Appian Way Aqueducts eBike Tour with Catacombs and Brunch

Introduction: Discover Rome’s Hidden Treasures on a Unique eBike Tour

If you’re looking to combine history, scenery, and a bit of active fun during your Roman holiday, the Appian Way Aqueducts eBike Tour with Catacombs and Brunch offers a compelling choice. For about five hours, you’ll pedal along one of the most iconic ancient roads in Italy, exploring the 4th-century BC Roman road, renowned for its impressive aqueducts, ancient villas, and archaeological sites. This tour, priced at around $105.54 per person, is perfect for those who want a deeper connection to Rome’s past without the exhausting pace of walking tours.

What we particularly love about this experience is the use of electric bikes, which make covering long stretches of historic terrain accessible and comfortable—no need to worry about tired legs, even on a warm Roman day. Plus, the small group size (max 12 travelers) ensures personalized attention from your guide, which is invaluable when navigating historic sites and sharing fascinating stories.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a full 5-hour ride, which means you’ll want to be comfortable biking for that duration, and you’ll need to know how to ride a bike well. If you’re seeking a relaxed yet immersive way to see Rome’s countryside, ancient ruins, and underground catacombs, this tour ticks many boxes.

This experience suits history buffs, active travelers, and anyone eager to see a different side of Rome—away from the crowded city center, yet bursting with stories and sights that bring the past to life.

Key Points

• Historical Significance: Explore the ancient Via Appia Antica, a Roman road with over 310 miles of historic pathways.
• Comfort & Convenience: Electric bikes make the ride accessible, even for those who don’t bike regularly or are concerned about hills.
• In-Depth Sightseeing: Visit the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, the Cecilia Metella Mausoleum, and the Circus of Maxentius among other highlights.
• All-Inclusive Experience: The tour includes all bike equipment, a guide, and food and drink—a brunch in the morning and an aperitif in the afternoon.
• Small Group Feel: Limited to 12 participants, ensuring you get personalized guidance and the chance to ask questions.
• Timing & Flexibility: The full-day tour allows for a comprehensive visit to Rome’s ancient sites, with options for a relaxed lunch or a lively aperitif.

Exploring Rome’s Ancient Pathways and Hidden Gems

The Appian Way, or Via Appia Antica, isn’t just a cobblestone relic; it’s a route that breathes history. This tour takes you on a small-group ride along this ancient Roman road, stretching over 310 miles, but with a focus on a manageable stretch that’s packed with sights.

We loved the way the route begins at Porta San Sebastiano, the southern gate of Rome built around 275 AD. It’s a mighty gateway with medieval graffiti that echoes centuries of pilgrims and travelers passing through. Standing here, you can almost hear the footsteps of ancient Romans and medieval pilgrims alike. From there, the journey immerses you in Rome’s layered history.

A Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Stop 1: Porta San Sebastiano

This medieval gate is a perfect starting point, immediately connecting you with Rome’s ancient defenses. It’s impressive for its size and the graffiti carved into its stones, offering a glimpse into the past lives of visitors and residents. The short stop here sets the tone for the tour—an authentic piece of history standing guard over the city.

Stop 2: Catacombs of Saint Callixtus

One of the tour’s highlights is the guided visit to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus. This underground cemetery, dating back to the 2nd century BC, extends about 20 km of tunnels. It’s the largest funerary complex in Rome and contains the tombs of over 50 martyrs and 16 popes.

The guide’s insights will bring this eerie yet sacred space to life. Several reviews specifically mention the knowledgeable guides like Marco and Iman, who make the underground tour engaging and memorable. You’ll learn about early Christian burial practices and the significance of these catacombs in Roman religious life. The quiet darkness and ancient bones create a powerful atmosphere—an experience both humbling and awe-inspiring.

Stop 3: Parco Della Caffarella

Next, you’ll cycle into Parco Della Caffarella, one of Europe’s largest green spaces and part of the Appia Antica Regional Park. It’s a peaceful retreat from urban hustle, with remains of old structures hidden among its pathways. This stop offers a moment to breathe, enjoy nature, and appreciate the landscape that has remained relatively unchanged for centuries.

Stop 4: Ninfeo di Egeria

This small, sacred spring is wrapped in legend—the love story of Numa Pompilius and Egeria, a water nymph. The spring’s continuous flow symbolizes eternal love and grief, and it’s a rare chance to see a site steeped in myth. It’s a short stop but a highlight for those interested in Roman legends and the romantic stories woven into the landscape.

Stop 5: Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and Castrum Caetani

One of the most striking monuments along the route, the Cecilia Metella Mausoleum dates from the 1st century BC. Its impressive round shape and preserved walls make it a favorite photo spot. It’s also part of the Castrum Caetani, a medieval fortress that adds layers to the site’s history. The guide’s commentary helps you understand its role as a symbol of Roman wealth and power.

