Private Jubilee - 4 Basilicas - NCC Car
Private Tour - Great for Pilgrims
Overview
Activity details
Begun in the year 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, the Church has encouraged pilgrims to come to the four most important churches in Christendom - the Major Basilicas - and to enter into them through their holy doors.
There are only 4 Major Basilicas in the world - the highest ranking of all churches - and they are all in Rome. The highest rank of all of these is the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran - the Cathedral of Rome - and thus the Mother Church of the entire world.
Following in the steps of countless saints and pilgrims for centuries and millenia before you, we give you the chance to visit the official Four Papal Major Basilicas of Rome and dispose yourselves towards the receipt of the attached indulgences.
The Ancient Four Major Basilicas of Rome are the Basilica of St Peter, the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, the Basilica of St Mary Major and the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran.
Pilgrims booked with us on this tour will have the chance to enter into each of these Papal Basilicas with an expert guide.
Our tour begins at the Vatican with the Basilica of St Peter built over the place where St Peterś body still lies.
Once you have entered into St Peters, our expert Catholic guide will give you a tour of the interior of the Basilica including Michelangelo's Pietà, the relics and altars of the major saints of the Catholic Church and the history involved and of course the body of St Peter buried underneath the High Altar here.
After the Basilica of St Peter, pilgrims are then transported by private air conditioned chauffered car to the Basilica of St Paul outside the Walls where the remains of the great Apostle of the Gentiles, St Paul, are to this day. Pilgrims will see the chains that bound St Paul during his incarceration and house arrest here in Rome before also viewing his newly excavated Sarcophagus before being given a tour of the rest of this ancient Theodosian Basilica.
From there, the group is once again transported by private car to the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran (San Giovanni) - the Cathedral of Rome. Here, you will again receive a detailed tour of the interior and its history including the story of the ancient mosaics, and stand before the heads of Sts Peter & Paul, brought into the Basilica and placed above the altar in the year 1300.
Finally, you will once more board your private transport and continue on to the ancient Basilica of St Mary Major (Santa Maria Maggiore) - perhaps the oldest church dedicated to Mary in Rome, but certainly the most important - to once more marvel at it's golden interior and learn all about the fascinating features including the different popes buried here, the relics of the crib of the nativity of Christ, the miraculous icon of Salus Populi Romani and countless other stunning features.
The Four Major Basilicas now completed, you can count yourself as one of the few who have managed to keep this ancient pilgrimage practice - to visit the 4 most important churches in Christendom.
This is truly a once in a lifetime experience for you to plug into the life of the Church and experience what countless saints have experienced through the years. Pilgrims are advised to book quickly below to avoid disappointment. Spaces are limited.
What's included
- Entry to the each site included in the tour
- Private Expert Guide
- Headsets for groups when appropriate
- Air Conditioned Vehicle from pick-up to drop-off
What's not included
- Some temporary exhibitions and special events may be excluded
- Food and Drink
- Gratuities
Itinerary
1) Hotel Pick-up from address within City Center of Rome
2) Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City
3) Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
4) Basilica of Saint John Lateran
5) Basilica of Saint Mary Major
6) Hotel Drop-off to address within City Center of Rome
Highlights
Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims since 1300 to enter the Holy Doors of the designated 4 major Basilicas of Rome in Jubilee years!
Experience this pilgrimage with your own private tour guide and an air conditioned vehicle with driver
Additional information
Check-in details
Please check-in at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to your scheduled tour time. Tours will depart promptly at the scheduled time, and no refunds will be given for late arrivals or missed tours.
What to bring
Proof of identification may be required, so please bring a valid form of photo ID for each guest.
We recommend acquiring the pilgrim card from the official Vatican Jubilee website - please let us know if you need help with this
Tours will proceed in all weather conditions, unless the site is closed by authorities for safety reasons. It is highly recommended to bring bottled water, sunscreen, hat and umbrella.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to dress warmly in colder temperatures, and bring a cover for bare shoulders inside any churches in the warmer months.
Special requirements
YOU WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION AFTER BOOKING WITH DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE PILGRIM'S CARD AND HOLY DOOR ENTRY DURING THE TOUR
Restrictions
Please let us know upon booking if you will need a car seat for infants or children. There may be an additional fee for this.
Health & Safety
All tours operate within the current COVID-19 regulations set by the Italian Government.
Temperatures reach extreme highs in summer and moderate lows in winter. Please dress warmly in cold weather, and stay hydrated and mindful of overheating in hot weather.
Be sure to let your guide know if you have any health conditions that may be affected by extended walking or extreme temperatures.
Disclaimers
The route of the tour and access to churches may be changed or adjusted at the last minute if there are special events or unannounced closures at any of the churches.
Cancellations
Roman Vacations srls will offer a full refund for cancellations made prior to 72 hours before the commencement of your tour. Bookings that are canceled within 72 hours of the tour start time are non-refundable.
Due to extremely strict reservation times at the attractions, we advise that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time of your tour. Refunds will not be provided for late arrivals and ‘no-shows’. If you know you are going to be late, please call us as soon as possible and we will try our best to accommodate you.
If you need to make amendments to your tour for any reason, we are happy to assist you with rescheduling if you notify us at least 72 hours before your tour start time. We reserve the right to charge an amendment fee should you request to reschedule within 72 hours of your tour start time. This is subject to availability and price changes. In general, we only charge you for any additional costs that we incur such as tickets. We will do our best to work with providers and suppliers to keep these costs to a minimum as we do not wish to profit from disruptions to your vacation.