Catacombs & Appian Way Bike Tour | Private

This Catacombs & Appian Way Bike Tour is an invitation to leave modern Rome behind and discover the Eternal City at its most atmospheric. With a private transfer from the city center, the journey begins at the edge of Rome, where traffic fades away and centuries of history emerge. 

What follows is a seamless blend of iconic landmarks, quiet countryside, and hidden worlds beneath the surface, experienced at a relaxed and engaging pace.

Rome’s icons from a new perspective

Before reaching the Appian Way, the route passes some of Rome’s most recognizable symbols. The exterior of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum offers a striking introduction to the city’s imperial past, while the nearby Arch of Constantine recalls the moment Rome changed forever. 

These monumental sights set the stage for a journey that gradually moves away from crowds and into quieter, more evocative spaces.

Cycling the legendary Appian Way

Mounted on a comfortable electric bike, travelers follow their expert guide along the ancient Via Appia Antica, one of the oldest and most important roads of the Roman Empire. 

Cypress trees, open fields, and timeworn ruins line the route, creating an atmosphere that feels untouched by the modern world. The e-bike makes riding over the historic basalt stones smooth and enjoyable, allowing the focus to remain on the landscape and the stories woven into it.

Gates, walls, and imperial monuments

The journey continues past the imposing Porta San Sebastiano, one of the best-preserved entrances in Rome’s ancient defensive walls and the traditional gateway to the Appian Way. 

Along the route, the scale of imperial Rome becomes evident once again at the vast remains of the Baths of Caracalla, a reminder of the luxury and engineering prowess of the empire. Further ahead, the commanding presence of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella rises above the road, its monumental form standing as a symbol of elite power and lasting legacy.

Descending into Rome’s hidden past

A defining moment of the tour is the visit to one of Rome’s ancient catacombs, early Christian burial sites carved deep beneath the earth. Descending into these quiet, dimly lit tunnels reveals a different side of Roman history, where faith, memory, and community took shape far from public view. Frescoes, inscriptions, and simple tombs tell stories of devotion and resilience, offering a moving contrast to the grandeur of the monuments above ground.

A journey above and below the surface

This tour brings together nature, archaeology, and storytelling in a way few experiences can. Cycling through open landscapes, passing imperial ruins, and exploring underground sanctuaries reveals the many layers of Rome’s past, from pagan traditions to early Christianity. 

Designed for travelers seeking a deeper and more authentic connection with the city, the Catacombs & Appian Way Bike Tour offers a memorable exploration of Rome that goes far beyond the usual paths, uncovering its ancient soul both above and below the surface.