Rome Catacombs Tour: Appian Way, Aqueducts & Underground Sites

Walk Rome's oldest road, then explore the catacombs after closing time

This guided walking tour of Rome takes you along the Appian Way, through the Aqueduct Park to see ancient Roman engineering, and into the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla as the final group of the day. You travel by private air-conditioned transport between sites, stay in groups of 18 or fewer, and have an expert guide throughout. Choose between adding the Colosseum, keeping the aqueducts, or booking the full experience as a private tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Aqueduct Park45m · entry included
2. Catacombs of Rome1h 20m · entry included

Explore Rome's ancient sites and catacombs

• Walk along the historic Appian Way
• Learn about the powerful family monument
• Stand beneath ancient Roman aqueducts
• Descend into the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla
• Return to Rome by air-conditioned transport

The experience

Three and a half hours covers ground most Rome visitors never reach. You start at the Appian Way: centuries-old paving stones beneath your feet, the same road legions and merchants once traveled. Your guide walks you past ancient tombs and ruins that line the route, explaining the families and power that built them and how they've survived two thousand years. The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella stands at the exterior, a landmark you'll see from the path itself.

From there, air-conditioned transport takes you to the Aqueduct Park, where you stand beneath towering stone arches that once carried water across miles to supply the entire city. The engineering is visible in every arch: the Romans built these to last, and they did. Your guide explains how the system worked and what it meant for a city of that scale to have reliable water. Then you head to the catacombs, arriving as the last group of the day. That timing is the whole point: you descend into the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla (which one depends on the day) without the crowds that fill these spaces during regular hours. The tunnels are narrow and the air is still. Your guide leads you through the burial chambers and explains the Christian history carved into the walls.

If you book the Colosseum option at checkout, the tour continues after the catacombs with a guided walk through the arena itself. You'll need to bring government ID: the Colosseum requires it for entry, and names must match what you provide at booking. The other two options end at the catacombs, so you choose whether the Colosseum adds value to your day or whether the aqueducts and underground sites are enough.

What’s included

• Your tour includes expert guide commentary in English.
• private air-conditioned transport between all sites.
• entry to the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla.
• access to the Appian Way and the Aqueduct Park.
• and the exterior view of the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. If you select the Colosseum option, the €18 entrance ticket is also included.

Options for this experience

2 options

Aqueducts with Catacombs TourGuide in English · 09:30, 14:30 and 15:00Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes. Small group tour: Walk in the footsteps of ancient Romans along the Appian Way, view the aqueducts, and tour one of Rome's catacombs.

Private Catacombs and AqueductsGuide in English · 5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes. Private tour: Explore Rome's underground cemeteries and temples on a private tour for the most eye-opening experience during your trip.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (15 and older) · Child (2 to 14 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Walks - Italy & Spain

Is this one for you?Walk the Appian Way, explore ancient aqueducts, and descend into the Catacombs as the last visitors of the day: experiencing Rome's layered history without crowds or the hassle of piecing together separate sites.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (2 to 14 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What exactly is the Appian Way and what will I see walking it?

The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is one of Rome's oldest roads, built over two thousand years ago and still paved with the original stones. You'll walk past ancient tombs and ruins that line the route, and your guide will explain the families and history behind them. The Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella is a major landmark you'll see from the path.

Why is visiting the catacombs at the end of the day different from a regular tour?

You arrive as the last group allowed in for the day, which means you explore the underground chambers without the crowds that fill them during regular hours. The Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla (depending on the day) are Christian burial sites, and the quiet makes the experience feel less rushed and more atmospheric.

Do I need to bring anything or prepare physically for this tour?

The tour is a walking tour at a moderate pace, and you should be able to walk without difficulty. The catacombs have tight passages, so if you have claustrophobia or mobility issues, this tour may not be suitable. If you book the Colosseum option, you must bring government ID that matches the name you provide at booking.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

Your tour includes the expert guide, all transport by air-conditioned vehicle, entry to the catacombs, and access to the Aqueduct Park and Appian Way. If you choose the Colosseum option, the entrance ticket (€18) is included. Gratuities and hotel pickup are not included.

Can I choose between the Catacombs with Colosseum, the Aqueducts option, or the private tour?

Yes, you select your option at checkout. The Catacombs with Colosseum adds a guided walk through the arena after the underground sites. The Catacombs with Aqueducts includes the Roman engineering stops but skips the Colosseum. The private option covers the full experience with just your group. All three include the Appian Way and catacombs.

How many people will be on this tour?

Groups stay at 18 people or fewer, so you're never in a large crowd even during the day portions of the tour.