VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option
Overview
Experience an exclusive after-hours journey through Santa Maria Maggiore, one of Rome's cherished papal basilicas. Enjoy rare access to areas typically closed to the public, including Bernini's spiral staircase, the Loggia with shimmering golden mosaics, the Hall of the Popes, and rooftop terraces offering panoramic views of Rome's skyline and the basilica's towering 275-foot bell tower.
Inside, discover the sacred Holy Door, the revered Manger relics in a crystal reliquary beneath the altar, papal tombs, and a gilded ceiling crafted with gold from the New World. Admire breathtaking mosaics from the 5th and 14th centuries, portraying Mary as Queen of Heaven.
This intimate tour provides a rare opportunity to explore one of Rome's most iconic churches, free from crowds and illuminated in serene, nighttime splendor.
What's Included
- Bernini’s Tomb
- Mosaics and Ceiling
- Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
- Loggia Mosaics
- Special Access after public closure
- Highlights of the Basilica
- Hall of the Popes
- Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome
- Sistine Chapel
- Bernini’s Staircase
- Rooftop Terraces
- Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
- Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
- Borghese Chapel
- Top rated Expert Guide
Meeting Location
Piazza di Santa Maria Maggiore
Roma RM, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore
1 hour Admission Ticket Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not for all places during the tour. There is an elevator to the Loggia level but nothing to the Terrace level. There is partial accessibility—a person in a wheelchair could visit the Basilica main level, the Loggia, and the Room of the Popes but could not access the terrace level at all. They would experience the "alone" feeling of the Basilica but would have to wait while the rest of the tour went to the terrace level.
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- Please note: For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not permitted on the terraces, and therefore, we are unable to accept bookings for guests with children under 7 years old. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- The minimum number required is 2 travelers.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-6718P260
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 35 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Bernini’s Tomb.
- Mosaics and Ceiling.
- Exclusive Small Group of 6 people.
- Loggia Mosaics.
- Special Access after public closure.
- Highlights of the Basilica.
- Hall of the Popes.
- Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome.
- Sistine Chapel.
- Bernini’s Staircase.
- Rooftop Terraces.
- Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb.
- Icon of the Salus Populi Romani.
- Borghese Chapel.
- Top rated Expert Guide.
The minimum age to participate is 7. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for VIP After-hours Tour of Santa Maria Maggiore with Private Option will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Bernini’s Tomb
- Mosaics and Ceiling
- Exclusive Small Group of 6 people
- Loggia Mosaics
- Special Access after public closure
- Highlights of the Basilica
- Hall of the Popes
- Relics of the Manger and Saint Jerome
- Sistine Chapel
- Bernini’s Staircase
- Rooftop Terraces
- Paulina Bonaparte’s Tomb
- Icon of the Salus Populi Romani
- Borghese Chapel
- Top rated Expert Guide
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- The tour is wheelchair accessible, but not for all places during the tour. There is an elevator to the Loggia level but nothing to the Terrace level. There is partial accessibility—a person in a wheelchair could visit the Basilica main level, the Loggia, and the Room of the Popes but could not access the terrace level at all. They would experience the "alone" feeling of the Basilica but would have to wait while the rest of the tour went to the terrace level.
- Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter.
- Please note: For safety reasons, children under 7 years old are not permitted on the terraces, and therefore, we are unable to accept bookings for guests with children under 7 years old. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
- The minimum number required is 2 travelers.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
