Appian Way, Catacombs & Roman Aqueducts

Beyond the Walls of Rome

Just outside the bustling center, Rome opens into a landscape of ancient roads, surviving tombs, green parkland and monumental aqueducts. This experience follows the story of the Appian Way, famously known as the Queen of Roads, which connected Rome with southern Italy from the fourth century BC onward. As you travel along its route, the scale of the Roman world becomes easier to imagine: armies marched here, goods arrived in the capital and prominent families commemorated their dead beside the road.

Roads, Tombs and the Underground World

Follow the famous cobblestones of the Appian Way past Roman tombs and traces of the ancient city. Admission to either the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (San Callisto) or St. Sebastian (San Sebastiano) is included in the base tour, depending on opening days, guided-tour schedules and availability. The underground visit is led exclusively by an authorised in-house catacombs guide, not by your private outside guide, and normally lasts around 40–45 minutes. The rest of your experience is tailored around the Appian Way's remarkable archaeological landscape.

The Engineering of an Empire

The aqueduct landscape tells a different part of the story. Long sequences of arches once carried fresh water toward the imperial city, supporting fountains, baths, workshops and an urban population of extraordinary size. On a clear day, the scale of the surviving structures is unforgettable. We tie the architecture to the practical genius of Roman engineering and the demands of daily city life.

Optional Archaeological Stops and Immersive Experiences

We can tailor the route to include the Circus of Maxentius, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman racing circuits, with free admission when open. Further options include the majestic Baths of Caracalla or the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, where an immersive 3D headset experience is available when operating; the museum's 3D experience is included with admission to that site, but the site ticket itself is not part of our standard package. All extra visits are subject to opening hours, availability, route timing and any applicable ticket costs.

Slow Down: Countryside Lunch or Wine Tasting

Escape the bustle of central Rome with an optional relaxed countryside lunch or carefully arranged wine tasting along the Appian Way area. This is an opportunity to discover a quieter, greener side of the Eternal City. Meals, tastings and any additional tour time are arranged and quoted separately according to your preferences and the providers available on your date.

How the Tour Works

The standard four-hour private experience starts at €370 per group and includes private guiding, itinerary coordination and admission to one of the two catacombs, with the underground section led by the site's own guide. A private vehicle is generally the most practical way to connect these locations; vehicle and driver are not included in the starting price and are quoted separately if needed. The route can be adjusted to your interests, travel pace and opening times. Extra sites, lunch or wine tasting may require a longer tour and a separate quotation. Expect uneven paving, occasional steps and outdoor conditions; the underground visit may be unsuitable for some guests.

Tour Highlights

• Historic Via Appia Antica and Roman funerary monuments

• Included visit to St. Callixtus or St. Sebastian Catacombs with an in-house guide

• Roman aqueducts and the engineering of water supply

• Optional Circus of Maxentius, Caracalla Baths, Cecilia Metella 3D, countryside lunch or wine tasting

What's Included

Four-hour private guided Appian Way experience and itinerary planning; admission ticket to one catacomb site, either St. Callixtus or St. Sebastian depending on opening times and availability; approximately 40–45-minute guided visit inside the catacombs with their authorised in-house guide.

What's Not Included

Private vehicle and driver (quoted separately); admission tickets to the Baths of Caracalla, Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and other paid archaeological sites; optional lunch, wine tasting and refreshments; any additional tour time or separately booked activities. The Circus of Maxentius currently has free admission when open.

Good to Know

The four-hour tour starts at €370 per private group and includes admission to one catacomb, subject to site opening times and visitor capacity. St. Callixtus is normally closed on Wednesdays; St. Sebastian is normally closed on Mondays, and both may have seasonal or exceptional closures. Underground visits last about 40–45 minutes and must be led by the catacombs' own guide. The Appian Way has uneven ancient paving; underground stairs, humidity and cool temperatures may make the catacombs unsuitable for some visitors. Vehicle/driver costs are extra. Optional visits to the Baths of Caracalla or Cecilia Metella require any relevant admission and available time. The 3D headset experience at Cecilia Metella is part of that site's admission when operating, but it is not available on all dates, including the first Sunday of the month according to the park. The Circus of Maxentius is currently free to enter when open. Lunch and wine tastings are optional and priced separately; extending the itinerary may incur an additional charge.