VIP After-Hours Santa Maria Maggiore Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Santa Maria Maggiore's stunning architecture
- Enjoy a serene atmosphere without crowds
- Learn about the basilica's rich history
- Admire intricate mosaics and artworks
- Experience Rome's cultural heritage up close
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Guided tour of Santa Maria Maggiore
- Skip-the-line access
- Private tour option available
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Loggia Mosaics Hall of the Popes Rooftop Terraces Bernini’s Staircase Icon of the Salus Populi Romani Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb Bernini’s Tomb Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- The tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- Stroller access is available; please inform the tour operator in advance.
- Service animals are allowed; notify the operator beforehand.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes as the tour involves walking on uneven surfaces.
- Bring a camera to capture the basilica's architectural beauty.
- Arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the scheduled start time.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not for all places during the tour. There is an elevator to the Loggia level but nothing to the Terrace level. There is partial accessibility—a person in a wheelchair could visit the Basilica main level, the Loggia, and the Room of the Popes but could not access the terrace level at all. They would experience the "alone" feeling of the Basilica but would have to wait while the rest of the tour went to the terrace level.
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- Please note: For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not permitted on the terraces, and therefore, we are unable to accept bookings for guests with children under 7 years old. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- The minimum number required is 2 travelers.
Traveler reviews
Brando was very...
Brando was very knowledgeable. Meeting place was easy and convenient. Very interesting and beautiful church. Was able to pay respect to Pope Francis.
Very special tour
Tiffany gave our family an absolutely stellar experience on the Semi-Private Santa Maria Maggiore & Terraces Tour. Even though the tour was only an hour long, it felt incredibly rich, meaningful, and memorable. Her warmth, knowledge, and passion brought every moment to life, and she made us feel genuinely welcomed from start to finish. What stood out most was how she turned a short tour into such a precious memory for our family. We left feeling inspired, grateful, and lucky to have had Tiffany as our guide. We would recommend this tour, and especially Tiffany without hesitation to anyone visiting Rome.
Great semi private tour
Francesco was awesome! Super knowledgeable and passionate about the history of where we were. Also a great way to see the church with significantly less people.
Excellent tour! The guide...
Excellent tour! The guide was very informative. Learned a lot of new information. Would recommend to friends and family.
An after hours tour of the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica that is a must see tour while in Rome.
This was an amazing tour led by our guide, Andy. He was extremely knowledgeable about the history and contents of the Basilica. There were just two of us, and our guide, which gave us an incredible opportunity to see everything up close, going in areas that are not normally accessible to the public. Just when we thought we were done with the tour, Andy would take us to more incredible locations within the Basilica. I would highly recommend this tour. Andy was an English speaking guide, fluent in Italian as well.