Peel back the layers of Roman history—quite literally—with a thrilling exploration of its underground tombs and chapels. See thousands of artistically displayed bones in the crypt of Santa Maria dell’ Orazione e Morte during an exclusive visit just for your small group. Although it might appear macabre, your expert guide will tell you why the early Christians in Rome actually consider the display life-affirming. Next up is the Roman Catacombs, home to stunning frescoes and thousands of centuries-old bones. Learn about early Christianity from your guide while meandering the endless darkened tunnels. An expert guide, private transportation via minibus, and a small group of 18 people or fewer means your only responsibility is to immerse yourself in the thrills and wonder of Rome.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Local English-speaking guide
✔ Group of 18 people or fewer
✔ Expert Catacombs guide
✔ Transportation (Minibus with air conditioning)
✔ Expertly guided walking tour
✔ Entrance ticket to Catacombs of Rome
✔ Entrance ticket to Orazione e Morte bone crypt
✖ Gratuities
✖ Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure & Return
Departure:
,
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets at Piazza Trilussa, by the statue of Trilussa on the right side of the square (with the river behind you).
Return: End right where it started.
Itinerary
1
Piazza Trilussa
Meet your expert catacombs guide in central Rome. After a brief introduction, follow them to your private, air-conditioned minibus for your journey into the underworld of the early Christians. It's just a short 30-minute drive to your first stop.
Duration: 15 minutes
2
Chiesa di Santa Maria dell'Orazione e Morte
It’s easy to miss this 16th century church tucked down an alley, but your expert guide knows the fascinating history that lies beneath your feet. After a brief introduction from your guide, they will ring the doorbell and wait for a nun to escort you and your small group into the church for an exclusive visit. You’ll follow the nun down a short flight of stairs into the crypt, revealing the bones and remains of thousands of individuals in a jaw-dropping display of life and death. Although it might appear macabre, your expert guide will tell you why the early Christians in Rome actually consider the display life-affirming.
Duration: 45 minutes
3
Rome
Next, board an air-conditioned bus for a short ride outside Rome’s city center.
Duration: 30 minutes
4
Catacombe San Sebastiano
Enter the catacombs for an intimate tour of this ancient burial ground. The catacomb contains miles of creepy tunnels and the world’s oldest collection of bones. Your expert, guide, hand-picked for knowledge of the catacombs, will lead your small group of 18 people or fewer through these wonderfully historic and atmospheric tunnels, while telling you the story of early Christianity. Large groups simply can’t fit into these areas, so take advantage of this truly unique access. Depending on the day or season, you may visit a different, but equally interesting, Roman Catacomb.
Duration: 60 minutes
5
Piazza Trilussa
After exploring some of Rome's most important ancient sites, board the private bus for the return trip back to Rome’s city center.
Duration: 30 minutes
Additional info
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• This tour is in English.
• Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
• Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, those with claustrophobia may want to consider another tour.
• This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
• Photography is not allowed in the sites visited on this tour, due to their religious nature.
• Due to the religious nature of the catacombs, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before enter.
• Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
