Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

Culture & history

Explore the Eternal City from a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus with your 1 Day, 24, 48, or 72-hour ticket. Travel past the city's icons, leave the bus at any of the eight stops, and hop back on the next bus when you want to continue. Stay flexible while seeing all the amazing sights in Rome. Legend tells of Romulus and Remus and the 7 hills of Rome. Today the city is home to one of the world's largest churches, the Basilica di San Pietro of the Vatican, approached through a marvelous elliptical piazza. Among its other famous sights are the magnificent Colosseum, cinematic Trevi Fountain, and romantic Spanish Steps. With its vibrant café culture and quaint trattorias, Rome never fails to inspire. The full loop takes 100 minutes and you can jump off at any of the following points along the way: Location closest to our Bus Stops Terminal A Largo di Villa Peretti or Terminal C Piazza dei Cinquecento Santa Maria Maggiore San Giovanni in Laterano Colosseum Circo Massimo Piazza Venezia Largo Argentina Piazza Navona Vaticano (Castel Sant'Angelo) Piazza di Spagna (Fontana di Trevi)  Piazza Barberini Viale Enrico de Nicola (Stazione Termini)

Make your stay in Rome an unforgettable and easy experience with the 3-day OMNIA Vatican Card and Roma Pass combo. These 2 passes cover everything you'll want to do in Rome - historic attractions, top museums, a sightseeing bus tour - and public transportation to help you get around the Eternal City. Let's break it down: OMNIA Vatican Card allows entry to all the top sights in the Vatican City plus a 3-day hop-on hop-off bus tour. Roma Pass grants you free entry to 2 out of 5 top attractions plus discounts at a further 30 top sights and a travel card. The OMNIA Card includes: • Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel (R) • Entrance to the Basilica of St. John in the Lateran and cloister with multimedia audio-guide • Entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica including multilingual audio-guide (R) • Carcer Tullianum / Mamertine Prison (St Peter's Prison) (R) • Vox City Audio-Guide* • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour - access Open Bus Vatican and Rome, Big Bus, and City Sightseeing services The Roma Pass includes free admission to 2 of the following attractions (adult tickets only): • Capitoline Museums • Castel Sant'Angelo (R) • The Colosseum, Roman Forum & Palatine Hill (R) • Borghese Gallery (R) It also includes price reductions to many museums and attractions, including the following: Museums: • National Roman Museum – Palazzo Massimo alle Terme • National Roman Museum – Palazzo Altemps • National Roman Museum – Crypta Balbi • National Roman Museum – Baths of Diocletian • National Gallery in Palazzo Barberini • Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia • Centrale Montemartini • National Museum of Oriental Art • MACRO - Museo d'Arte Contemporanea Roma • MAXXI - National Museum of XXI Century Arts • Planetarium and astronomical museum Attractions: • Circo Maximo Experience • Trajan's Market • Palazzo Valentini – Archaeological Area of the Domus Romane • Ara Pacis and more! (R) Reservation required. *Download the Vatican & Rome App (available on Play Store or Apple Store) so you can enjoy the Vox City audio guide.

Enjoy a wonderful trip with us! Although our buses are new and comfortable, you will not be able to sleep because your eyes will be wide open to admire the beauty of the eternal city along the route. Warm and helpful staff will welcome you at our bus stops. The itinerary will allow you to admire the Colosseum, the Basilica of San Giovanni, the Cestia Pyramid, the Circus Maximus. We are a leading company in the transport sector and since 1991 we offer passengers the opportunity to get around easily and quickly thanks to comfortable and modern buses. Over the years, we have paid special attention to the needs of travellers, gaining the confidence of thousands of passengers who daily choose our buses to get around.

Begin your tour with visits to 2 important basilicas. Discover the Archbasilica of St. John Lateran, the oldest of Rome’s 4 main basilicas and home to the Holy Stairs, a pilgrimage site. Then head to the Basilica of St. Mary Major to see the amazing collection of historic and religious artefacts. Admire the mosaics and the Crypt of the Nativity. Continue along the historic Appian Way, passing the Chapel of Domine Quo Vadis. Arrive at the ancient underground Catacombs of Rome. Explore these remarkable subterranean cemeteries, some dating back to the 2nd century. See historic artwork in the catacombs, and learn about how these underground passageways give insight into the early days of Christianity.

