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There are several companies offering these and other tours. Among them, American Express (Piazza di Spagna, 38; phone 06-67642413 or 06-67641) and Vastours (via Piemonte, 34; phone 406-814309). Departures on this tour at about 2pm. We've always used American Express. We know of no way to book these on the 'net, nor have we ever known a need to book them in advance. We usually stop by the office in the morning and reserve for that afternoon. Your hotel will also be glad to make arrangements for you. Cost for half-day tours run around $30-40 per person, $75 and up for full-days. None of the sights require a tour bus. They're easily reached. But they're neither grouped conveniently together nor especially convenient to the other top sights. This, or a private guide, is about the best way to squeeze all these into a single afternoon.
On this tour you'll likely also make brief stops at the Colosseum and a spot overlooking the Roman Forum. Please, do not let this 'visit' to the Forum be your only view. Do make time in your schedule to spend time inside this most ancient birth spot and hub of this great city. Ranking
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Itineraries Vatican: Sistine Chapel, Museums and St. Peter's | Ancient Rome | Christian Rome Complete Index of Articles on Rome/Italy Our Favorites Trip Tips and Tools Copyright © 1996-2001 E.J.
Gehrlein Traveling
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us tours aren't popular with us, but
this half day excursion takes you to widely dispersed sights including the catacombs and
gives you access to a variety of worthwhile sights in an efficient use of time. As well,
if you do any reasonable amount of footing it around Rome and her sights, you may welcome
an afternoon that mixes some sitting, albeit on a bus, with visiting key locales.
anta Maria
Maggiore is second in beauty only to St. Peter's. The gold leaf on the ceiling is
allegedly from the first gold brought back from the New World. According to tradition, the
church was built on this spot following a snowstorm there in August. If you ever go to
Rome in August, you'll understand why that would be a true miracle. The church is also
home to what tradition holds to be the original crib of Jesus, displayed at Christmastime.
e find San Paolo and San Giovanni
depressingly dim, but they're quite important churches. San Giovanni is the only cathedral
in the city - the seat of the Bishop of Rome, the Pope. The adjacent Scala Santa will be
of interest at least to Catholics. San Paolo will give you a good idea of the appearance
of true, ancient Roman basilicas. This is probably the burial place of (most of) Saint
Paul, who met his death at this site.
any find
the catacombs less than thrilling, but you'll be interested to visit at least once,
perhaps because you've heard so much about them from early childhood (much of it
incorrect.) Ed prefers San Sebastiano, though most of the tours these days seem to go to 