San Clemente

 

Description

Your guide and private driver will pick you up at your accommodations and accompany you on a tour that will take you back to ancient times. First stop, the medieval basilica of San Clemente. This Catholic church dedicated to Pope Clement I, is built atop a Romanesque church, which was built atop numerous ancient edifices, including a temple to the god Mithras. The past becomes tangible as you walk backwards in time while descending underground layer by historical layer. Your guide and driver will then take you to the nearby Catacombs. A maze of quarries and tunnels, the catacombs are ancient underground cemeteries that also provided refuge to Christian communities during the period of Roman persecution. They offer surprising insights into the emergence of Christianity from Rome’s pagan origins, with frescoes that include the earliest depictions of the Virgin Mary and the Three Wise Men.

What's Included

  • Expert, licensed English-speaking guide
  • English-speaking driver and private vehicle
  • Private Tour of San Clemente
  • The Catacombs can only be done with their internal guides in a small group. Your private guide will accompany you on this tour.
  • All entrance tickets
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Other Info

  • This is a private tour – your party only
  • Modest attire is required in churches and basilicas; knees and shoulders must be covered.
  • Large bags and umbrellas may not be allowed and, if permitted, retrieving checked items could affect your ability to cover the entire suggested itinerary.
  • Please wear comfortable shoes, as this tour requires a fair amount of walking and a significant amount of stairs.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Duration Of Tour

Walking Tours last approximately 3 hours unless otherwise specified.
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.