4 Major Basilicas + Relics – 2 Day Rome Pilgrimage

4 Major Basilicas + Relics Rome – 2-Day Pilgrimage

Rome’s Major Basilicas and the Relics of Christ, St Peter and St Paul

This Major Basilicas + Relics pilgrimage combines Rome’s four papal basilicas with sacred places connected to Christ’s Passion and the apostles Peter and Paul. Over two days, expert Catholic guides place the churches, relics, art and traditions within the story of the Church in Rome.

The standard small-group programme runs Thursday to Friday. Private groups may begin on another day, with the order and timings adjusted around the operating days of the individual tours and current church access.

What the Major Basilicas + Relics Pilgrimage Includes

• Guided visits connected with all 4 Major Basilicas of Rome.
• St Peter’s Basilica and the traditions surrounding the tomb of St Peter.
• The chains, ministry and martyrdom of Saints Peter and Paul in Rome.
• The Via Crucis route and relics associated with Christ’s Passion.
• Expert Catholic guides who connect history, art and faith.
• Transport between locations where specifically shown in the itinerary.

Day One: St Peter, St Paul and Rome’s Apostolic Foundations

Day one begins at St Peter’s Basilica. Your guide introduces its sacred art, major altars and the Christian tradition of St Peter’s burial beneath the high altar. The visit explains why St Peter’s holds a central place among Rome’s Major Basilicas and in Catholic pilgrimage.

Later, the Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour follows the apostles through Rome. See the chains venerated at San Pietro in Vincoli, visit places associated with their imprisonment and martyrdom, and travel to St Paul Outside the Walls, built over the place traditionally honoured as St Paul’s tomb.

Day Two: Via Crucis and the Relics of Christ’s Passion

Day two follows the Via Crucis – Relics of Christ Tour. The route connects St Mary Major and St John Lateran—two more of Rome’s Major Basilicas—with churches preserving traditions and relics associated with Christ’s Passion.

Christian tradition links many of Rome’s Passion relics with St Helena and Jerusalem. Your guide explains what is venerated, how these traditions developed and why the sites continue to matter to pilgrims, while clearly distinguishing devotional tradition from documented history.

Small-Group and Private Pilgrimage Options

The scheduled Major Basilicas + Relics package follows the Thursday–Friday itinerary shown below. It offers a practical way to experience the basilicas, apostolic sites and Passion relics without compressing everything into one day.

Private packages can be arranged around your preferred dates, subject to guide availability, church schedules and temporary access restrictions. The order of visits may change, but the same core pilgrim experiences are retained.

Is This the Right Rome Pilgrimage for You?

Choose this package if your priority is a balanced pilgrimage combining the Major Basilicas, the apostles and the relics of Christ’s Passion. Pilgrims focused only on the basilicas may prefer our 4 Major Basilicas – 2 Day Rome Pilgrimage.

You can also explore the individual Major Basilica tours, read our guide to the four Major Basilicas of Rome, or learn more about the relics of Jesus Christ in Rome. The Holy See’s official Papal Basilicas guide provides further background.

Major Basilicas + Relics Pilgrimage FAQs

Which Major Basilicas are included?

The pilgrimage connects St Peter’s Basilica, St Paul Outside the Walls, St Mary Major and St John Lateran. These are Rome’s four Major Basilicas.

How long is the Major Basilicas + Relics package?

The package is arranged over two days. The standard small-group schedule runs Thursday to Friday, while private itineraries may be reordered around your chosen dates.

Can private groups choose different dates?

Yes. Private groups can request alternative start dates, subject to guide availability, basilica opening arrangements and liturgical events.

Check dates, prices and availability below to plan your inspiring Rome pilgrimage.

Day 1 (Thursday) – Morning – St Peter’s Basilica

MEETING POINT	Outside Radio Vaticana, Piazza Pia 3 Location on Google Maps What3Words: adopting.visual.caravan
START	8.45 meet for 9.00am start
END	Approximately 11.00am outside the basilica
DURATION	approx 2 hours depending on queues
DRESS CODE	Comfortable clothing, covering shoulders and knees
INCLUDED	Expert Catholic Guide Guided visit inside the basilica Taxes
NOT INCLUDED	Accommodation Guide tip Transport to/from the pilgrim experience

Day 1 (Thursday) – Sts Peter & Paul in Chains Tour

MEETING POINT	To the right of the main entrance of the Basilica of St Peter in Chains (San Pietro in Vincoli), by the statue of Jesus depicted as a beggar. Location on Google Maps What3Words: lizards.washing.nuns
START	2.45 meet for 3.00pm start
END	Approximately 6.00pm at the Major Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls
DURATION	3 hours depending on traffic
DRESS CODE	Comfortable clothing, covering shoulders and knees
INCLUDED	Expert Catholic Guide Guided visit inside the basilica Taxes Transport between locations
NOT INCLUDED	Accommodation Guide tip Transport to/from the pilgrim experience

Day 2 (Friday) – Morning – Via Crucis – Relics of Christ Tour

MEETING POINT	Fountain in front of the entrance to the Basilica of St Mary Major Location on Google Maps What3Words: chemistry.ember.braked
START	8:45 am meet 15 mins earlier
END	12:15 pm at the Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem
DURATION	3-3.5 hours depending on queues
DRESS CODE	Comfortable clothing, covering shoulders and knees
INCLUDED	Expert Catholic Guide Guided visits inside the basilicas Taxes
NOT INCLUDED	Accommodation Guide tip Transport to/from the pilgrim experience

Prepare for both themes with the Crucis guides to the four Major Basilicas of Rome and the relics of Jesus Christ in Rome.

Additional information

Ticket Type	Adult (16+), Student ID, Child (under 16)