Rome: Appian Way E-Bike Tour, Catacombs & Aqueducts Park

Summary

Cycle ancient stones, descend into catacombs, feel Rome’s countryside shift around you

You’ll cycle Rome’s legendary Appian Way by e-bike, pass through ancient gates, descend into eerie catacombs with a local guide, and roll beneath soaring aqueducts—all with plenty of time to soak up countryside smells and stories. Expect real Roman roads under your wheels and quiet moments that linger long after you finish pedaling.

What’s the experience like?

We started right at the old San Sebastiano gate—one of those moments where you realize how thick the city walls really are. Our guide, Marco, waved us through like we were in some Roman parade (he joked about it too). The e-bikes felt sturdy and honestly, I was relieved about that because city traffic here is... lively. But once we hit the Appian Way itself, everything changed. The stones under the wheels got bumpier—real Roman stuff—and suddenly there was this quiet you don’t get in the center. I caught a whiff of wild fennel somewhere along the roadside; didn’t expect that.

The catacombs stop was something else. Cool air hit my face when we ducked inside—such a relief after cycling under that sharp sun. Our guide explained how half a million people were buried down there. It’s hard to picture numbers like that until you’re actually winding through those tunnels, flashlight beams flickering off old carvings. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “San Callisto” properly and Marco just grinned—“close enough,” he said. I still think about that silence underground; it sticks with you.

Afterwards we rolled past these massive ruins—the Villa dei Quintilii looked almost fake against all that green countryside. Sheep wandered around like they owned the place (maybe they do). We stopped for water near the aqueducts and Marco pointed out how Romans figured out water pressure before anyone else did. You could hear distant traffic again but mostly it was birds and a few locals walking their dogs. My legs were tired but in a good way—the e-bike helps but you’ll still feel it.

I kept glancing back at those arches as we headed toward Caracalla Baths—just imagining crowds in togas heading for a swim or gossip or whatever Romans did there. By then my hands were dusty from the handlebars and I’d lost track of time completely. It’s not really about ticking off sights; it’s more like getting dropped into layers of history and hoping you don’t forget what it felt like to ride through them.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Appian Way and Ancient Sites

• Leave Rome city center via San Sebastiano gate
• Discover the Ancient Appian Way
• Pause at burial underground site
• Admire 4th century Imperial complex remains
• Visit 1st century funerary monument
• See colossal aqueducts at Aqueduct Park

Top questions

How long is the Appian Way e-bike tour from Rome?

The tour covers about 17 miles (27km) and lasts either 4 or 6 hours depending on which option you choose.

Are the catacombs included on every tour?

The catacombs are included on both tours except Wednesdays; on Wednesdays only certain catacombs are visited or skipped depending on duration.

Is lunch or food included in this bike tour?

No food or drinks are included but there are stops where you can buy snacks or drinks during breaks.

What kind of bike is provided for the Appian Way tour?

A top-quality e-bike with anti-puncture tires and a comfortable saddle is provided for every rider.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children aged 9+ can ride their own e-bike; younger kids use child seats or extensions as appropriate for their age and size.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; travelers meet at a central location in Rome before departure.

How much of the route is off-road versus city streets?

About 60% of the route is off-road in parks; roughly 40% involves city streets with some unavoidable traffic sections.

Are helmets required during the bike tour?

Yes, helmets are mandatory for all participants and are provided free of charge.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a top-quality e-bike (with anti-puncture tires), helmet (required but honestly not uncomfortable), front bag for your stuff, biodegradable water bottle, plus an expert local guide who leads you through Rome’s city streets out to its ancient parks and monuments—with guided entry to the catacombs on longer tours.