Rome: Appian Way eBike Tour & Catacombs with Lunch

Summary

Ride ancient Rome’s Appian Way, aqueducts and catacombs in one day

You’ll ride an e-bike along Rome’s ancient Appian Way with a local guide, explore quiet stretches of countryside and Roman ruins, descend into eerie catacombs if you choose the longer tour, and pause for lunch or aperitif beneath soaring aqueducts. Expect laughter, unexpected quiet moments, and stories that linger long after you’ve pedaled back.

What’s the experience like?

I was honestly a bit nervous when I first hopped on the e-bike near the old Aurelian Walls — you can see the Porta di San Sebastiano looming above, all weathered stone and those random medieval graffiti scratched into the arch. Our guide, Paolo, grinned at my hesitation and promised it’d get easier. The air smelled like pine needles and a little bit of city dust. We set off along the Via Appia Antica, bumping over stones that have been there since Roman legions marched south (Paolo kept reminding us — I think he loves that fact). There were stretches where we barely saw another soul except an old man walking his dog who gave us a nod like we were regulars.

If you pick the longer version of this day trip from Rome to the Appian Way, you get to go down into the Catacombs of San Callisto. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel much but something about being underground with all those narrow corridors — cool air on your face, muffled footsteps echoing — it gets under your skin. Our guide explained how half a million people were buried there; I tried to imagine that many stories stacked in silence. It’s strange what sticks with you.

The best part for me was stopping under the arches of Parco degli Acquedotti for lunch (I did the morning tour). Sunlight slanted through broken stonework while we ate fresh bread and cheese at a little table set up just off the path — nothing fancy but somehow perfect after riding. Someone spilled their water bottle and it made this tiny river in the grass; everyone laughed, even Paolo. Afterward we rode past wildflowers and sheep grazing right next to these massive ruins — Rome is weird like that, ancient stuff just sitting around while life goes on.

By the time we reached the Baths of Caracalla I was tired in a good way — legs humming but brain full. The e-bikes help more than I expected (thank god for that), so don’t worry if you’re not a pro cyclist. I keep thinking about those moments: wind in my face, bits of Latin carved into marble, Paolo’s stories about emperors and nymphs. It’s not just history here; it feels like layers you can still touch.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Appian Way and Aqueduct Park

• Start at Porta di San Sebastiano
• Visit Baths of Caracalla remains
• Ride along historic Via Appia Antica
• Explore Caffarella Park ruins
• See the spring of Nymph Egeria
• Visit Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
• Stop for lunch or aperitif at Aqueduct Park
• Continue e-bike tour past ancient aqueducts
• Visit Circus of Maxentius ruins
• Visit Catacombs of San Callisto (5-hour tour only)

Top questions

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

Yes, lunch is included if you book the 5-hour tour option (morning), or an aperitif is included in the afternoon version.

How long does the Appian Way e-bike tour last?

The standard tour lasts several hours; if you choose the 5-hour option you'll also visit the Catacombs and have lunch or an aperitif.

Are helmets provided on this Rome bike tour?

Yes, helmets are provided for all participants along with high-quality e-bikes.

Can children join this Appian Aqueducts e-bike tour?

Children ages 6-10 can join if they are less than 143 cm tall; they’ll use a trailer bike instead of riding alone.

Is this day trip from Rome suitable for beginners?

You should know how to ride a bike well; moderate fitness is needed but e-bikes make it easier even for less experienced cyclists.

Does this tour include entry to the Catacombs?

Yes, guided entry to the Catacombs of San Callisto is included only in the 5-hour version of this tour.

What sites do we see on this Appian Way bike ride?

You’ll see Porta di San Sebastiano, Via Appia Antica, Parco degli Acquedotti (Aqueduct Park), Caffarella Park, Baths of Caracalla, Circus of Maxentius, Cecilia Metella Mausoleum—and more if time allows.

Are public transportation options nearby for meeting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to start/end points.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a high-quality e-bike plus helmet and mobile phone holder (even a handlebar holder), guided commentary throughout from a local expert—plus entry to the Catacombs if you choose that version—and either a tasty lunch or aperitif enjoyed right beside Rome’s ancient aqueducts before cycling back toward town.