VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option
At a glance
VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option is a 1h small-group experience in Rome, Italy, operated by LivTours. Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 30 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor. Prices start from $124.83 per person, and free cancellation is available. Included: Bernini’s Tomb, Mosaics and Ceiling, Exclusive Small Group of 6 people.
Highlights
- Small group of up to 15 people for a more personal experience
- Free cancellation for flexible planning
- Wheelchair accessible
Quick facts
- Duration
- 1h
- Group
- Small group, up to 15 travellers
- Languages
- English
- Pickup
- Meet at the start point
- Confirmation
- Instant confirmation
- Ticket
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation (see policy)
Overview
Experience an exclusive after-hours journey through Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's cherished papal basilicas. Enjoy rare access to areas typically closed to the public, including Bernini's spiral staircase, the Loggia with shimmering golden mosaics, the Hall of the Popes, and rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Rome's skyline and the basilica's towering 275-foot bell tower.
Inside, discover the sacred Holy Door, the revered Manger relics in a crystal reliquary beneath the altar, papal tombs, and a gilded ceiling crafted with gold from the New World. Admire breathtaking mosaics from the 5th and 14th centuries, portraying Mary as Queen of Heaven.
This intimate tour provides a rare opportunity to explore one of Rome's most iconic churches, free from crowds and illuminated in serene, nighttime splendor.
What's included
What's included
- Bernini’s Tomb
- Mosaics and Ceiling
- Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
- Loggia Mosaics
- Special Access after public closure
- Highlights of the Basilica
- Hall of the Popes
- Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome
- Sistine Chapel
- Bernini’s Staircase
- Rooftop Terraces
- Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
- Top rated Expert Guide
- Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
- Borghese Chapel
Itinerary
-
Stop 1 · 1h
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
In front of the fountain beneath the “Column of Peace,” in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Good to know
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option take?
The experience lasts about 1h.
How much does it cost?
Prices start from $124.83 per person. The final price depends on the date, time and number of travellers, and is confirmed on Viator before you pay.
What's included?
Bernini’s Tomb; Mosaics and Ceiling; Exclusive Small Group of 6 people; Loggia Mosaics; Special Access after public closure; Highlights of the Basilica.
Where does it start?
In front of the fountain beneath the “Column of Peace,” in Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore.
Can I cancel?
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is guided in English.
Is it worth it?
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 30 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor, which places it among the top-rated experiences in Rome.
