Churches of Rome Private Tour: Maria Maggiore, Santa Pudenziana, Santa Prassede

Your tour begins when you meet your guide at the Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore. Head inside through one of the five doors, learning about the history of them and the holy gate, which is opened during jubilees.

After entering, follow your guide around to see well-preserved mosaics from Roman times, the chapels of Pope Sixtus V and Pope Paul V, paintings by disciples of Raphael and Michelangelo, medieval relics, the tombs of pontiffs, and the tomb of Gian Lorenzo Bernini, one of Rome's most famous baroque-era architects, whose work can be seen around the city.

Next, exit Santa Maria Maggiore and head next tour do the Basilica di Santa Prassede, known for housing what is believed to be a segment of the pillar where Jesus was flogged and see more mosaics.

When your visit here ends, continue to your last church, Santa Pudenziana. Dating back to the 4th century, this small church is one of the oldest places of worship in Rome and is home to one of the oldest mosaics from the Roman era.

Your tour ends here, along Via Urbana, where you can continue your exploration of Rome on your own.