Our subterranean tour of the Catacombs & Underground Rome begins with a drive out to the suburbs of modern-day Rome. We'll drive down the Appian way to reach either the San Sebastian or San Domitilla Catacombs, lying below the Basilica of the same name. It's widely believed that these particular Catacombs were the first of their kind in Rome and have been an important object of pilgrimage since Medieval Times, especially considering that for some forty years they were home to the remains of Saints Peter & Paul.

Your Local Expert Guide will take you down into the warren-like structure of chambers and narrow corridors to explore these ancient Christian burial grounds. During a fascinating tour of Rome's original Catacombs learn about the role that the Catacombs played during the times of religious persecution, along with other details and information that have been discovered during recent excavations of the site.

We'll then visit the magnificent church of St. Clement's, where you'll enjoy a journey back in time as you descend down three levels and through two thousand years of history. The medieval church was built over the remains of a 4th century basilica which was built over older buildings from the time of the emperor Nero and a sanctuary dedicated to the oriental divinity Mithras.The medieval basilica houses one of the finest mosaics from that time, representing the Tree of Life: over a golden background a cross as a tree of life spreads its branches to give life and sustenance to man.

Our journey in the underground Rome will end with a visit to the Mamertine Prisons, Rome oldest prison and where, according to Christian tradition, Saint Peter and Paul were held captive.

Many legends relate to this place, where in Roman times the prison was reserved to political prisoners condemned to death as enemies of Rome .

The tour finishes at Piazza Venezia only a few minutes walking distance to the Spanish Steps or the Trevi Fountain, and connected by bus and underground metro to all parts of the city.

Travel warning! If you are looking for educative tours that give you reliable historical information, be aware of the many "pseudo guides" that offer tours on the internet of Rome. They might be funny, but the information given are, to say the least, void of substance!