Catacombs and Appian Way Tour

Discover the captivating secrets of ancient Rome on the Catacombs and Appian Way Tour. This immersive experience takes travelers on a journey through time, exploring remarkable sites like the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus and the iconic Appian Way. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, visitors can uncover the rich history and fascinating stories that lie beneath the surface of this legendary city. From the grandeur of the Circus of Maxentius to the engineering marvels of the Claudian Aqueduct, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure for history enthusiasts.

Key Points

• This tour takes visitors to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, an extensive underground cemetery for early Christians, and along the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road.
• Highlights of the tour include the Circus of Maxentius, an ancient Roman racetrack, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a grand funerary monument along the Appian Way.
• The tour lasts a few hours and is led by a licensed guide, with round-trip transportation from a central meeting point in Rome.
• The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or claustrophobic individuals, and the group size is capped at 25 travelers, which may affect audio quality.
• Travelers have provided positive feedback on the knowledgeable guides and interesting historical sites, but some have expressed concerns about the large group size and audio issues during transportation.

Tour Overview

The Catacombs and Appian Way Tour in Rome, Italy offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s rich history.

This 4.5-star rated tour takes travelers on a journey through the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, the Circus of Maxentius, the Claudian Aqueduct, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella.

Lasting a few hours, the tour accommodates up to 25 travelers and is priced from $69.51 per person.

Included are round-trip transportation, a licensed guide, and headsets for clear audio.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller-friendly, and it’s recommended to arrive 25 minutes early.

Though not suitable for the claustrophobic, the tour provides an immersive historical experience.

Highlights of the Tour

As visitors embark on the Catacombs and Appian Way Tour, they’ll have the opportunity to explore some of Rome’s most captivating historical sites.

The tour highlights include the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, an extensive underground cemetery where early Christians buried their dead.

Travelers will also visit the Circus of Maxentius, an ancient Roman racetrack, and the Claudian Aqueduct, an impressive feat of engineering that supplied water to ancient Rome.

Finally, the tour stops at the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a grand funerary monument along the Appian Way, the ancient Roman road that connected Rome to southern Italy.

Transportation and Meeting Details

For this Catacombs and Appian Way Tour, participants meet at the designated pickup location on Via Cavour, 224 in central Rome. Travelers are asked to arrive 25 minutes before the scheduled 9:45 AM start time. The tour includes round-trip transportation from this central meeting point, and a licensed guide will lead the group throughout the experience.

Meeting Point	Pickup Time	Transportation	Tour Ends
Via Cavour, 224	9:45 AM	Round-trip from central Rome	Back at meeting point

The transportation and meeting details ensure a smooth and convenient start to this historical tour of the Catacombs and Appian Way.

Exploring the Appian Way

After boarding the transportation, the tour takes visitors along the famous Appian Way, one of the oldest and most significant roads in ancient Rome.

The Appian Way, also known as the "Queen of Roads," stretches for miles, showcasing the engineering prowess of the Romans.

Along the way, travelers can see the impressive Claudian Aqueduct, an engineering marvel that once supplied water to ancient Rome.

The tour also explores the Circus of Maxentius, a well-preserved ancient Roman chariot racing stadium, and the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a grand mausoleum from the 1st century BC.

Visiting the Catacombs

The tour then takes visitors underground to explore the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, one of the largest ancient Christian burial sites in Rome.

Descending into this underground necropolis, travelers are immersed in early Christian history, wandering through a labyrinth of tunnels lined with thousands of tombs.

The guide shares insights into the architecture, symbolism, and significance of this sacred site.

Visitors marvel at the intricate wall carvings and frescoes that adorn the catacombs, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the early Christian community.

The tour provides a unique and fascinating window into Rome’s rich religious heritage.

Experiencing the Aqueducts

As the tour continues, visitors venture above ground to explore the impressive Appian Way and its accompanying aqueducts.

The Claudian Aqueduct, an engineering marvel, stretches across the landscape, its massive arches carrying water for miles. Guides explain the aqueduct’s historical significance, describing how it supplied ancient Rome with a crucial resource.

Travelers marvel at the sheer scale and craftsmanship of these structures, which have withstood the test of time.

The tour then leads visitors to the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a towering funerary monument that provides a glimpse into the grandeur of Rome’s past.

Accessibility and Suitability

Although the Catacombs and Appian Way Tour offers a unique and immersive experience, it may not be suitable for all travelers.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though strollers are allowed. Claustrophobic individuals may find the underground catacombs uncomfortable.

The group size is capped at 25 travelers, which could impact the audio quality during the tour. However, the sites are located near public transportation, making it accessible for those who can navigate the uneven terrain.

Traveler Feedback and Experiences

What do travelers have to say about the Catacombs and Appian Way Tour? According to reviews, the tour receives high praise for its knowledgeable guides and fascinating historical sights. However, some express concerns about the group size and audio quality on transportation. Experiences at the Tomb of Cecilia Metella are mixed. The tour’s unique insights into ancient Roman structures and the catacombs seem to captivate most visitors.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Knowledgeable guides	Large group size
Interesting historical sites	Audio issues on transportation
Unique experiences	Mixed reviews on Tomb of Cecilia Metella
Sense of historical significance	–

Things To Know

Can I Bring My Own Snacks on the Tour?

The tour operator allows travelers to bring their own snacks and refreshments on the tour. However, it’s best to avoid consuming food inside the catacombs and other historic sites to respect the sacred nature of these locations.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has no strict dress code, but comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Layers may be helpful as some sites can be cool or damp. Avoid overly casual attire like shorts or tank tops.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the nature of the sites visited.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Catacombs?

Travelers can take photographs inside the catacombs, but they’ll need to follow the tour guide’s instructions. Flash photography is typically not allowed to preserve the delicate environment. Visitors should be respectful and avoid disrupting the sacred space.

Is There a Discount for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is a flat rate of $69.51 per person, with gratuities included. There’s no indication of reduced pricing based on age or student status.

Sum Up

The Catacombs and Appian Way Tour offers a captivating journey through ancient Rome’s historical landmarks. Travelers can explore underground catacombs, traverse the iconic Appian Way, and marvel at aqueducts, all while benefiting from round-trip transportation and a knowledgeable guide. With high ratings and accessibility, this immersive experience is a must-do for history enthusiasts seeking to explore the city’s rich past.