Rome Catacombs, Aqueducts & Appian Way: Small Group Tour

Summary

Ancient roads, eerie catacombs and Rome’s hidden aqueducts

You’ll walk Rome’s legendary Appian Way, stand beneath ancient aqueducts in Parco degli Acquedotti, and explore the catacombs with an expert guide—often as one of the last groups inside for a rare sense of calm. Expect real stories, local encounters, and a side of Rome most travelers never see.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit I was mostly curious — not exactly “excited” — when we set out from Roma Termini for this catacombs tour. The idea of walking those old stones on the Appian Way sounded cool in theory, but it wasn’t until our guide Francesca pointed out the grooves left by centuries of carts that it hit me: people really lived and sweated here, right where I was standing. The air smelled faintly dusty and green at once. There was this older man tending wildflowers along the road who nodded at us; I tried to say buongiorno but probably mangled it. He smiled anyway.

The aqueducts were next — bigger than I’d pictured, honestly. Standing underneath them in Parco degli Acquedotti, you could hear birds echoing off the stone arches and feel how small you are compared to what Romans built. Francesca explained how water used to rush through these things all the way into ancient Rome. It’s wild to think about their engineering while planes fly overhead now. We had a few minutes just sitting on the grass, shoes off for some of us (not me — too many ants), watching local kids race by on bikes.

Then came the part I didn’t expect to stick with me: descending into the Catacombs of San Sebastiano (some days it’s Domitilla instead). The temperature dropped fast as we went down, lantern lights flickering against walls covered in faded symbols. It was quiet except for our footsteps and Francesca’s voice echoing as she told us about early Christians hiding here. Being among the last visitors felt weirdly intimate — no crowds, just our small group breathing in that cool underground air. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Appian Way and Catacombs

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

Top questions

How long is the Rome catacombs tour?

The tour lasts approximately half a day including transport from Roma Termini and all stops.

Which catacombs are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit either the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla depending on the day.

Is transportation included in this Rome underground tour?

Yes, air-conditioned minibus transport is included throughout the experience.

Are there any fitness requirements for this tour?

You should be able to walk at a moderate pace; it isn’t suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 18 people or fewer for a more personal experience.

Does this tour include entry fees?

Entry to either San Sebastiano or Domitilla Catacombs is included in your booking.

Can claustrophobic travelers join this tour?

If you have claustrophobia, you may want to consider another option since parts go underground.

What’s included

Your day includes entry to either San Sebastiano or Domitilla Catacombs (depending on schedule), guided walks along the Appian Way and through Aqueduct Park, all with an English-speaking local guide and comfortable air-conditioned minibus transport from Roma Termini—so you can just focus on soaking up Roman history without worrying about logistics.