Underground Catacombs & Appian Way Walking Tour in Rome
Skip the general admissions lines and explore underground burial chambers with an expert local guide
To visit Rome and miss the Appian Way would be like ordering carbonara without the pecorino cheese, it just doesn't make sense. This guided walking tour gives you the ancient road and the world beneath it. Follow the Via Appia with your guided past the Mausoleum of Romulus, the Circus of Maxentius, and more. Then with pre-reserved access, descend into the Catacombs of San Sebastian, a burial site of the early Church. If you've seen the Colosseum and Vatican, this is your next big move in Rome.
What You Get With This Tour
-
Descend into early Christian Rome
-
Expert English-speaking guide
-
Pre-reserved Catacombs of San Sebastian tickets
-
Guided tour of the Catacombs
-
Appian Way walking tour
-
Circus of Maxentius exploration
-
Visit the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella & the Mausoleum of Romulus
-
Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
-
1
Your tour begins at the Appia Antica Caffè
Meet your guide in front of the Appia Antica Caffè on Via Appia Antica, in Rome's peaceful southern outskirts. After a warm welcome and a quick overview, set off on foot down one of the world's oldest roads. -
2
Stroll the ancient Via Appia
Next, follow the basalt paving stones of the Via Appia, laid in 312 BC to link Rome to the south. Towering pines and crumbling tombs frame the route as your guide shares tales of the emperors and armies who traveled here. -
3
Admire the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
Pause at the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, a massive cylindrical tomb built for a noblewoman around 30 BC. Later fortified into a medieval castle, its weathered stone walls reveal how Rome reused its monuments for centuries. -
4
Explore the Circus of Maxentius
Then walk to the Circus of Maxentius, a remarkably preserved Roman chariot-racing track from the 4th century. Picture roaring crowds and thundering chariots in this vast arena, once part of the emperor's private complex. -
5
Step inside the Mausoleum of Romulus
Beside the arena rises the Mausoleum of Romulus, built by Emperor Maxentius for his son who died young around 309 AD. Circular walls and a grassy courtyard mark this quiet, moving tribute set among umbrella pines. -
6
Descend into the Catacombs of San Sebastian
Skip the general admissions lines and use pre-reserved tickets to head underground into the Catacombs of San Sebastian, where early Christians buried their dead. Your guide leads you through dim tunnels of soft tufa rock, sharing tales of the early Church. -
7
Your tour ends at the Appia Antica Caffè
Finally, return along the Via Appia to the Appia Antica Caffè where you began. Say goodbye to your guide with a deeper knowledge of early Christian Rome, then linger for a coffee or explore the peaceful road at your own pace.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Dress Code: The Catacombs of San Sebastian are a sacred burial site, so both men and women must wear long pants or a skirt covering the knees, with shoulders covered. Guests who do not meet the dress code may be refused entry.
Accessibility: This tour covers uneven ancient terrain along the Via Appia and includes stairs inside the catacombs. It is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Weather Advisory: Much of this tour takes place outdoors along the Via Appia, so it runs rain or shine. Check the forecast and dress for the day, since you'll spend time walking outside before heading underground.
Family Friendly: Kids are welcome to explore the ancient road and catacombs with the group. Please keep in mind the tour involves a fair amount of walking and stairs inside the catacombs.
Catacomb Tickets: Your pre-reserved entry ticket to the Catacombs of San Sebastian is included, so you’ll head straight into security and go underground without waiting in the general admission line.
Check-in: Arrive 15 minutes early for check-in at the meeting point so the group can depart on time.
Your tour includes:
Expert English-speaking guide
Pre-reserved access to the Catacombs of San Sebastian
Guided walking tour of the ancient Via Appia
Visits to the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, Circus of Maxentius, and Mausoleum of Romulus
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Water bottle
Valid ID
You might also like...
Free Cancellation
Rome Golf Cart Sightseeing Tour to the Catacombs and Appian Way
Guided Tour Trusted Partner
Rome's Appian Way, Aqueduct Park, and Catacombs by E-Bike
New Tour Private Tour
Rome by Ape Calessino Private Tour: Appian Way & Food Adventure
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Privileged Entrance Vatican Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica
Likely to Sell Out
Free Cancellation Family Friendly
Rome’s Appian Way Tour by E-Bike
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
Rome Catacombs Tour and Capuchin Crypts with Transportation
Free Cancellation Skip the Line
After Hours Rome Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts Tour with Transport
Private Tour Skip the Line
Private Catacombs & Crypts Tour of Rome with Transport
Free Cancellation Private Tour
Private Rome Catacombs & Trastevere Food Tour from Civitavecchia
Skip the Line
Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets
Customer Reviews
The Appian Way is stunning and the Catacombs are must-see!! Our guide's insights were invaluable that made it incredibly rewarding experience!!
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
This tour covers uneven ancient terrain along the Via Appia and includes stairs inside the catacombs. It is not recommended for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. If you have concerns about your mobility, please contact us in advance to discuss your needs.
Does this tour run in the rain?
Yes, the tour runs rain or shine, since much of it takes place outdoors along the Via Appia. Check the forecast and dress for the day, as you'll spend time walking outside before heading underground.
Is there a dress code for this tour?
The Catacombs of San Sebastian are a sacred burial site, so both men and women must cover their knees and shoulders. Long pants or a knee-length skirt work well. Guests who don't meet the dress code may be refused entry.
Is this tour family friendly?
Yes, kids are welcome to explore the ancient road and catacombs with the group. Keep in mind the tour involves a fair amount of walking on uneven terrain and stairs inside the catacombs, so comfortable shoes are a must for younger travelers.
