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

Summary

Cycle ancient roads, explore Roman catacombs and aqueducts

You’ll ride an e-bike along Rome’s ancient Appian Way, feel centuries-old stones beneath your wheels, descend into mysterious catacombs with a local guide (on the 6-hour tour), and pause by towering aqueducts in open fields. Expect laughter, honest stories from locals, and moments where time feels oddly suspended between past and present.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever ridden a bike over 2,000-year-old stones?” That’s how our guide Paolo kicked things off as we wobbled onto the Appian Way. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect the actual thud-thud under my tires or how quiet it gets just outside Rome. One minute you’re dodging Vespas, next you’re gliding past cypress trees and sheep grazing like they’ve always been there. The e-bike did most of the work (thank god), but I still felt every bump — in a good way. There was this old couple waving from their garden; Paolo called out something in Roman dialect that made them laugh. No idea what he said, but it felt like we belonged for a second.

The catacombs part — wow, I thought it’d be claustrophobic but it was more… peaceful? Cool air and candle smells, our voices echoing off walls carved by hands centuries ago. Our guide explained burial rituals while we tried not to trip on uneven steps. Someone’s phone flashlight flickered and Paolo just grinned: “Romans didn’t have LED.” I kept picturing all those lives stacked beneath us, half-listening because honestly my mind wandered thinking about how little things change over time. The longer version of this day trip from Rome lets you go deeper into the tunnels, which is worth it if you’re even a bit curious about history or just want to escape the sun for a while.

After that, we pedaled through fields dotted with wildflowers toward the aqueducts — those arches are massive up close, almost unreal against the sky. We stopped for water (biodegradable bottles — nice touch) and Paolo pointed out where gladiators used to train nearby. He joked that if we survived Roman traffic, we’d have made decent legionnaires. My legs were tired but there was this breeze and smell of cut grass that made me forget about city noise for a bit. Honestly, I still think about that stretch of green outside Rome whenever I hear pigeons back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cycle Ancient Appian Way and Ruins

• Marvel at Porta di San Sebastiano
• Ride on the Regina Viarum highway
• Pause at burial site (4-hour tour)
• Visit 2nd-century catacombs (6-hour tour)
• Stop at Imperial Villa and Circus ruins
• See the largest mausoleum on Appian Way
• Visit Villa of the Quintilii (6-hour tour)
• Explore Aqueduct Park arches
• View Baths of Caracalla ruins (6-hour tour)
• Bike through countryside island in Rome

Top questions

Is this Appian Way e-bike tour suitable for beginners?

The route is intermediate; e-bikes help but some cycling experience is recommended due to uneven terrain and light city traffic.

What’s included in the Rome Appian Way e-bike tour?

The tour includes a top-quality e-bike with helmet, water in biodegradable bottles, handlebar bag, professional guide, and guided catacombs visit on the 6-hour option.

How long does the day trip from Rome to Appian Way last?

You can choose between a 4-hour or 6-hour tour; Wednesdays may run half an hour longer due to route changes.

Are children allowed on this bike tour?

Yes—children aged 9+ can ride their own e-bikes; younger kids use child seats or extensions according to age and size guidelines.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No food or drinks are included except water; there are stops where you can buy snacks or drinks along the route.

Does this tour include pickup from my hotel?

No hotel pickup is included; tours start from a central meeting point in Rome.

Which catacombs are visited on this bike tour?

The 6-hour version includes San Callisto or San Sebastiano catacombs depending on day; 4-hour version offers only a short stop outside unless it's Wednesday.

What happens if there aren’t enough people booked?

A minimum of four participants is required; if fewer book, you'll be offered another date or a full refund.

What’s included

Your day comes with a comfortable Cannondale electric-assist bike (with anti-puncture tires), mandatory helmet, handlebar bag for your stuff, plenty of water in biodegradable bottles to keep you going, plus expert guidance all along the way — and if you pick the longer option, a guided visit inside one of Rome’s famous catacombs too.