Private Catacombs & Crypts Tour of Rome with Transport
Discover papal tombs and bone-decorated chapels, plus visit the Appian Way and the Mouth of Truth
Rome's catacombs sit far apart and outside the city center, making them nearly impossible to visit on your own. This private tour solves that with door-to-door transport and a personal guide. Descend into the Catacombs of Domitilla, then stand among the Capuchin Crypts' bone-adorned chapels. You’ll also enjoy a scenic drive along the ancient Appian Way and pause at the Santa Maria in Cosmedin to see the Mouth of Truth. For a deeper understanding of underground Rome, this is the tour to book.
What You Get With This Tour
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Uncover the stories buried beneath Rome
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Expert English-speaking private guide
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Explore the Catacombs of Domitilla
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Behold the bone-decorated Capuchin Crypts
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Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned van
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Hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Rome
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Guide tips
Tour Itinerary
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1
Your tour begins at your central Rome hotel
Your guide picks you up from your accommodation in central Rome in a comfortable air-conditioned van. Settle in and get ready to explore some of Rome's most extraordinary underground sites with a personal expert by your side. -
2
Step inside the Capuchin Crypts
The first stop is the Capuchin Crypts, a macabre yet fascinating underground space where the skeletal remains of roughly 3,700 Capuchin friars form elaborate decorative displays across six chapel walls. Learn the history and meaning behind this striking reminder of mortality from your audio guide. -
3
Descend into the Catacombs of Domitilla
After a short private transfer, go underground into the Catacombs of Domitilla, dating back to the second century AD. Walk through dimly lit passageways lined with early Christian frescoes and family burial chambers while stories unfold about the ancient worshippers who once gathered here. -
4
Walk a stretch of the ancient Appian Way
Step out of the underground and onto a section of the Appian Way, one of the most important roads of ancient Rome. Hear how this road moved armies across the empire and learn the story of the crucifixion of 10,000 slaves during the revolt of Spartacus. -
5
Enter Santa Maria in Cosmedin
A private vehicle takes you to Santa Maria in Cosmedin, a medieval Romanesque basilica in the heart of Rome. Take in the church's remarkable architecture before heading to two of its most famous features hidden within its walls. -
6
Test your honesty at the Mouth of Truth
Inside Santa Maria in Cosmedin sits the Mouth of Truth, an ancient marble mask famous for the legend that it bites the hands of liars. Place a hand inside if you dare, and discover the real history behind this mysterious artifact. -
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Explore Hadrian's Crypt beneath the basilica
Descend into Hadrian's Crypt, a hidden chamber beneath Santa Maria in Cosmedin that offers a rare glimpse into Rome's layered past. Ancient burial sites and connections to Emperor Hadrian's era are revealed before the private driver heads back through Rome. -
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Your tour ends at your central Rome hotel
After a morning or afternoon of underground exploration, relax in comfort on the return trip. Arrive back at your accommodation in central Rome with a deeper understanding of the city's buried history and time to enjoy the rest of your day.
Additional Information
Discover what to expect, what's included, and everything you need to know before booking.
Good to know:
Accessibility: As this is a private tour, the itinerary can be accommodated to be wheelchair or mobility accessible. Please contact us in advance, after making the booking, to make the proper arrangements.
Please note: The itinerary of a private tour can be adjusted to your needs. Please reach out if you do not see a start time that fits for your party. We would be happy to check with our ticketing team to see if we can accommodate you.
Dress Code: Since sites on this tour are religious, knees and shoulders must be covered for both men and women. Rome is hot in summer, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl, scarf, or sweater with you to cover up when needed.
Tour Changes: The Catacombs of Domitilla are typically closed on Tuesdays. If your tour lands on a Tuesday, the guide will take you to the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian instead.
Hotel pick-up: Please include your accommodation details in the "additional info" section during checkout. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included for accommodations in central Rome. If you are staying outside central Rome, a meeting point will be arranged.
Your tour includes:
Private, English-speaking guide
Timed entry tickets for the Catacombs and Capuchin Crypts
Visit to the ancient Appian Way
Visit to Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Hadrian's Crypt and Mouth of Truth
Round-trip transportation in a comfortable air-conditioned van
Hotel pick-up and drop-off in central Rome
What to bring:
Comfortable walking shoes
Clothing that covers knees and shoulders
Camera
Water bottle
Valid ID
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Customer Reviews
Tour was very interesting - car ride had more info as well about Rome in general which was pleasant surprise. The kids enjoyed the tour too! (Ages 9, 11, 13, 15)
Dilara was a very knowledgeable guide. We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Would recommend!
Tour guide was great. Highlight of the trip was the catacombs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle. Remember you're heading underground and it'll be cooler, so you may want to bring and extra light layer for yourself or your kids.
I don't see any availability on my date. Help!
This tour requires extra time to coordinate for private groups, so it must be booked a minimum of 2 weeks in advance. If you are looking for last-minute availability, feel free to contact us by email (info@thetourguy.com) or call us toll-free and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?
If you have any doubts about your mobility, then this private tour is your best option as it can be more easily tailored to your needs. Please get in touch so we can make sure the activities and and arrangements are suitable for you.
What catacomb does this tour visit?
Usually the Catacombs of Domitilla, although if there is any closure we will substitute with another catacomb site nearby. Please note that the Catacombs of Domitilla are typically closed on Tuesdays.
Will we see bones?
Yes! This tour visits the Church of Santa Maria della Concezione which houses a 17th-century ossuary under it. There you will see the bones of almost 4,000 Capuchin friars!
Why does my kid 6 or under have to pay?
We understand it must be frustrating to book a ticket for a young child. However, they must have their own seat in the car due to traffic regulations, so they take up space just like an adult. Please let us know ahead of time if a car seat is required so we can be prepared to accommodate you.
Is there a dress code to enter the religious sites on this tour?
We ask both men and women to cover knees and shoulders, otherwise you may be refused entry to religious sites and miss out on a portion of your tour. We understand the summers in Rome can be hot, so a great alternative is to bring a shawl/scarf/sweater with you. That way, you can cover your knees and shoulders when necessary.
What to bring?
In addition to wearing or bringing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, it's recommended to wear comfortable shoes. You're also welcome to bring a water bottle. Remember you're heading underground and it'll be cooler, so you may want to bring and extra light layer for yourself or your kids.
Is hotel pick-up included in this tour?
Yes, hotel pick-up and drop-off is included on this tour. Please include your accommodation details in the "additional info" section during checkout. Hotel pick-up and drop-off cannot be included if the proper information is not provided. If you need to change your accommodation info or were not able to include it during checkout, please contact us so we can make the proper arrangements.