Stop 6: Parco degli Acquedotti

In the Afternoon, you’ll pause at the Parco degli Acquedotti, a must-see for any Roman engineering enthusiast. It’s here that you’ll taste Italian specialties in a beautiful park setting, with the Claudio aqueduct towering above. For some, this might be a highlight, especially given how the aqueduct remains impressive today—some parts still in operation.

Stop 7: Return to the Aqueduct Park

The tour continues along the aqueducts, highlighting the grandeur of Roman engineering. You’ll see well-preserved remains and even some aqueducts that are still functioning, standing as testaments to Roman ingenuity. This section is especially appreciated by those interested in architecture and ancient technology.

Stop 8: Villa dei Quintili and Santa Maria Nova

At about the fifth mile, you’ll visit the Villa dei Quintili, a sprawling estate built for Roman aristocrats. Its ruins hint at a luxurious lifestyle, and the guide shares stories about its history—particularly how the villa was confiscated by Emperor Commodus. It’s a rare glimpse into Roman elite life.

Stop 9: Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla are among the most important public baths from ancient Rome, built by Emperor Caracalla. Most of the structure remains visible, including the massive walls and the water channels supplied by aqueducts. It’s a breathtaking example of Roman public architecture and engineering.

Stop 10: Circus of Maxentius

Finally, the Circus of Maxentius is a surviving example of a Roman chariot racetrack. Its well-preserved spina and layout evoke the excitement of ancient Roman entertainment. The obelisk, once part of the spina, now resides in Piazza Navona, linking past and present.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Every review praises the knowledgeable guides—they make history engaging and accessible, often highlighting their friendly and attentive approach. We also love the variety of sites visited—from underground catacombs to aqueducts, villas, and ancient parks—it’s a well-rounded journey through Rome’s past that’s far richer than a typical city walk.

The use of e-bikes is a game-changer: it allows you to cover large distances comfortably, including hills and uneven terrain, without fatigue. Plus, it’s a fun way to feel like a local cyclist rather than just a tourist walking or driving.

The meals and drinks included add value, turning this from a simple sightseeing tour into a culinary experience—morning brunch and afternoon aperitif, both offering a taste of Italy’s cuisine in scenic settings.

Considerations for Travelers

The main consideration is the length—these five hours involve quite a bit of biking, so a reasonable level of physical fitness and bike riding skills are essential. Some reviews mention the challenge of high temperatures, so summer travelers should plan for hydration and sun protection. The small group size makes it more intimate but also means you’ll want to be comfortable with the pace and the riding.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts eager to see Rome’s ancient roads and underground sites up close. Active travelers who enjoy cycling will appreciate the ease of e-bikes, while those curious about Roman engineering and legends will find plenty to fascinate. It also suits visitors looking for a more authentic and less crowded way to explore outside the city center.

If you want a mix of history, outdoor activity, and local cuisine, this tour delivers in spades. It’s a great choice for those who don’t mind a full day of exploring and appreciate guides who bring the sites to life.

The Sum Up: Why Choose This Tour?

In just one half-day adventure, you get to see some of Rome’s most captivating archaeological sites without rushing or feeling overwhelmed. The small-group atmosphere ensures a personalized experience, and the e-bike makes transportation effortless, especially over longer distances or hilly terrain. The inclusion of local food and drinks adds a social, relaxing element, making it more than just a sightseeing trip.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want to combine active exploration with culture, particularly those interested in ancient Rome’s engineering marvels and hidden legends. It’s also an excellent way for families or groups of friends to enjoy Rome’s landscape with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.

If you’re after a unique perspective on Rome’s history and enjoy being outdoors, this tour will leave you with lasting memories of the Eternal City’s lesser-known treasures.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children aged 6-10 can join if they are less than 4/7 feet tall (143 cm), as they will ride trailer bikes. The tour is designed for those who can ride a bike well, so younger or less experienced riders might find it challenging.

How physically demanding is this tour?
While the e-bikes help ease the effort, the tour lasts about five hours, so moderate fitness is recommended. Bikers should be comfortable riding for extended periods and on varied terrain.

What should I bring?
Bring water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), and comfortable clothing suitable for biking. The tour provides helmets, handlebar and phone holders, and bike equipment.

Are meals included?
Yes, a morning brunch and afternoon aperitif with drinks are included in the price. The brunch is served in the morning, while the aperitif replaces the lunch in the afternoon.

What if I can’t make it last-minute?
The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start, allowing you to cancel for a full refund if needed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Roma STARBIKE, Via dei SS. Quattro, 58, and the tour ends back at the same location.

This Appian Way eBike Tour offers an engaging way to see Rome’s ancient engineering, underground mysteries, and scenic parks—an ideal mix for curious travelers ready for a full, enjoyable day outdoors.