Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
3.9/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons worth booking?
Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons is a 1-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $13 per person. It scores 55 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 3.9/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 55 / 100
- Rating
- 3.9/5 (27)
- Duration
- 1 hours
- From
- $13 per person
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has stood over Rome for sixteen centuries, housing an extraordinary blend of art, history, and spirituality. Located on the Esquiline Hill, it is one of Rome’s four Papal Basil
What you get
About this experience
The Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore has stood over Rome for sixteen centuries, housing an extraordinary blend of art, history, and spirituality. Located on the Esquiline Hill, it is one of Rome’s four Papal Basilicas. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary inspired its construction, making it one of the city’s most revered sites. Inside, admire the Bernini family tomb, the Baptistery, the Holy Door, and countless masterpieces. The basilica also holds the tomb of Pope Francis, adding a contemporary and meaningful touch. Learn about the pontiffs: Pope Francis places his apostolic journeys under the protection of Salus, visiting the basilica before departure and upon returning. The Christmas Eve Mass has been celebrated here for centuries, a cherished papal tradition. Enhance your visit by climbing the Dome, where a breathtaking panoramic view of Rome awaits—a perfect way to combine art, faith, and an unforgettable perspective over the Eternal City.
What's included
Included
- Visit to the Basilica Dome (only if this option is selected)
- Admission fees
- Official audioguide of the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (available in Ita, Eng, Fr, Ger, Spa)
- Entry to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major (free entrance)
- Welcome and assistance from Touristation staff at the meeting point in Piazza dell’Esquilino
Not included
- Transportation to/from the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
- Access to the Archaeological Area beneath the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major
What you'll see and do
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Explore the Basilica of Saint Mary Major at your own pace with an informative audioguide. Discover its stunning mosaics, Baroque chapels, and ornate interiors, while learning the history and significance of this iconic Roman basilica. Perfect for visitors seeking a flexible and immersive experience.
Admission included
This activity is available only if the Dome option is selected: discover the Basilica of Saint Mary Major with an audioguide and enjoy breathtaking views from the Dome. Explore its mosaics, chapels, and ornate interiors, then climb to the top for a unique perspective over Rome. A perfect combination of art, history, and panoramic sights.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, Rome, 00185, Italy
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore · Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore 42, Rome, 00185, Italy
Options you can book
Basilica & Audioguide
This option included:: Discover the Basilica of Saint Mary Major with an audioguide device included.
Basilica & Audioguide and Dome
This option included:: Discover the Basilica of Saint Mary Major with an audioguide and enjoy breathtaking views from the Dome.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- TOURISTATION
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The entrance to the Basilica is free of charge and doesn't require an entrance ticket.
- You must observe the dress code to access the Santa Maria Maggiore (no shorts, vests, or sleeveless tops)
- For safety reasons, the Dome visit is not suitable for children under 7 years old.
- Please bring an ID as caution for the audioguide.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
4 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers found the schedule tight or the day long.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful
It was great to visit this wonderful Basilica that houses masterpieces by Caravaggio and many others. Historical as it was the favorite church of the previous Pope. I booked an audio guide for 5.30pm and was surprised to be told that I needed to be finished and have the audio guide returned by 6.20pm at the latest. If it was clearer when booking that there are restrictions I would have booked earlier but nonetheless it was still a great experience and the staff were very friendly.
Response from the operator: Dear Client, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We truly value your input, as every review is an opportunity for us to improve. Your feedback inspires us to continue enhancing our services and ensuring the best possible experience for our customers. Thank you once again for your review. We look forward to serving you again in the future. Best regards, Touristation Customer Service
via Tripadvisor
Beautifully Rich and Inspiring
We initially planned to spend 1.5 hours in the Basillica and ended up there over 3 hours! There is so much to take in and the audio guide was very beneficial. Having a reservation is recommended although the instructions and process in approaching security was odd in that there was not a separate way in (the reservation line basically meets the non-reserve line in a way that is not managed). We also never met anyone to gain tickets or skip the line access. We were simply sent a ticket voucher via WhatsApp. We would suggest purchasing tickets to the optional areas.
via Viator
No audio headsets given as advertised
This was a disappointment because we were not given the audiohead sets we paid for. The lady at the church portico where we were instructed to go did not provide them to us. I will contact my credit card company and Trip Advisor about the problem.
Response from the operator: Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your opinion with us. We are truly sorry to learn that your experience did not meet your expectations. At Touristation, customer satisfaction is our top priority, and we deeply value all feedback, as every review is considered an opportunity to improve our services. Considering that your review does not include the information needed to identify your booking, we kindly ask you to contact us at info@touristation.it. Our team is always available and ready to assist you. We hope to have the chance to provide you with a better experience in the future. Best regards, Touristation Customer Service
via Tripadvisor
A disaster from start to finish
An unmitigated disaster from start to finish Met the tour guide (I think she said her name was Selina?) at 09.30 as arranged. We waited around for 15/20 minutes at the meeting place for late-comers! We eventually made it through security to the desk to get our audio guides. This was a very slow process - it seemed like our guide had never done this before! Once we got our audio equipment, she sent us upstairs to the first floor, where, she said, someone would meet us! Rubbish! There was no-one there and, of course, Selina had disappeared off the face of the earth! Museums on the first floor were of no particular interest to me - BUT there was no way to enter the basilica from there. The only way was via the exit (cordoned off with a barrier). Eventually I just opened the barrier and attached myself to another group of tourists who were entering the proper way through the Santa Porta!! The only real benefit of this tour was to enter via a shorter queue. The audio guide was very informative and did work very well. However, our 'guide' did not seem to know what she was doing and gave us incorrect information which led us on a 'wild goose chase'. Very disappointing!
via Tripadvisor
Waste of time
Rather buy your own tickets and do the audiotour yourself. No assistance provided other than buying the tickets for us.
Response from the operator: Dear [Customer Name], Thank you sincerely for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are sorry to hear that our service did not fully meet your expectations. At Touristation, customer satisfaction is our top priority. We greatly value constructive feedback, as it helps us continuously improve our services. Please know that our team is always available to assist you — if you have any further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us at info@touristation.it We truly appreciate your feedback and hope to have the opportunity to serve you better in the future. Warm regards, Touristation Customer Service
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 1 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $13 to $32
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 55
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons cost?
+
Prices start at $13 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons take?
+
Plan for about 1 hour from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 55 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (3.9/5 across 27 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons?
+
Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 1-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
+
Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
+
April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Basilica of Saint Mary Major Audioguide and Optional Add-Ons.
Pick your date
