Rome: Appian Way E-Bike Tour with Catacombs & Food

Summary

Ride the Appian Way, taste Roman food, explore ancient catacombs and aqueducts

You’ll ride an e-bike along Rome’s Appian Way, slipping through ancient gates and past ruins before heading underground into mysterious catacombs with a local guide. Taste classic Roman dishes during a relaxed food stop among locals, then pedal beneath soaring aqueducts in open parkland. This is Rome from another angle—quiet moments, unexpected flavors, stories you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how the stones of the Appian Way felt under the tires—almost like the road was humming back at us. Our guide, Paolo, waved us over to this crumbling archway and told us about emperors who’d passed through here centuries ago. I kept trying to imagine sandals instead of bike shoes. It’s weirdly quiet out there, just birds and our laughter echoing off old walls. The city feels far away, even though you’re still technically in Rome.

I didn’t expect to feel so small inside the catacombs. There’s this cool dampness that clings to your arms, and the air smells faintly of earth and candle wax. Paolo joked about getting lost (“Don’t worry, I know all the skeletons by name”), which made me laugh but also clutch my handlebars a little tighter when we got back outside. We stopped by Cecilia Metella’s mausoleum—massive and kind of severe against the sky—and then rolled on past wildflowers poking through broken stones.

The food break was at this odd little water bottling spot where locals kept popping in for mineral water—felt like a secret club. We sat under some trees eating suppli and artichokes (I’m still thinking about those artichokes), just watching Roman families go about their day. Afterward, riding into Aqueduct Park, those arches looked almost unreal in late afternoon light—like something out of a movie set but somehow more solid. My legs were tired but I didn’t really want it to end yet.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Appian Way and Aqueducts

• Visit Catacombs of Rome
• Admire Arch of Drusus and city gate
• View Appian Way from Roman Walls Museum
• Stroll Villa of Maxentius grounds
• Pass Baths of Caracalla ruins
• See Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
• Discover Aqueduct Park remains
• Taste typical Roman dishes

Top questions

How long is the Appian Way e-bike tour?

The tour covers several key sites along the Appian Way and nearby parks; expect a half-day experience including stops.

Is lunch included on this Appian Way e-bike tour?

Yes, lunch or an aperitivo is included depending on your tour time; vegetarian and gluten-free options are available.

Are the catacombs always open during this tour?

No, catacombs are closed on Christmas, Easter, New Year’s Day, and some Wednesdays; alternative sites are visited if needed.

What kind of bikes are used for this Rome e-bike tour?

You’ll use either a full-suspension e-mountain bike or a comfortable e-bike; helmets are provided.

Is this e-bike tour suitable for beginners?

You need good cycling skills and moderate fitness; not recommended for those who can’t ride confidently or have health concerns.

Are children allowed on the Appian Way bike tour?

No, children under 12 years old cannot participate in this tour.

Does the tour include entry fees to attractions?

Yes, entry to the catacombs (when open) is included as part of your day trip from Rome.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an e-bike (full-suspension or standard), helmet, bottled water throughout the ride, entry to one of Rome’s historic catacombs (except certain holidays), plus either lunch or an aperitivo with vegetarian and gluten-free options available—all led by a knowledgeable local guide before returning to your starting point in Rome.