A Private Tour of the Papal Basilicas and Gelato Treat!

Tour Description

Private Vespa* or E-Buggy Tour to Rome’s Greatest Basilicas — Ending with the Sweetest Scoop in Town.

Start your experience at our office in Borgo Pio, where your private English-speaking guide welcomes you and prepares you for the journey. This is a fully private adventure — by Vespa or electric e-buggy — with no shared groups and a rhythm tailored entirely to you!

Your first stop is the majestic St. Paul Outside the Walls, a peaceful sanctuary rich in centuries of history. You’ll then continue to St. John Lateran, the oldest church in Rome and the Pope’s official cathedral, before heading to St. Mary Major, famous for its golden mosaics and magnificent coffered ceiling.

After completing the driving portion of your private tour, you’ll return to our office to drop off your vehicles. From there, your final stop will be the nearby St. Peter’s Basilica. Depending on the day — and especially on the length of the security line — your guide will advise whether it’s the right moment to enter or whether it’s best to admire it from outside. In either case, you’ll enjoy the grandeur of the world’s most iconic church with the comfort of a private experience.

To end your Roman adventure on the sweetest note, you’ll enjoy a delicious artisanal gelato — the perfect “la dolce vita” moment before saying goodbye.

*Important for your safety:
  1. Only confident, experienced scooter drivers can take part in this tour. “Experienced” means having ridden a scooter or motorcycle multiple times recently (at least 10 times). E-bikes and kick scooters do not count. Your safety — and your enjoyment — come first.
  2. Children can join the tour, but only if they are able to safely reach the foot pegs while sitting as passengers on the Vespa. As a reference, this typically requires an inside leg measurement of approximately 55 cm. Children who cannot comfortably reach the foot pegs will not be able to participate for safety reasons.
Book your tour!
price from
€119
Departure times

Monday to Saturday, 9:30 | 14:30; Sunday 10:00

Private Tour

English Speaking Professional Local Guide (other languages available upon request)

Duration

Approximately 3h

Requirements

Experience driving motorcycles / mopeds and a valid driving license (motorcycle license required for any vehicle above 125cc).

IDP (International Driving Permit) recommended* (read more about IDP in FAQs)

Flexibility

The beauty of a private tour is its flexibility: guests can discuss with their guide any reasonable changes – skipping or adding stops to match their interests

DISCOUNT for FAMILIES

15% off for families with children aged 9 or under

What do we offer?
included
not included
meeting point
tour highlights
Here's a preview of what you'll see!
Archbasilica of Saint John Lateran

Enter the cathedral of Rome where emperors bowed and popes were crowned. Vast spaces, ancient mosaics, and holy silence surround you, revealing the deep roots of Christian history within living stone and light today gently.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Beneath Michelangelo’s dome, faith and ambition rise together in marble and gold. Sunlight pours across vast floors as whispers of pilgrims echo through centuries of devotion, power, and breathtaking beauty at the heart of Rome.

Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Ancient legends meet shimmering mosaics inside Rome’s beloved Marian basilica. Snow-white marble, golden ceilings, and soft candlelight create a gentle atmosphere of devotion, where art and faith have quietly embraced for centuries in eternal harmony.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

Beyond the busy center, a majestic basilica rises in calm grandeur over the resting place of Saint
Paul. Quiet cloisters, endless portraits of popes, and solemn light invite reflection far from the city’s rush today.

ask away!
Everything you should know about the tour

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours.

The tour starts and ends at our office located at Vicolo d’Orfeo 8 right in the heart of Borgo Pio — just behind St. Peter’s Basilica.

Yes, all the monuments included in the tour are part of the visit. Please note that occasional lines, special religious events, or last-minute restrictions may require small itinerary changes. This rarely happens, but flexibility helps ensure the best experience.

This Tour is operated on both Vespa 125/300cc or on our buzz buggies. The maximum load limit is 160 kg (350 lb) total for the Vespa 125cc and 180 kg (397 lb) total for the Vespa 300cc, including both driver and passenger. Whilst e-buggies’ load limit is180 kg (400 lb). Please ensure the combined weight does not exceed the applicable limit for safety and comfort.

  • Driving license: Car license up to 125cc. Motorcycle license for anything larger and in any case proficient driving experience of motorcycles/scooter or mopeds.
  • For non-European Union licences: We strongly recommend bringing an International Driving Permit (IDP).
  • Card details required (no deposit charged): A credit or debit card is needed. No deposit will be taken, but card details will be stored securely in case of fines or damages.
  • Families traveling with children: Children may join the tour only if they can safely reach the rear foot pegs while seated as passengers. This typically requires an inside leg measurement of at least 55 cm.

Yes unless you hold an European License.

Not having an IDP (International Driving Permit), may open you to a fine in the unlikely event of being stopped by Police.

You can easily obtain an IDP online.

The Papal Basilicas Tour includes visits to the following churches:

  • St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican City)
  • Archbasilica of St. John Lateran
  • Basilica of St. Mary Major
  • Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls

This is a fully private experience

  • €279 total for 1–2 participants (one fixed price for either one or 2 people — not per person)
  • €119 per person for groups of 3+ participants (if you are a larger family or group of friends 3+ participants, the rate is €119 per person).

The tour runs even in rainy weather — Rome is beautiful in every season!
If you’re joining a Vespa tour, please come dressed appropriately (a light waterproof jacket is
recommended).

No deposit is taken.
We simply register your credit or debit card details in our secure system, as required by insurance in case of traffic fines or accidental damage.

Yes, children can join the tour, but only if they are able to safely reach the foot pegs while sitting as passengers on the Vespa. As a reference, this typically requires an inside leg measurement of approximately 55 cm. Children who cannot comfortably reach the foot pegs will not be able to participate for safety reason

Roads in Rome (and outskirts) can be quite bumpy, so expecting mothers and guests with back issues should participate at their own discretion!

Yes — on request, small adjustments can be made.
We always try our best to accommodate your preferences, but changes depend on the guide’s discretion and current city conditions (like events, traffic, or closures).
If a specific site isn’t accessible that day, don’t worry — we’ll replace it with something equally beautiful and authentic.

No — this is a private tour only.
You’ll enjoy your experience exclusively with your travel companions and your personal guide.

Yes, absolutely!
At several stops, you’ll enjoy short strolls to take photos, explore, and simply enjoy the moment.
There’s no rush — this is your tour, and it’s meant to be relaxed and fun.

Our meeting point is Vicolo d’Orfeo 8, just a short walk from St. Peter’s Basilica.

  • Coming from Civitavecchia (cruise port)?
    Take the regional train from Civitavecchia Stazione Centrale to Roma San Pietro (about 40 minutes).
    From there, it’s an easy 10-minute walk.
  • Staying in central Rome?
    Take Metro Line A towards Battistini and get off at Ottaviano. Then walk 10 minutes through the Vatican area.
    You can also take buses 62, 34, 23, 40, or 982 — all stop nearby.
    A taxi from most central neighborhoods usually costs no more than €15.
  • Arriving by train (Termini Station)?
    From Roma Termini, take Metro Line A to Ottaviano, then walk 10 minutes.
    Alternatively, a taxi or Uber takes 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic.

The tour is led in English by default, but can also be arranged in Spanish or French upon request.

Absolutely! Our team is international and we speak several languages, so communication is always easy — before, during, and after your tour.

Do you need more info?
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Private Tour of the Papal Basilicas & Gelato from €119