From Civitavecchia Port: Full-Day Best of Christian Rome

Highlights

• Witness the most important locations of the Catholic Church in Rome
• Focus seventeen hundred years into a single trip "You can not see greater than Rome" Quinto Orazio Flacco (65 a.C - 8 a.C)

Full description

St. Sebastian's Catacombs, despite their small size, have always been easy to reach and thus poorly maintained— only relics from the original four floors now lie within the first floor level. The excavations reveal arches at the end of a 13th-century church built upon a primitive basilica (later rebuilt in 1933 on ancient foundations) along with the outside apse of the Chapel of Relics that contains both whole and fragmented sarcophagi, mostly dating back to the 4th century. San Callixtus' Catacombs or Crypt of Popes came into existence after 150 AD. A personalized tour through these landmarks ensures an encounter with various historical sites such as Basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of Saint Mary Major, Christian Catacombs on Ancient Appian Way— ending at the renowned St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City (only if accessible). Explore these underground wonders soaked with history: learn about their origin stories which date centuries back; visit other places like... The Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is dedicated to John the Baptist and John the Evangelist, hence its status as Rome's first and most important basilica. It also serves as the cathedral for the Bishop of Rome— the Pope— earning the title "Omnium urbis et orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput: Cathedral of Rome and of the World." The steps are known as Holy because tradition holds that they were brought to Rome by St. Helena from Pilate's house in Jerusalem. The Catacombs of St. Sebastian, among the smallest Christian cemeteries, have always been highly accessible due to their size. This has unfortunately resulted in poor preservation; they are among the least preserved catacombs (out of four original floors, with the first almost completely gone). The reconstruction in 1933 of an ancient basilica revealed interesting architectural features that indicated various periods of construction. The apse Chapel Relics and its surrounding area showed signs of a 13th century church, while excavations uncovered well-preserved sarcophagi dating mostly from the 4th century. The Catacombs of San Callixtus or Crypt Popes had a rich history that traced back to its construction after 150 AD when it was proposed by Pope Zephyrinus. Enlarged by Saint Callixtus upon his papacy, the complex soon became the official graveyard for the Roman church, with more than fifty martyrs and sixteen pontiffs interred in its arcades — part of a vast graveyard complex that spanned 15 hectares and was approximately 12 miles long. Upon reaching the catacombs, your entrance tickets will be bought onsite (at a price of 8 EUR per person) with the help of your driver. You kick off your visit by joining a small group tour led by catacombs staff in your preferred language. The Catacombs of St. Sebastian being one of the smallest Christian cemeteries has made them easily accessible throughout history. However, this easy accessibility has led to their poor preservation— they are among the least preserved (only three out of four original floors remain). If you observe the left end of the right-hand wall in the nave of the primitive basilica (rebuilt in 1933 on ancient remains), you can see arches that indicate where the middle nave stood from a 13th-century church. The view of the Chapel of the Relics outside apse came into sight through those arches; this space was filled with sarcophagi collected during excavations, some whole and some in fragments. Most could be traced back to the 4th-century — a period rich in history for these relics. The Catacombs of San Callixtus or the Crypt of Popes did not come into existence before 150 AD; it was built after that year as one of the significant sites within Christianity — holding great importance till this day. At the end of your journey, you will be brought back to Civitavecchia port and dropped off at your ship— signifying the end of this insightful tour which lasts for 9 hours from pick-up to drop-off time. It is advised that you schedule your pick-up for 07:30; a time when you can fully make use of this enriching experience before heading back to your ship for further travels. After the tour ends, the driver will bring you back to your ship at Civitavecchia port. This trip lasts 9 hours from pick-up to drop-off time, beginning when you are collected. Please ensure your readiness for pick-up by 07:30.

Includes

• Roman adventures with a touch of class. How will you be making your way around the city, and who will be showing you its secrets? Think chauffeured Mercedes tours, private guides to Rome’s hidden gems, and authentic Italian dining experiences that can only be found off the beaten path.

Not includes

• Catacombs tickets cost 8 EUR per person.
• Gratuities

Know before you go

• Certain dress codes are expected in a few museums and all places of worship. The prohibition includes the wearing of shorts or sleeveless tops for both men and women who must cover their knees and shoulders. The consequence of not adhering to this policy could be rejection.
• Certain establishments like religious institutions and certain museums require adherence to a dress code. Sleeveless tops and shorts are not allowed; both men and women must ensure that their shoulders and knees are covered. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to refusal of entry, which you should be conscious about.
• There are dress codes at places of worship and some museums. For men and women, it is forbidden to wear shorts or sleeveless tops— they should both cover their knees and shoulders. Expect rejection if you do not adhere to this rule.