Spend 3 hours exploring Rome on your own by bike. Upgrade your cycling adventure with a virtual reality experience at the Circus Maximus or with entrance to the Baths of Caracalla, Castel Sant'Angelo, the Catacombs, or the Trevi Underground. Find fun for all ages with optional infant seats and child-sized bikes. Circus Maximum Virtual Reality Experience Combo Add a ticket to your bike rental and relive the ancient splendors of the Circus Maximus. Put on your VR headset and go on a 40-minute, time-traveling journey back to the imperial period of Rome through augmented and virtual reality. See one of the most important monuments in Roman history, the Circus Maximus, in all its historic phases. Experience this groundbreaking project, which uses interactive display technologies that have never before been used in such an extended outdoor area.  see how images of the past are overlapped onto the present day. See the virtual reconstruction of the Arch of Titus in its full, former height. Baths of Caracalla Entrance Ticket Combo Opt to combine your bicycle rental with an entrance ticket to one of the largest and best-preserved ancient spa complexes. Learn about how the spa was constructed in 216 A.D., its many baths and rooms, and its several reconstructions before its closure in 537 A.D. Put yourself in the shoes of a Roman and imagine yourself relaxing and studying in the spa. Walk under enormous archways and, thanks to the rare, well-preserved condition of the ruins, imagine mosaic floors, marble columns, and corridors lined with statues Castel Sant'Angelo Entrance Ticket with Audioguide Combo  Combine your 3-hour E-bike rental with the Castel Sant'Angelo visit with an audioguide. Discover the history of this ancient fortress, and admire the paintings and statues. Marvel at the breathtaking views of the city from the terrace.  Catacombs Guided Tour Combo Combine your 3-hour E-bike rental with a tour of the Catacombs. Explore the Appian way to reach the venue. From your guide, hear about the fascinating history and secrets surrounding the extensive tunnels with tombs.  Trevi Underground Guided Tour Combo Combine your E-bike rental with an exclusive guided tour of the Trevi Underground. Admire the ruins dating all the way back to Ancient Rome. Discover all the secrets from your professional archeologist guide.

Welcome to the Rome Self-guided Audio Tour – your personalized key to unlock the treasures of one of the world's most enchanting cities. This immersive experience invites you to traverse the historic streets of Rome at your own pace while soaking in the rich tapestry of its past, all guided by insightful and engaging audio narration. As you embark on this self-guided adventure, you'll have the flexibility to explore iconic landmarks, hidden gems, and the vibrant culture of Rome on your terms. No need to rush – let the audio tour be your companion as you delve into the fascinating tales of emperors, gladiators, and Renaissance artists. Simply click audio guide access links onto your device, slip on your headphones, and let the captivating stories come to life as you wander through ancient ruins, stroll across charming piazzas, and stand in awe of architectural wonders. Whether you're an avid history buff, an art enthusiast, or a curious traveler, this audio tour is crafted to cater to your interests and provide an intimate connection with the city's past. Uncover the secrets of the Colosseum, stroll through the Roman Forum, and marvel at the timeless beauty of the Pantheon, this self-guided tour promises an unforgettable journey through the layers of Rome's history and culture. Learn more about the top 24 tourist attractions in Rome. Its history, culture, myths, architecture, and other important facts are in this audio commentary which starts from the city's central station and then the itinerary gradually moves one by one. 1. Roma Termini 2. Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore 3. Basilica di San Pietro in Vincoli 4. Colosseum 5. Basilica of St. John Lateran 6. Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill 7. Campidoglio Square 8. Capitoline Museums 9. Piazza Venezia 10. Palazzo Colonna 11. Doria Pamphilj Gallery 12. Trevi Fountain 13. Chiesa di Sant'Ignazio di Loyola 14. The Pantheon 15. San Luigi dei Francesi 16. Piazza Navona 17. Castel Sant'Angelo 18. Spanish Steps 19. Piazza del Popolo 20. Villa Borghese 21. Borghese Gallery and Museum 22. National Gallery of Ancient Art in Barberini Palace 23. Church of Santa Maria della Vittoria 24. Basilica of Santa Maria degli Angeli e dei Martiri Get ready to lose yourself in the magic of the Eternal City with the Rome Self-guided Audio Tour – where every step is an opportunity to discover the beauty and heritage that define this extraordinary destination. Let the adventure begin!

