Alone in Rome's Catacombs: After-Hours Tour with Bone Crypt

Highlights

  • Gain access to Rome’s Catacombs after closing.

  • Visit the an ancient bone crypt.

  • Listen to an expert guide share fascinating history.

  • Explore in a small group of maximum 18 people.

  • Ride private transport between sites.

Summary

A Catacombs of Rome tour unlike any other, with special after-hours access and private transportation.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours 30 minutes
Group Size
18
Pricing (From)
Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€99.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€94.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00
Commentary
English
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Piazza Barberini, Rome , Lazio, IT

Why take this tour?

This special access, after-hours walking tour takes you into the Catacombs after closing, introducing you to one of Rome’s most important cities of the dead. You’ll also get to see the chilling Orazione e Morte bone crypt, decorated with skulls and bones. Not a tour for the easily spooked, but a wonderful exploration of early Christianity in Rome and Ancient Roman beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife that informs as much as it thrills. 

Start your tour at St. Mary of Eulogies and the Dead Church to explore the ancient burial site below the church recently re-opened after seven years of restoration. You'll meet a nun inside the church who will escort you down a short staircase into the bone crypt, decorated with the skulls and bones of  abandoned corpses. 

Both a shocking and fascinating sight, the bone crypt is truly understood with the help of a knowledgeable guide. Before entering,  your expert guide will explain the early Christians' interesting beliefs on life and death, which motivated the creation of such a macabre memorial. 
 
Afterwards, hop on a private bus and travel outside the city to the Roman Catacombs as visitors are dispersing for the evening. It's then—as the doors officially close to the public—that you and your small group will step inside for a VIP visit like no other... 
 
The bodies might be gone, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel a thrill of excitement as you become one of the first people to descend into the Catacombs after closing since the era of Imperial Rome. And because you’ll be there outside normal opening hours, you’ll have the passageways to yourself and won’t have any trouble hearing your expert Catacombs guide as they divulge the dark stories of the birth of Christianity.  
 
Learn why the Romans chose to take their burials “off site” and discover some of the most intriguing artifacts and decorations that adorn the tombs with the help of a dedicated, expert Catacombs guide.  
 
Following your fascinating VIP visit you’ll have time to reflect on all you’ve learned with your guide as you hop on a private, air-conditioned minibus and head back to central Rome. Don't be shy about asking questions!
 
This special VIP experience of Rome’s most interesting burial sites will no doubt leave a lasting impression—and one you’ll likely meditate on for years to come! 

What’s included?

  • After-hours entrance to Rome Catacombs

  • Ticket to Orazione e Morte Crypt

  • Private, air-conditioned transport

  • Small groups of max 18 people

  • Expert English-speaking tour guide

  • Expert Catacombs guide

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with mobility impairments, wheelchairs or strollers on this tour. Please contact us for alternative options.

  • Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, those with claustrophobia may want to consider another tour.

  • Photography is not allowed in the sites visited on this tour, due to their religious nature.

  • Sites on this itinerary include holy places, and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. It is sufficient to bring extra coverings with you and put them on before our entrance to the holy areas.

  • Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Before you go

  • This tour is in English.

  • Please note that the tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no shows after tour commencement or departure.

  • Due to the religious nature of the catacombs, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before enter.

  • Photography is not allowed in the sites visited on this tour, due to their religious nature.

  • Comfortable walking shoes recommended.

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

  • Should the San Sebastiano catacomb close, your tour will visit another one of the catacombs along the Appian Way.

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

  • Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, those with claustrophobia may want to consider another tour.

  • Sites on this itinerary include holy places, and attire must be appropriate for the visit. Both men and women are asked to wear clothing that covers at least the shoulders and knees. Walks of Italy cannot be held responsible for denied entry due to improper dress. It is sufficient to bring extra coverings with you and put them on before our entrance to the holy areas.

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.