Rome: Catacombs & San Clemente Underground Tour, Max 6

Five Stories Down: What Rome Buried Underground

You descend five stories through the Basilica of San Clemente, moving through medieval, Roman, and pagan layers, then taxi to the Catacombs of Rome to walk the narrow tunnels where early Christians were buried. Your expert guide stays with you throughout, explaining the art and history, while taxi transfers between sites are included. The group stays under six people, keeping the experience intimate even when the Catacombs section joins a larger official group. Plan for two to three hours and wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Basilica of San Clemente30m · entry included
2. Rome Termini30m
3. Catacombs of Rome1h · entry included

Explore underground Ancient Rome sites

• Visit Basilica of San Clemente
• Descend five stories underground
• Admire 2nd to 15th century art
• Learn about Medieval popes and Pagan rituals
• Transfer to San Clemente
• Take pre-booked taxi to Catacombs of Rome
• Explore ancient Christian burial tunnels
• Return to Rome center by taxi

The experience

"You'll see things most tourists never do," our guide told us before we descended into San Clemente. And she wasn't exaggerating. The Basilica of San Clemente sits on top of layers of history (medieval church, Roman temple, pagan shrine) all stacked like an archaeological layer cake. You start at ground level and work your way down five stories, moving through centuries as you go. The 2nd-century frescoes are still there on the walls, faded but unmistakable, and the whole thing has this strange quiet that makes you feel like you're trespassing on something sacred.

After San Clemente, a pre-booked taxi takes you to the Catacombs of Rome itself: the actual burial ground where early Christians carved out narrow tunnels and graves into the soft tufa stone. Walking through those passageways, you're surrounded by empty niches where people were laid to rest over fifteen hundred years ago. It's not creepy in a horror-movie way. It's more like standing in a room where something real and important happened, and the weight of that doesn't leave you. Your guide stays with you the whole time, explaining the relationship between Rome and Christianity in its earliest, most turbulent years. The Catacombs visit itself happens in a larger group led by their official guides, but your own guide keeps the context flowing.

The whole tour is capped at six people maximum if you book the semi-private option, which means you're not jostling through narrow underground passages with thirty other people. That matters more than you'd think when you're trying to read inscriptions and actually hear what's being said. Dress code is strict (shoulders and knees covered), but that's a small thing to remember before you go. No photography allowed in either site, so you're not fumbling with a camera in the dark. You're just looking, listening, and taking it in.

What’s included

Your day includes a semi-private group capped at six people, expert English-speaking guide throughout, entry tickets to both the Basilica of San Clemente and the Catacombs of Rome, the five-story descent through San Clemente's layered history, a guided walk through the ancient Christian burial tunnels, and pre-booked taxi transfers between all three locations. You'll spend time with your own guide at San Clemente and the Catacombs entrance, though the underground Catacombs section itself is led by an official site guide.

Options for this experience

2 options

Up to 15 people · Guide in 5 languages09:00 and 14:00

Up to 6 people · Guide in English10:00 and 15:00

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except TuesdayDepartures at 09:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 15:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (3 to 17 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “In front of the Basilica of San Clemente. Your guide will be holding at LivTours sign.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by LivTours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see the layers of Rome that most visitors miss (the buried temples, medieval churches, and early Christian graves) without arranging your own tickets, transport, or navigation. The small group size and included taxis mean you move at a thoughtful pace instead of rushing between sites on your own.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

In English, at 09:00, 10:00, 14:00 and 15:00. In Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese, at 09:00 and 14:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 17 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's the difference between the semi-private and private tour?

The semi-private tour has a maximum of 6 people and includes both sites with your guide and taxi transfers. The private tour is 30 minutes longer and adds a visit to the Capuchin Crypt for a fully exclusive experience.

Can I take photos inside the Catacombs or San Clemente?

No, photography is not allowed in either site.

How long does the whole tour take?

The tour runs approximately two to three hours, depending on the group's pace and questions.

What if I'm not in good physical shape?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. You'll be descending stairs and walking through narrow passages, but there's no climbing or strenuous activity involved.

Is the Catacombs part led by your guide or someone else?

The Catacombs section is led by one of the site's official guides due to operational regulations. Your expert guide remains with you and provides commentary whenever permitted.

What should I wear?

Shoulders and knees must be covered to enter both sites: no tank tops or short dresses. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the underground passages.

Are taxis included in the price?

Yes, pre-booked taxi transfers between San Clemente, the Catacombs, and back to central Rome are included.

Can I use public transportation instead?

Public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer, but taxis are pre-booked and included in your tour price.