Private Driver Tours Italy
La Dolce Vita: Romantic Rome by Night
June 23, 2021
A Spiritual Journey: Assisi and Calcata (from Rome)
June 26, 2021
The following are not included in the price:
- Meals, drinks and tastings;
- Tour of the city with a personal tour guide;
- Tickets for Museums and Attractions;
- Any extra hours, which are charged at €55 per hour.
Religious Rome: The Sacred Sites of Christendom
From: € 250,00
Step beyond the city walls and uncover the archaeological marvels that are the ancient tunnels of Rome’s catacombs. Our expert driving guide will help you gain a unique perspective of ancient Roman history and religious symbolism as you journey through the fascinating crypts, fountains and catacombs of this underground world.
Rediscover Rome's incredible underground crypts and catacombs in this engaging private tour
Rome is brimming with early-Christian sites to be explored on this unique tour.
Guests will have the privilege of a private driver to collect them from their accommodation or other pre-arranged meeting point at 8.30 am for an exclusive 4-hour exploration of some of Rome’s most sacred sites.
The first part of the morning will be spent traveling just outside the ancient gates of the city. Here there are 3 early-Christian catacombs from which to choose, being the Catacombs of Domitilla, San Sebastiano or San Callisto. Although Signature Italy suggests the latter as being the most interesting, guests are free to choose which to visit. Each offers group tours led by an expert guide that guests are able to join. Not too far from this location is the beginning of the Appian way, one of the main thoroughfares connecting Ancient Rome to Southern Italy. The chance to walk on a road which is over 2000 years old is priceless!
Afterwards continue your explorations visiting some of Rome’s most monumental churches. Guests may choose to explore on own among the Santa Maria Maggiore, Saint Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli), the Basilica of St John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano) and San Paolo.
The tour then concludes at starting point or other location upon request.
From its “Religio Romana” with its Roman gods such as Mars and Neptune through to the founding of the Holy See of the Vatican in the 1st century and beyond, Rome has long been home to strong religious beliefs and traditions.
Visiting an expertly-chosen selection of the most splendid places of worship provides a journey back through time in terms of architecture, art and design and also the culture and practices of a population throughout the ages, along with allowing great insight into the evolution of religious practices. Today, there are said to be more than 900 churches in Rome, not to mention other sacred sites such as the convents and catacombs.
There are at least 40 known catacombs in Rome. Although the tradition of below-ground burial chambers dates back to at least Etruscan times, the Romans initially preferred cremation, with the ashes often then stored in a columbarium. In around the 2nd century AD, it became fashionable for the more well-to-do to bury bodies unburnt, particularly amongst Christians given their belief in the Second Coming.As with many ancient burial grounds, Rome’s catacombs provide great insight into the lives, customs, fashions and craftsmanship of the time, as well as providing access to some of the most poignant places in Rome.
What are you going to experience
- Visit some of Rome’s most sacred spaces in the comfort of a private vehicle.
- Join a tour of the Catacombs with an expert local guide.
- Enter several splendid churches that provide great insights into Rome’s religious, cultural and artistic traditions.
- Go to some of the lesser-known sites in Rome for a greater understanding of the Italian capital.
Please note, this tour cannot be offered on Wednesdays or Sundays. Departure times can be varied to suit opening times that change throughout the seasons. Usually departure time is at 8.30 am at your accommodation. Any entries throughout the tour are extra and can be paid on the day directly to the sites chosen by the guests. Calculate 8-10 euro per person for a visit to the Catacombs of Domitilla, San Callisto and/or San Sebastiano. Visits therein are run at designated times in the company of an on-site guide. It is usually not possible to have a private tour. Knees, backs and shoulders must be covered for entry into places of worship. Churches often reserve the right to close areas without prior notice due to mass or other events. No refunds are available due to such closures, which are beyond our control. The exact number of churches and catacombs visited will depend on guest interest and tour will be tailored to individual desires.
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