Exploring the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore before the crowds arrive is a unique opportunity. This exclusive VIP tour grants visitors skip-the-line access and a luxury breakfast, allowing them to marvel at the basilica’s medieval mosaics, Bernini’s Staircase, and the Hall of the Popes in peace. With an English-speaking guide providing insights into the site’s rich heritage, this 1.5-hour experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into one of Rome’s most magnificent landmarks.
Key Points
- Offers exclusive early access to the S Maria Maggiore Basilica before public opening hours.
- Includes a private guided tour with insights into the Basilica’s medieval mosaics, papal history, and architectural wonders.
- Provides a luxury breakfast experience within the Basilica premises.
- Ensures a seamless visit with skip-the-line access and wheelchair accessibility.
- Offers a full refund with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The S Maria Maggiore VIP Tour offers an exclusive early access experience at the Basilica, allowing visitors to explore the hidden upper areas before the public opening.
Enjoy an exclusive early access experience at the Basilica, exploring hidden upper areas before the public opening.
Priced at $16.21 per person, the 1.5-hour tour includes a private guided exploration and a luxury breakfast inside the Basilica.
Guests can enjoy skip-the-line access and wheelchair accessibility.
The tour also features a full refund with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors can reserve their spot without upfront payment, paying later to book their tour.
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Experience Highlights
Early entry at 7:30 AM before public opening allows guests to enjoy private access to the Basilica’s hidden upper areas.
A live English-speaking guide leads the way, providing insights into the church’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage. Guests marvel at the medieval mosaics in the Loggia of the Blessings and explore the Hall of the Popes, filled with papal history and artistic treasures.
The tour also features Bernini’s Staircase, an architectural masterpiece, and the Liberian Museum, which houses rare artifacts including the Nativity Scene by Arnolfo di Cambio.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and includes a luxury breakfast inside the Basilica.
Key Attractions
Guests admire the medieval mosaics depicting the Miracle of the Snow in the Loggia of the Blessings.
They’ll then explore the Hall of the Popes, a room filled with papal history and artistic treasures.
Next, they’ll marvel at Bernini’s Staircase, an architectural masterpiece.
Visitors will be awestruck by Bernini’s Staircase, an architectural marvel that showcases the Basilica’s artistic grandeur.
The tour culminates in the Liberian Museum, where they’ll discover rare artifacts, including the Nativity Scene by Arnolfo di Cambio.
These key attractions provide an immersive experience into the Basilica’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage, offering privileged access to areas off-limits to regular visitors.
Why Choose This Tour
Visitors can avoid the crowds and enjoy privileged early access with this exclusive S Maria Maggiore VIP tour.
They’ll explore areas off-limits to regular visitors, seeing the basilica’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage. The tour includes skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, ensuring a seamless experience.
Guests will also delight in a refined breakfast in the unique setting of the basilica.
This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience the grandeur of S Maria Maggiore without the hassle of large crowds, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an exceptional and personalized visit.
More Great Tours NearbyImportant Information
Travelers should arrive at the meeting point of Santa Maria Maggiore 20 minutes early to allow time for security checks. Certain items are prohibited inside the Basilica, including flash photography, food, and drinks. Late arrivals will not be admitted, as strict entry time regulations apply. To make the most of this exclusive experience, guests are encouraged to wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera.
| What to Bring | What’s Not Allowed |
| — | — |
| Comfortable Shoes | Flash Photography |
| Camera | Food |
| Water | Drinks |
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Exclusive Early Access
By securing this exclusive VIP tour, visitors gain access to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore a full 30 minutes before the general public.
They’ll enjoy private entry through a separate entrance, skipping the long lines. This early access allows guests to explore the Basilica’s hidden upper areas and marvel at its medieval mosaics and papal treasures in relative solitude.
The tour’s timed entry ensures a seamless experience, without the crowds that typically fill the Basilica later in the day.
This privileged access is a key highlight of this immersive VIP experience.
Luxury Breakfast
After exploring the hidden upper areas of the Basilica, guests can look forward to enjoying a refined breakfast served inside this sacred space.
The luxury breakfast features:
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Freshly baked pastries, croissants, and breads
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A selection of Italian cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits
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Specialty coffee and tea to savor in the peaceful ambiance of the Basilica.
This unique opportunity allows visitors to enjoy the Basilica’s rich history and artistry while indulging in a delightful morning meal in an exclusive setting before the crowds arrive.
Exploring the Basilica’s Heritage
Though the S Maria Maggiore VIP Tour allows visitors privileged early access to the Basilica, the true draw lies in exploring its rich heritage and artistic treasures.
Guests can marvel at the medieval mosaics in the Loggia of the Blessings, depicting the Miracle of the Snow. The Hall of the Popes offers a glimpse into the Basilica’s papal history and artistic masterpieces.
Bernini’s architectural masterpiece, the grand Bernini’s Staircase, impresses visitors. The Liberian Museum houses rare artifacts, including the Nativity Scene by the renowned sculptor Arnolfo di Cambio.
This exclusive tour immerses guests in the Basilica’s captivating history and artistic splendor.
Common Questions
Can I Bring My Children on the Tour?
Children are welcome on the tour, but it’s important to note the Basilica has strict entry rules. Parents should ensure their children follow the rules, such as no flash photography or bringing food/drinks inside.
Is the Tour Suitable for People With Disabilities?
The tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing those with disabilities to explore the basilica’s hidden areas. Guests can enjoy early entry and skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, ensuring a comfortable and accessible experience.
Do I Need to Purchase Tickets Separately for the Basilica?
No, you don’t need to purchase separate tickets for the basilica. The tour includes skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, allowing you to explore the basilica’s highlights during the early access period.
Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Casual attire is acceptable, but swimsuits, tank tops, and shorts aren’t allowed inside the Basilica.
Can I Take the Tour if I Don’t Speak English?
Yes, non-English speakers can take the tour. The tour includes a live English-speaking guide, and the Basilica staff can provide assistance in other languages upon request. Visitors should communicate their language needs when booking the tour.
The Sum Up
The exclusive early access S Maria Maggiore VIP Tour & Breakfast offers a rare chance to explore one of Rome’s most stunning basilicas before the crowds arrive. With skip-the-line access, a luxury breakfast, and an expert guide, visitors can marvel at the Basilica’s remarkable medieval mosaics, Bernini’s Staircase, and the Hall of the Popes in a serene and privileged setting.
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