Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa in Rome, Italy
Rome, Italy

Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa

Outty Ranking 61 4.5 · 15 traveler reviews3.8 hoursFrom €100
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Outty Ranking

61/100

Solid Choice. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.5/5

Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa worth booking?

Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa is a 3.8-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from €100 per person. It scores 61 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.5/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
61 / 100
Rating
4.5/5 (15)
Duration
3.8 hours
From
€100 per person

Discover the spiritual treasures of the Eternal City on our Sacred Rome Private Tour: San Clemente, San Giovanni & Scala Santa. In 3.5 hours, explore iconic churches and holy sites with your private guide. Begin at the Basilica of San Clemente, where three layers of history unfold beneath your feet, from a 12th-century church to ancient Roman houses. Continue to the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome’s oldest papal basilica, famous for its stunning interior and historic baptistery. End at the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), a site of deep devotion believed to come from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem. With your private guide, enjoy a flexible and personal journey through Rome’s sacred past. ✨ Book now to experience history, faith, and art on this unique Sacred Rome Private Tour.

What you get

    About this experience

    Discover the spiritual treasures of the Eternal City on our Sacred Rome Private Tour: San Clemente, San Giovanni & Scala Santa. In 3.5 hours, explore iconic churches and holy sites with your private guide. Begin at the Basilica of San Clemente, where three layers of history unfold beneath your feet, from a 12th-century church to ancient Roman houses. Continue to the Archbasilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, Rome’s oldest papal basilica, famous for its stunning interior and historic baptistery. End at the Scala Santa (Holy Stairs), a site of deep devotion believed to come from Pontius Pilate’s palace in Jerusalem. With your private guide, enjoy a flexible and personal journey through Rome’s sacred past. ✨ Book now to experience history, faith, and art on this unique Sacred Rome Private Tour.

    What's included

    Included

    • Professional licensed tour guide
    • Admission tickets to Basilica of San Clemente
    • Headsets (if needed for clarity)
    • Private guided tour of San Clemente, San Giovanni in Laterano & Scala Santa

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Transportation between sites
    • Food and drinks
    • Gratuities (optional)

    What you'll see and do

    1. Basilica of San Clemente

      The Basilica of San Clemente in Rome offers visitors a unique journey through history. The church is known for its three-tiered structure, with the current 12th-century basilica sitting above an earlier 4th-century church. Beneath that, visitors can explore a 1st-century Roman house and a Mithraic temple. The basilica is rich in medieval frescoes, mosaics, and stunning architectural details, offering a fascinating glimpse into Rome's layered past.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Arcibasilica di San Giovanni in Laterano

      The Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano, one of Rome's four papal basilicas, is a major historical and religious landmark. Visitors can admire its grand architecture, including the impressive façade and the beautiful interior with its vast nave, adorned with stunning mosaics. The basilica houses the papal altar and the Holy Stairs (Scala Sancta), which are believed to have been climbed by Jesus during his trial before Pontius Pilate. The basilica also contains the tombs of several popes, making it a significant site for both art and history enthusiasts.

      75 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs

      The Scala Santa (Holy Stairs) in Rome is a sacred site for Christian pilgrims. These 28 marble steps are believed to be the very stairs that Jesus ascended during his trial before Pontius Pilate. The stairs are located next to the Basilica of San Giovanni in Laterano and are traditionally climbed on the knees by visitors as an act of devotion. The steps are enclosed in a wooden structure to protect them, and visitors can also view beautiful frescoes that adorn the walls. The Scala Santa offers a deeply spiritual experience, rich in religious history.

      45 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano

      Stroll through the square surrounding the basilica and take in the atmosphere of one of Rome’s most spiritual areas

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Rome

    The meeting point will be in our office located in front of the Ludus Magnus site. .

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    The end of the tour will be in the Pontifical Sanctuary of the Holy Stairs, P.za di San Giovanni in Laterano

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Wed, Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 6 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Gladiator Tours

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

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    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    5 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    15 verified traveler reviews for Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    13
    4 star
    0
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    1
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    Q2825CZandersl · April 2025

    Wanna go? Just not with them!

    Warning to everybody!! We book our trip via Viator around 2 weeks before we had to go. We planned our trip to Rome around going specific places, so every single day was on a schedule. The day before they cancel our booking with less the 24 hours before going. No reason, no explaination, no communication and no care

    Response from the operator: Hi, I'm sorry to read these words because we always notify via email or WhatsApp, if the tour has been cancelled it is because for security reasons they closed the Colosseum, these facts do not depend on us and I repeat we always send communication via the channels you indicate when you book

    via Tripadvisor

    Loyd_D · February 2025

    Most rewarding. My guide...

    Most rewarding. My guide was the best. Very knowledgeable and happy to share and answer any question.

    Response from the operator: thank you so much for your words

    via Viator

    Stacey_N · June 2023

    Guide was very slow, very...

    Guide was very slow, very boring and many people left the group. Also only saw min parts of the monument and no tour of the forum

    Response from the operator: Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience you experienced with your booking.

    via Viator

    andreeacK71ER · February 2023

    Wonderful

    I would recomend Radu Pislaru as the best guide at Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. Thank you for this wonderful experience.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for your feedback. Greetings

    via Tripadvisor

    dilsahd2021 · August 2021

    Amazing Giovanna

    Giovanna was amazing it was a Single Tour and i real learned a lot. She was explaining in detail the history of the colloseum even I knew about the other areas a lot after doing the tour. 5 stars thanks Giovanna might you be always so happy and bubbly.

    Response from the operator: Thanks for the review. We're glad to hear that you liked our services. We're so happy that you enjoyed your tour with Giovanna, one of our best guides.

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3.8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Wed, Sat, Sun
    Price range
    €100 to €300
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Solid Choice

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Gladiator Tours, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 51.0.

    See everything Gladiator Tours runs

    Why this scores 61

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)70
    Review evidence (18% weight)38
    Booking momentum (14% weight)28
    Value for money (12% weight)75
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)42
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.

    How much does Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa cost?

    +

    Prices start at €100 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 Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa take?

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    Plan for about 3.8 hours 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 Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 61 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.5/5 across 15 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 Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa?

    +

    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 Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa?

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    Around 5 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 3.8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa start and how do I get there?

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    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 Pizza & Gelato Class with Wine by Cooking Italy, Rome [4in1] Pasta Making_Tiramisù_Wine Tasting_Secret Cellar, Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & 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.

    What is included in Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa?

    +

    Included: Professional licensed tour guide; Admission tickets to Basilica of San Clemente; Headsets (if needed for clarity); and Private guided tour of San Clemente, San Giovanni in Laterano & Scala Santa. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Transportation between sites; Food and drinks; and Gratuities (optional). Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa?

    +

    The meeting point will be in our office located in front of the Ludus Magnus site. . Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Rome. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private Churches Tour San Clemente and San Giovanni & Scala Santa?

    +

    Across 15 reviews averaging 4.5 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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