Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims since 1300 to enter the Holy Doors of the designated 4 major Basilicas of Rome in Jubilee years!

Duration

5 hours

About

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
• Expert Local Guide
• Headsets for groups when appropriate
• Transport during the tour.

What's Excluded

• Transport to and from the meeting point
• Some temporary exhibitions and special events may be excluded
• Food and Drink
• Gratuities

Know Before You Go

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.

Proof of identification may be required, so please bring a valid form of photo ID for each guest.

YOU WILL RECEIVE COMMUNICATION AFTER BOOKING WITH DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING THE PILGRIM'S CARD AND HOLY DOOR ENTRY DURING THE TOUR

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.

All tours operate within the current COVID-19 regulations set by the Italian Government.

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.

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.