Rome Underground Archaeology Tour with Vicus Caprarius

Walking Tour

3 hrs

Rome

Ever wondered what the streets of Rome looked like in the past? How much has changed over the centuries? Rome still holds countless traces of its ancient face: some hidden in plain sight, others buried beneath the modern city.

With the guidance of an experienced archaeologist or historian who knows where to look and what to look for, you can uncover these hidden remnants of the past. Explore ancient Roman apartments beneath a modern cinema and discover aqueducts tucked away under luxury shops. The Eternal City's history is made of layers, and this exclusive underground Rome tour unveils all its secrets, granting you private access to a hidden site reserved solely for you and your group.

Route Details

You will begin near the Trevi Fountain at Vicus Caprarius, an archaeological gem hidden beneath a modern cinema. Here, you'll explore the remains of ancient Roman apartments, gaining insight into daily life in the past, right beneath today’s bustling city.

Next, you'll visit Rinascente Tritone, a stylish department store with a hidden secret: its basement houses the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, an engineering marvel dating back to 19 BC.

As you stroll through Rome’s vibrant streets, you’ll make your way to Piazza Navona. Unbeknownst to many, even locals, this lively square sits atop the Stadium of Domitian, a vast arena that once hosted thrilling athletic contests.

You will enjoy exclusive access to a private section of the Domitian Stadium at the École Française, right in the heart of Piazza Navona. Your guide will lead you beneath the bustling square for a truly exclusive experience reserved solely for you and your group. You'll have the rare opportunity to explore this remarkably well-preserved site at your own pace, pausing to reflect, ask questions, and fully absorb the atmosphere of this evocative underground space.

This intimate Rome underground tour through the city's layered history, guided by an experienced archeologist, offers a rare glimpse into the ancient world that lies quietly beneath the modern city.

Choose this tour if...

You’re intrigued by the contrast between modern Rome above ground and the ancient city hidden beneath, and want to explore how these two worlds coexist.
You want a historian or archaeologist as your guide, bringing Rome’s past to life with expert knowledge and fascinating stories.
You’re looking for an exclusive experience, gaining special access to hidden sites that most visitors never even realize exist

Sites Visited

Vicus Caprarius – excavated underground space showing ancient Roman apartments situated near the Trevi Fountain.
Rinascente Tritone – modern department store housing the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct in its basement.
Stadium of Domitian – ancient stadium located beneath Piazza Navona, including exclusive access to the restricted École Française site.

Logistics

Tickets

Includes tickets to Vicus Caprarius and the Stadium of Domitian.
Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested.

Resources

Check out our upcoming online lectures which transport you back to Ancient Rome, accompanied by a leading Context Expert.
Check out Cities of the Underworld on the History Channel; many of the guides who lead this walk were featured on this program.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility

This tour may not be accessible for clients with limited mobility as it includes a lot of stairs and uneven grounds. Vicus Caprarius has only limited wheelchair-accessibility and Stadium of Domitian is not currently accessible as there are no ramps or elevators at the site and the terrain is uneven and difficult to navigate. Please inform us in case of mobility issues.

Service Dogs

Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.

Is this walk suitable for claustrophobic clients?
You do spend much of the tour underground, although you won't visit any site that is particularly narrow or small.

What makes the École Française site on Piazza Navona special?
You’ll have exclusive access to this private section of the Stadium of Domitian. Unlike other parts of the stadium, this area is reserved solely for your group, offering an intimate look at the well-preserved ruins and their fascinating history.

Where does the tour start?
The exact itinerary may vary based on reservation times and site availability, your tour may start at Vicus Caprarius or the Stadium of Domitian. Your confirmation email will include all the details and information.

Cancellation Policy

Book worry-free—review our 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.

Vicus Caprarius
Rinascente Tritone
Stadium of Domitian

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.

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.

507 Reviews

We had wonderful, inclusive tour. Philip was most informative and patient with our questions.

Vaneesa Feb 12, 2026

This was our third Context tour and we have loved each one. Paolo is a wealth of knowledge and was super engaging. What a difference having an expert tour guide makes!

Laura Feb 11, 2026

Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining- a proud Roman and true local. The underground sites gave us a new appreciation for the ancient city. She even gave us a recommendation for lunch following the tour, which was fantastic.

Laurel Dec 30, 2025

Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.

Structured, never scripted

Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.

Crafted for conversation

With ten or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.

Experts, not guides

Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.