Rome: 2.5-Hour San Clemente & Underground Private Tour

Delving into Rome’s rich history, this 2.5-hour private tour offers a captivating exploration of the city’s underground wonders. From the intriguing Basilica San Clemente to the ancient Ludus Magnus, where gladiators once trained, this immersive journey promises to transport visitors back in time. Led by a professional art historian, the tour provides a fascinating glimpse into the layers of Rome’s past, leaving participants eager to uncover more of the city’s captivating secrets.

Key Points

• This private 2.5-hour tour in Rome allows visitors to explore the Basilica San Clemente, San Pietro in Vincoli Church, and Ludus Magnus underground ruins.
• The tour is led by a professional art historian and includes headsets for an enhanced experience.
• The tour price is €173.00 per person with a reserve now, pay later option and a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and food, drinks, gratuities, and transportation are not included.
• Visitors are required to arrive 15 minutes early, dress in smart casual attire, and be prepared for moderate walking.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This private tour of Rome offers a 2.5-hour experience exploring significant historical sites.

Priced at €173.00 per person, it allows for a reserve now, pay later option. Cancellations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund.

The tour features visits to the Basilica San Clemente, San Pietro in Vincoli Church, and Ludus Magnus. Guests can expect to discover underground ruins and admire Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.

Entrance fees, headsets, and an art historian guide are included. However, food, drinks, gratuities, and transportation are not.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Tour Highlights

The tour highlights an immersive exploration of Rome’s rich history.

Visitors will discover the underground of the Basilica San Clemente, a three-level structure reflecting Roman history. They’ll also explore the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, an ancient gladiator training school connected to the Colosseum by underground tunnels.

Visitors will uncover the multilayered history of the Basilica San Clemente and explore the ruins of the Ludus Magnus, a gladiator training school connected to the Colosseum.

Plus, the tour includes a visit to the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, which houses significant relics like the chains of St. Peter and Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.

This private tour provides an in-depth look at some of Rome’s most fascinating historical sites with the guidance of a professional art historian.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins near the Colosseum, where you will walk through the neighborhood.

First, they’ll visit the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, which houses the chains of St. Peter and Michelangelo’s statue of Moses.

Next, they’ll explore the ruins of Ludus Magnus, an ancient gladiator training school connected to the Colosseum by underground tunnels.

The tour concludes at the Basilica of San Clemente, a three-level structure that reflects Roman history.

Throughout the tour, you will receive clear guidance from a professional art historian guide and use headsets for an enhanced experience.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes entrance fees, headsets for clear guidance, and a professional art historian guide.

Entrance fees, headsets for clear guidance, and a professional art historian guide are all included in the tour.

However, food and drinks, gratuities (optional), and hotel pick-up/drop-off aren’t included. The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Here are some key details:

• Entrance fees are covered

• Headsets provided for clear guidance

• Professional art historian guide leads the tour

• Food, drinks, gratuities, and hotel transfers not included

• Not wheelchair accessible

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Important Information

Meeting point for the tour is Piazza San Pietro in Vincoli, in front of the Basilica San Pietro in Vincoli.

You’ll need to arrive 15 minutes early. Bring your passport or ID, and wear comfortable shoes.

The dress code is smart casual; knees and shoulders must be covered to enter the churches.

This tour involves moderate walking, so it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

You’ll receive confirmation at booking, and the tour runs in all weather conditions.

Exploring the Basilica San Clemente

Atop the tour’s itinerary sits the Basilica of San Clemente, a three-level structure that reflects the layers of Roman history.

Visitors can explore:

• The upper church, with its ornate 12th-century mosaics and frescoes.

• The lower church, housing early Christian mosaics and relics.

• The underground level, revealing the ruins of an ancient Roman temple and a 4th-century church.

• The interconnected tunnels, once used by early Christians to evade persecution.

This unique site offers a captivating glimpse into Rome’s past, from pagan origins to the rise of Christianity.

Discovering the Ludus Magnus

After exploring the captivating depths of the Basilica of San Clemente, the tour moves on to uncover the ancient ruins of the Ludus Magnus. This gladiator training school was once connected to the Colosseum by underground tunnels, allowing easy access for the fighters. Visitors will discover the well-preserved ruins and learn about the daily lives and training regimes of the fierce gladiators who competed in the nearby amphitheater. The table below provides key details about the Ludus Magnus and its significance in ancient Roman history.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Purpose | Gladiator training school |

| Connection | Linked to the Colosseum by tunnels |

| Significance | Crucial in preparing fighters for the arena |

| Excavation | Well-preserved ruins open for exploration |

| Historical Importance | Insight into ancient Roman gladiator culture |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photographs During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or instructions from the guide. It’s best to check with the guide beforehand to understand the policy on taking photographs during the tour.

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is not specifically geared towards children, but families are welcome. Some content may not be suitable for young kids, and the moderate walking involved may be challenging for smaller children. It’s best to consult with the tour provider for more details.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, there’s an option to extend the tour duration. Customers can request a longer tour by contacting the tour provider, who may be able to accommodate extended sightseeing or additional stops for an additional fee.

Can I Purchase Souvenirs at the Tour Sites?

While the tour doesn’t include stops to purchase souvenirs, visitors can explore the sites and find small gift shops, if they’d like to pick up memorabilia. The focus is on the historical and architectural highlights of the tour.

Are There Any Restrictions on the Use of Backpacks?

The tour doesn’t mention any restrictions on backpacks. However, it’s generally best to avoid bringing large bags or backpacks, as they can be inconvenient during walking tours and may not be allowed in certain historical sites.

The Sum Up

This private tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s captivating history. Visitors will explore the underground ruins of Basilica San Clemente, the Ludus Magnus gladiator training grounds, and the Church of San Pietro in Vincoli, all while led by a knowledgeable art historian. At just €173 per person, this 2.5-hour experience promises an immersive journey through Rome’s past, complete with headsets for clear guidance.

You can check availability for your dates here: