Appian Way Tour of Rome's Countryside and Catacombs

Walking Tour

3 hours

Rome

Dating back to the year 300 BCE, the Appian Way (“Via Appia” in Italian) is the oldest and most prestigious of Roman roads. Built to connect Rome with the South, the road became a gateway to Italy and eventually the entire Roman Empire, and houses Mausoleums, miles of ancient Christian catacombs, and even Rome’s second-largest circus after the Circus Maximus.

This 3-hour Appian Way tour takes you beyond the city walls, to the mysterious Catacombs and the quiet of the Roman countryside. Your expert guide, an experienced archaeologist or historian, will guide you through this exploration of the city's mysterious history and answer all of your questions regarding its enchanting underworld.

Route Details

You will begin with a convenient pick-up at your hotel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle and head toward the Appian Way Archaeological Park. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2024, the Appian Way—regina viarum, or "queen of all roads"—dates back to circa 300 B.C. and played a crucial role in shaping Rome’s urban development for centuries.

After meeting with your guide on site at the Archeological site, you will immediately start the exploration with a visit to the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, built for the daughter of a wealthy Roman patrician. This grand tomb showcases how Rome’s elite displayed their status through monumental architecture. Nearby, you will visit the Circus of Maxentius, an ancient chariot-racing stadium that once contained the obelisk now in Piazza Navona, second in size only to the Circus Maximus. As you walk along the historic road, lined with temples and memorials, your expert guide will unpack the fascinating history of these structures.

The highlight of your tour will be a visit to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. Here, you’ll join an intimate small group and explore the vast underground burial sites of early Christians. Your guide will provide insights into the history and significance of these catacombs.

At the end of the Appian Way tour, your private vehicle will take you back to your hotel, ensuring a seamless experience. You will leave with a better understanding of Roman urban planning and how the city presented itself to incoming visitors. This itinerary can be tailored to your interests, with the option to extend your time with the guide or include additional venues, such as the Baths of Caracalla.

Choose this tour if…

You want to explore Rome beyond the city center and are eager to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site.
You don’t want to worry about logistics and how to navigate public transportation. We provide private transportation to and from the sites, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
You’ll be accompanied by an expert local guide who will bring history to life and ensure a safe and insightful experience.
You want to skip the hassle of planning and organizing and have guaranteed access to the Catacombs, which are known for limited ticket availability.
You are interested in tailoring your experience, extending your time with the guide, or adding extra stops based on your interests.

Sites Visited

Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) – The queen of all Roman roads, built around 300 B.C., it played a key role in trade, military movements, and urban development.
Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella – A grand tomb for a Roman noblewoman, an example of the wealth and status of elite families in Ancient Rome.
Circus and Villa of Maxentius – Rome’s second-largest circus after the Circus Maximus, an ancient chariot-racing stadium.
Catacombs of Saint Sebastian – Underground Christian burial sites, where early believers found refuge and rest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I expect during a visit to the catacombs? What is the atmosphere like?
The catacombs remain at a constant temperature of around 17°C (62.6°F) with high humidity. While the lighting is dim for preservation purposes, the pathways are safely illuminated, and our guided tour ensures a comfortable experience. We recommend bringing a light jacket and dress appropriately.

Do I need to have a religious interest to enjoy this tour?
Not at all. While the catacombs hold deep religious significance, they are also remarkable for their historical, archaeological, and cultural importance. Our expert guide provides insights that appeal to all visitors, regardless of religious background.

Is it safe to travel to the catacombs and venture outside the City Center?
Yes. Your comfort and safety are our priority. We provide private, air-conditioned transport directly from your hotel, so you can enjoy the tour without concerns about navigating public transportation or unfamiliar areas.

How long is the tour, and can I extend it?
The tour is designed to offer a 3-hour well-paced and in-depth experience, but if you’d like more time with your guide or wish to add extra stops, we’re happy to tailor the itinerary to your interests. Please let us know your preferences at checkout or reach out for more information.

Is this tour accessible for visitors with mobility concerns or claustrophobia?
The tour itself is not physically demanding, but the catacombs are not wheelchair accessible due to ancient architectural barriers. The visit includes 70 uneven steps without seating or an elevator. It may not be suitable for those with serious mobility issues or claustrophobia. If someone in your group prefers to skip this part, just let us know, and we’ll adjust the booking accordingly.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes. Families with children often find the underground passages fascinating. Our guides tailor the experience to keep younger visitors engaged while providing meaningful insights for adults.

Can I join the tour without using the included transportation?
Of course. If you prefer to use your own car, just inform us in advance, and we will adjust your booking accordingly.

Accessibility

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Cancellation Policy

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.

Book a Tour

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
Circus and Villa of Maxentius
Appian Way Archeological Park
Catacombs of Saint Sebastian

Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.

Included

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Excluded

Gratuities

We encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Refreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Guests organize pre- and post-tour transport themselves - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Appian Way Tour with Catacombs general meeting point area

Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.

Dos:

Wear comfortable footwear
Check the weather and dress appropriately
Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
Feel free to ask your Expert anything

Don'ts:

Bring firearms or weapons
Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments

Any questions? You can always contact us.

66 Reviews

We had an excellent tour with Olivia, who was highly personable and very engaging for our teenagers as well. We really enjoyed our tour with her.

Jason Nov 24, 2025

Paolo is hands down the best tour guide we've ever had. He doesn't just give you a tour, he contextualizes the history, tells you the stories of wherever you are, and teaches you how to apply what you learn with him across the rest of your trip. From simple things like building patterns, to more complex things like dynastic and political relationships across Rome, he turned open fields and cobblestone streets into something that helped us imagine the real history we were on. He is friendly, engaging, incredibly knowledgeable, and someone we would absolutely get in touch with anytime that we are in Rome to learn more.

Jordan Oct 26, 2025

Context Travel and Alessandra created a memorable tour for us by bringing more of Rome beyond the walls to us. Alessandra's depth of knowledge and enthusiasm in sharing with love of Rome created a wonderful for experience for us. We are so grateful.

Kathie Sep 16, 2025

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