Private Jubilee Tour of the Papal Basilicas

In preparation for the Jubilee year 2025, come and make your own pilgrimage to the major papal basilicas of Rome, each with a holy door that remains locked shut until the pope opens them for the duration of the Jubilee.

Beginning in the year 1300 by Pope Boniface VIII, the Jubilees now happen every 25 years. The Catholic faithful flock to Rome to walk through each of the four Holy Doors at Saint Peter's, Saint Mary's, Saint John's, and Saint Paul's, granting you a plenary indulgence. 

Your guide will take you to the three basilicas beyond the Vatican. The 5th Century Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore houses mesmerizing golden mosaics venerating the Virgin Mary, and the tombs of Bernini and Napoleon's sister. 

Next, you'll head out of the city center to Saint Paul Outside the Walls, a majestic UNESCO World Heritage site built on the tomb of Saint Paul and rebuilt after a terrible fire in the 1800s destroyed 90% of the church. 80 pillars line the nave, portraits of every pope since Saint Peter line the walls and the nave looks up at a vast, solid gold mosaic of Christ and the apostles. Enjoy the quiet cloisters, Vatican post office, souvenir shop, and coffee shop, before returning to the city center. 

Your last stop is the magnificent Baroque masterpiece, the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, which is the seat of the Bishop of Rome, who is the Pope. It is the site of the first legal Christian church in the world and is called the Head and Mother of All Churches. It was designed by the maestro architect Borromini. Outside stands the largest and oldest Egyptian obelisk in the world, and opposite the Holy Stairs.

This is truly a spiritual odyssey through the cultural and spiritual heart of Rome.