Pilgrims to Rome are drawn to a myriad of things, but none quite so significant as the Holy Steps and the Major Papal Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran, known in Italian as San Giovanni. Join us for a pilgrimage to the Cathedral of Rome, the Holy of Holies and the Scala Sancta, where your devout Catholic scholar and tour guide will bring to life the true history of the Catholic Church. The original steps from the Praetorium of the Roman Province of Judea, which Jesus ascended to be tried and eventually condemned by Pontius Pilate, were brought to Rome by St Helena in the 4th Century along with many other relics from Christ’s Passion.  Because Christ climbed these steps in condemnation, Catholic tradition holds that pilgrims climb them on their knees in meditation to be granted a Plenary Indulgence (in accord with the normal conditions).  Unfortunately this practice takes around 45 minutes and is therefore not part of our tour, but pilgrims can arrange to partake in the tradition in their own time free of charge. We will however visit the Holy Steps and begin our tour at the eponymous Church of the Scala Sancta, which is also home to the Sanctorium Sancta—known in English as the Holy of Holies—the tiny chapel into which only His Holiness the Pope was previously allowed to enter.  There we’ll climb the ordinary stairs and peek into the chapel, where we can catch a glimpse of the miraculous acheiropoieta of Christ, said to have been begun by St Luke the Evangelist and finished by angels. The same chapel is also home to wood from the table of the Last Supper. We continue our tour with a short trip across the road to the highest ranking church in Christendom, the Arch-Basilica of St John Lateran, where we’ll have the opportunity to venerate the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul, the Pillars of the Church. A UNESCO World Heritage site, San Giovanni is an awesome spectacle of a basilica and an architectural wonder, with its own unique history, works of priceless art and mosaics filled with symbolism. Closely caught up with the legalisation of Christianity within the Roman Empire, this Cathedral has a fascinating history with lots of ups and downs. It is also the site of one of the four Holy Doors that will open in 2025 for pilgrims to Rome. Our Basilica of St John Lateran & Holy Steps Rome Pilgrim Tour concludes admiring the facade of the building, where you’ll be just a few moments from public transport options, taxis and the ancient Aurelian city walls that encircle the Centro Storico, beyond which lies suburban Rome.

The starting point is next to the Colosseum at Piazza del Colosseo. From here we visit the entire city of Rome and also some of the hills to get a good impression. We visit the main attractions like the Colosseum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Navona Square, Campo dei Fiori. We also want to surprise you with some hidden gems that only we know! There is time for a walk and an ice cream. Explore Rome on a small-group tour of Rome's key monuments and features in our 7 seater golf cart. Visit landmarks like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Navona Square, and Trevi Fountain.

