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

Summary

Cycle the Appian Way, explore catacombs and Roman aqueducts with transfers

You’ll start at Circus Maximus before exploring ancient catacombs beneath Rome with your guide. Then cycle along the Appian Way past tombs and wildflowers to Aqueduct Park’s soaring arches. Shuttle transfers make it easy — just focus on riding and soaking up those quiet moments only found outside city walls.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound of tires crunching over those old stones — not traffic, not city noise, just that soft click of gravel under our e-bikes as we left Circus Maximus behind. Our guide, Marco, waved us into the minivan for a quick ride past the Baths of Caracalla (I tried to imagine toga-clad Romans sweating it out in there). He pointed out where chariot races once thundered, but honestly, I was still waking up and mostly watching sunlight flicker through the window. The city faded fast — suddenly we were at the Catacombs, which smelled faintly damp and earthy. It was quieter than I expected down there. Marco told us stories about early Christians hiding out; I half-whispered something in Italian to him and he grinned — probably understood my accent better than I did.

After that, we walked a few minutes on these impossibly ancient paving stones before hopping onto our e-bikes. The Via Appia Antica is nothing like central Rome — no traffic except a couple of locals waving as they passed. Sometimes you hit a bump and remember how old this road really is (my hands tingled after one stretch). We pedaled past ruined tombs and wildflowers poking through cracks in the stone. At one point, Marco stopped us near Cecilia Metella’s mausoleum so we could just listen: birdsong, wind in the grass, not much else. It’s strange how close you are to Rome but it feels like countryside.

The best part for me was rolling into Aqueduct Park. Those arches look almost unreal against the sky — huge shadows stretching over fields where kids were kicking a ball around. There’s something about seeing Roman engineering up close that makes you realize how stubborn people can be when they want water (or anything) badly enough. I kept thinking about what’s lasted here versus what hasn’t; it made me quiet for a bit. We ended with another shuttle back toward Termini station — tired legs but kind of happy-tired, you know? And yeah, I still think about that silence under the aqueducts sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Appian Way E-bike Tour and Visits

• Start tour at Circus Maximus
• Pass Baths of Caracalla by minivan
• Guided tour at Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano
• Walk on ancient Roman paving near Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
• Begin cycling along Appian Way
• Cycle through Appia Antica park and Roman ruins
• Visit Aqueduct Park and admire ancient arches
• Excursion to Tor Fiscale Park
• Explore Roman countryside near city centre
• Return on Bike Shuttle from e-bike end point
• Bike Shuttle returns to starting point

Top questions

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

The tour includes cycling along Via Appia Antica plus shuttle transfers; total duration varies but expect several hours including stops.

Is pickup included for this day trip from central Rome?

Yes, round-trip transfer by private shuttle is included from Circus Maximus to key sites and back.

Are tickets to the Catacombs included?

Yes, entrance tickets for the Catacombs are part of your tour package.

Is this e-bike tour suitable for beginners or children?

Basic-medium bike skills are needed; children can join with extensions or child seats if under 20kg or 139cm tall.

How much cycling is actually on ancient paving stones?

About 90% of cycling takes place on original Roman paving along Via Appia Antica.

What happens if there aren’t enough people for my group tour?

If fewer than 4 participants book, you’ll be offered an alternative date or full refund.

Do we visit Aqueduct Park during this tour?

Yes, cycling through Aqueduct Park is included in your itinerary.

Is lunch provided on this day trip from Rome?

No lunch is included; bring snacks or eat before/after your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip private shuttle transfers from Circus Maximus, guided entry to either San Callisto or San Sebastiano Catacombs, use of an e-bike and helmet (plus baby seat if needed), rain poncho if skies open up, all led by a local guide — so you can just pedal and take in those Roman views without worrying about logistics.