Rome Tour of Basilica San Clemente Excavation & Tiber River Boat
Enjoy two unforgettable experiences that reveal the Eternal City from two unique perspectives: beneath its streets and along its river.
Start your journey with a self-guided audio tour of the Basilica of San Clemente, one of Rome’s most astonishing hidden treasures. Just steps from the Colosseum, this multi-layered site takes you deep into the past — from a beautifully decorated 12th-century church to a buried 4th-century basilica, and even further down to a 1st-century Roman house and a mysterious pagan temple. Your audio guide, available in multiple languages, brings to life each level with immersive stories, legends, and historical insight. Explore at your own pace and witness 2,000 years of Roman history stacked beneath your feet.
After discovering Rome underground, switch to a completely different point of view with a 24-hour hop-on hop-off boat tour on the Tiber River. Cruise calmly through the heart of the city, with the flexibility to board or disembark at several stops near top attractions like Castel Sant’Angelo, St. Peter’s Basilica, and Trastevere. It’s the perfect way to relax, enjoy scenic views, and move easily between sites.
What’s included?
- 24-hour hop-on hop-off boat ticket, valid from the moment of first use
- Entry ticket to the Basilica of San Clemente and its underground excavations
- Access to the Upper Basilica (12th century)
- Access to the First Basilica level (4th century)
- Access to the Third Level – archaeological excavations dating back to the 1st century
- Audio guide app “San Clemente” with 22 listening points to explore the site in depth
- Audio guide available in English, Spanish, French, German, and Italian
Exclusions
- Tour Guide
- Headphones/Smartphones
- Mobile Device
- Food and drinks
- Transportation to/from the attractions
- Gratuities/Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- No tour guide or audioguide on the River Boat
Please Note
- Public transportation nearby
General Information
- The time selected at booking refers to the start of the Basilica of San Clemente Audio Guided Tour, not the beginning of the river cruise.
- The San Clemente audio guide is available in English, French, Italian, Spanish, and German.
- The starting time for the Basilica tour may vary based on availability and unforeseen events.
- Please arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time at Via Labicana, 96.
- You will need to show your voucher at the travel agency before entering the Basilica or boarding the boat.
- Please read all instructions on the voucher carefully after booking.
Access and Suitability
- This tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, individuals with severe mobility limitations, or those using strollers.
- Infants must not sit on laps, and infant seats are not available.
- Pets are not allowed.
- Dress code required to enter the Basilica: shoulders and knees must be covered for both men and women.
River Cruise Information
- The Tiber River cruise ticket is valid for 24 hours from the time of your first embarkation (“hop on”).
- Boats run every 30 minutes, daily, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., between March 28 and November 2.
- Approximate navigation time between piers (Sant’Angelo Bridge ↔ Isola Tiberina) is 45–60 minutes.
To embark at Sant’Angelo Bridge Pier:
Reach Piazza di Ponte Sant’Angelo, then proceed to the Lungotevere side and take the stairs down to the river level.
To embark at Tiberina Island Pier:
Go to Garibaldi Bridge, on the Lungotevere degli Anguillara/Trastevere side, then take the stairs to the river.
Changes, Closures, and Refund Policy
- If you arrive more than 20 minutes late or do not show up, no refund will be issued.
- If the Basilica of San Clemente is closed due to religious or unpredictable events, one or both visits may be rescheduled.
- In case of adverse weather or river navigation issues, a partial refund of €16 (for the cruise only) may be considered.
- Cruises and site access are subject to availability and operational conditions.
What do I need to bring?
- A fully charged smartphone with enough storage to download the audio guide
- Headphones or earbuds for the best listening experience
- Comfortable walking shoes, as the tour involves stairs and uneven surfaces
- A light jacket or sweater — the underground levels can be cool, even in summer
- Modest clothing, appropriate for visiting a religious site (no sleeveless tops or short shorts)
- Water, especially during warmer months
- Booking confirmation, either printed or on your phone
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
San Clemente Starting/Meeting Point
The meeting/starting point is located in our travel Agency, Via Labicana, 96
Nearest metro station: Colosseo (LINE B) / MANZONI (LINE A).
Rome River Boat experience embarkation point Ponte Sant’angelo
Descend the stairs next to the Saint Angelo Bridge (Ponte Sant’Angelo) and reach the level of the river, where you’ll find the Saint Angelo Bridge pier (molo Ponte Sant’Angelo) on the Lungotevere Tor Di Nona side.
From here, a boat departs every 30 minutes from each embarkation point, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Please note that the river boats are not active from November 2 to March 30.”
Rome River Boat experience embarkation point Isola Tiberina
Descend the stairs next to the Garibaldi Bridge (Ponte Garibaldi )side, Lungotevere degli Anguillara (riverside), and reach the level of the river, where you’ll find the Isola Tiberina pier (molo Isola Tiberina) on the Lungotevere degli Anguillara side.
From here, a boat departs every 30 minutes from each embarkation point, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Please note that the boats are not active from November 2 to March 30.
Basilica of San Clemente and the underground Tour
Just steps from the Colosseum lies one of Rome’s most captivating archaeological wonders: the Basilica of San Clemente. More than a church, it’s a journey through 2,000 years of history — layered beneath the streets of the Eternal City.
Begin at street level with the 12th-century basilica, adorned with shimmering mosaics, marble columns, and a tranquil sacred ambiance. Descend to uncover a hidden 4th-century church, rich with faded frescoes and silent echoes of early Christian worship. Go even deeper, and you’ll step into a 1st-century Roman world — a maze of ancient homes, a functioning aqueduct, and a mysterious temple dedicated to the cult of Mithras.
Each level reveals a different era — pagan, Christian, imperial — preserved one atop the other. San Clemente offers not just a visit, but a vertical time-travel experience through Rome’s spiritual and cultural evolution.
You can start this experience at the following places.
San Clemente Tour
96 Via Labicana, 00184 RM Roma, IT
Embarkation point Piazza di Ponte Sant’Angelo
Piazza di Ponte S. Angelo, 00186 RM Roma, IT
Embarkation point Isola Tiberina
9 Lungotevere degli Anguillara, 00153 RM Roma, IT
Adding item to wishlist requires an account
Don't have an account? Create one.
-
Book Direct: Best prices always guaranteed. -
Multilingual Customer Service: Talk to us, we are here to help. -
No Hidden Costs: All taxes and fees included.
25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
You Might Also Like...
Rome Private Tour: Colosseum, Circus Maximus & Baths of Caracalla
Explore ancient Rome with a private guide and fast...
-
Rome Tours
3–4 hours
Rome. Tiber River Boat Flexible Ticket Options
Explore Rome from the Tiber River with a flexible ...
-
Rome River Boat1 hour
Rome Private Sightseeing and Catacombs Underground Guided Tour with Transfer
Rome Private Sightseeing and Catacombs Underground...
-
Rome Private Tours2–3 hours
Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Newsletter
Receive the latest news updates directly in your inbox.
Keep up with our latest news,investor updates, and media releases.