Our flagship Via Crucis Pilgrim Tour of Rome focuses on some of the most important artefacts in Christendom, including parts of the One True Cross upon which He was crucified; Holy Nails from the Cross; Thorns from the Crown of Thorns, the Title of the Cross placed above His head and the pillar upon which He was flogged. To take the Via Crucis—the Way of the Cross—is to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and on this essential walking tour of Rome for pilgrims you’ll see first-hand some of the relics from the final days and hours of His life, leading up to His condemnation and eventual execution at the hands of the occupying Roman forces in Jerusalem. Our tour begins at the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major, one of Rome’s four Major Basilicas and sites of the Holy Doors that will open in 2025. Here we’ll be able to see and venerate original wood from the Crib of the Nativity and, in the very same breathtaking basilica, stand just a few feet away from the original icon by St Luke the Evangelist, Salus Popoli Romani. Moving on, we’ll visit some of Rome’s truly hidden treasures and settings of the defining events in the history of the Christian Church, founded by St Peter in the heart of a vicious and hostile pagan world. You’ll have the opportunity to learn first-hand about the struggles of those early persecuted followers and their irrepressible faith. We’ll see stunning mosaics filled with symbolism, countless papal tombs, and the most famous icon in the world, Our Lady of Perpetual Help (also known as Our Lady of Perpetual Succour or Our Lady of the Passion). The very steps that Jesus ascended to the praetorium of the Roman procurator Pontius Pilate, whereupon He was condemned to death, are also here in Rome and are a central part of the Via Crucis Pilgrim Tour. Since Our Lord climbed those steps in condemnation, it is common tradition today to climb the same steps on one’s knees, though doing so takes around 45 minutes and therefore is not part of our itinerary. Anyone wishing to partake in this particular tradition should arrange to do so separately. The Church of the Holy Stairs is also the location of the Holy of Holies inner sanctum, accessed traditionally by nobody but the Pope, and the home of yet another icon, said to have been begun by St Luke and completed by angels. Our penultimate stop will be the oldest and most important of Rome’s four Major Basilicas, that of St John Lateran, the Cathedral of Rome and Mother Church of the World. Here are kept the skulls of Saints Peter and Paul, the Pillars of the Church, as well as the Holy Sponge which doused Him while He hung from the Cross. Our Via Crucis Pilgrim Tour finally concludes at the Basilica of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem, where our devout and learned guide will leave you with a homily. On the edge of the ancient Aurelian Wall that encompasses Rome’s historical city centre, Santa Croce is roughly a 10-minute walk from the nearest metro station.

Your expert local city guide will show you the city's best parts, including many hidden secrets you can’t find easily on your own. On this walking tour will be able to see a lot of sightseeing points within a short timeframe. Apart from explaining the sightseeing points your guide can provide insight into the history and culture of the city and the country in general. The focus of this tour is to see the city like a local. However, this private tour can be customised according to your wishes. Sightseeing points to visit can be agreed upon in advance or discussed when meeting up. STANDARD sightseeing places we can easily visit during the tour are: • Trevi Fountain: Oldest fountain in Rome, made many appearances in movies and is mythically believed to be a magical fountain. • Spanish Steps: The longest and widest steps in Europe. • Trastevere: Old working-class neighbourhood with narrow alleyways. • Altar of the Fatherland: A large national monument to honor the first king of Italy. • Vatican City: Center of Christianity and an important archaeological site of the Roman world. • Vatican Museums: Known for its papal connotations, rich history and extensive collection of art worth billions of Euros. • St. Peter’s Basilica: One of the holiest sites of Christianity and Catholic tradition. One of the most beautiful churches in the world and home to important artwork such as those by Michelangelo. • Capitoline Museums: A group of art & archaeological museums capturing rich history and plans conceived by Michelangelo. • Circus Maximus: The oldest and largest stadium in Rome built for chariot races. • Colosseum: A large amphitheater that hosted events like gladiator games. It is over 1900 years old and considered to be one of the 7 wonders of the world. • Palatine Hill: Beautiful views of the city including Circus Maximus. • Roman Forum: Site where processions, elections, public speeches, criminal trials and gladiatorial marches took place. Some examples of HIDDEN SECRETS we can visit: • Doria Pamphilj Gallery: Art gallery that contains one of the best art collections in Rome. • Villa Torlonia: Transformed into a public park, it offers well-kept green spaces, architecture and museums. • Tiber Island: Also known as “sacred island” associated with medicine and healing in pagan cults and Christian religion. • Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano: Oldest public church in Rome. • Scala Sancta: stairs believed to be “holy stairs” leading to the holy city of Jerusalem • Villa Doria Pamphilj: The largest landscaped park in Rome. • Villa Medici: A superior villa that shows the connection between architecture, gardens and the environment. • MAXXI: Museum of contemporary art and architecture Please note that it is not guaranteed to visit all the sightseeing places listed here. How many places you can visit depends on the length of the tour booked and how much time you spend at each place. After booking you can discuss the detailed itinerary with your guide.