Tour Details
Spend six hours exploring the ancient catacombs of San Sebastiano and San Callisto, where hundreds of early Christians and popes rest when you book this guided cultural tour in Civitavecchia. If you're an avid history buff looking for a tour that takes you back in time for a cultural experience, then this is the tour for you! You'll enjoy an expert guide, who will share Christianity's history and burial practices as you wander through an underground labyrinth of the Catacombs of San Sebastiano and the somber tombs of the Catacombs of San Callisto. While you'll need to have your valid passport on hand and your excursion won't cover the cost of lunch or gratuity, your tour includes your entrance fees to the catacombs and convenient transportation to and from your meetup location at Largo della Pace SNC and the catacombs.
Start your epic journey by meeting up with your guide at your rendezvous point and hopping in a comfortable vehicle for a scenic 50 minute drive where the Via Appia and Via Ardeatina intersect to explore Rome's iconic catacombs. First, you'll stop at Rome's oldest Christian cemetery: the Catacombs of San Sebastiano. You'll get a chance to wander through its winding underground corridors as you learn how early Christians buried the dead. Walk the paths where early Christians congregated, and take in the iconic sights you'll witness as you move through these somber underground chambers, such as the carvings of Christian symbols depicted on the catacombs' walls.
Continue your cultural excursion as you head to the resting place of popes and martyrs alike with a stop at the Catacombs of San Callisto. This iconic burial site dates back to the second century and is one of Rome's largest early Christian burial grounds. As you stroll the underground labyrinth of this 9 acre burial site, you'll learn about the persecution Christians experienced under Roman rule. The Catacombs of San Castillo is known for its Crypt of Popes and is home to papal tombs. At least 16 martyrs, 100 persecuted, early Christians, and ten popes rest in this ancient burial site, making this sacred Christian cemetery one of Rome's essential burial sites of early Christians.
Conclude your guided excursion by resting in the beautiful gardens of the catacombs. You'll get a chance to reflect on how the early Christians' faith and experience before heading back to your port.
Whether you want to see the iconic Catacombs first hand or learn about the history of early Christians' burial practices, this guided tour offers it all. Reserve your spot on this iconic cultural excursion today and get ready to enjoy a historical experience!
Duration: 8.5 hours
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Reference: Viking Oceans, Viking Vesta, Departing Mon, Aug 18, 2025
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More about this tour
Shore Excursion Size: Standard
Shore Excursion Type: Scenic, Cultural, Historical
Shore Excursion Duration: 8.5
Shore Excursion Departs From: A 10 to 15 minute shuttle ride is required to reach your departure location.
Activity Level: Moderate
Food/Beverage Provided: None
Recommended Dress: As you will be visiting inside a religious or memorial site, shoulders and knees must be covered. Please remember that no shorts, miniskirts or uncovered shoulders are permitted in any religious venue. Sensible, flat-soled walking shoes, comfortable seaso
Restrictions: Participants must be able to step in and out of the vehicle and walk for approximately 1 to 2 miles over cobblestone, dirt, or uneven paths. There are steps at all locations visited on the tour. Guests should be in good physical health to take this tour.