Catacombs and Roman Countryside Half-Day Walking Tour

Explore the captivating history of ancient Rome with the Catacombs and Roman Countryside Half-Day Walking Tour. This immersive experience whisks you away to the outskirts of the Eternal City, where you’ll uncover the engineering marvels and burial practices that defined Roman civilization. From the iconic Appian Way to the labyrinthine Catacombs, your expert guide will unveil the stories that have captivated historians for centuries. Whether you’re a history buff or simply intrigued by the past, this tour promises to transport you back in time and leave you with a newfound appreciation for the remarkable legacy of the Roman Empire.

Key Points

• This 3-hour walking tour explores the ancient Appian Way, visits either the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto, and showcases impressive Roman aqueducts.

• Participants can marvel at the remarkable preservation of the Appian Way and gain insights into the strategic importance of this ancient Roman road.

• The tour includes a guided exploration of the labyrinthine catacombs, where visitors can observe intricate artwork and learn about early Christian burial practices and religious symbolism.

• Travelers will have the opportunity to see the towering arches and sheer size of the impressive Roman aqueducts, such as the Aqua Claudia, Aqua Marcia, and Aqua Anio Novus.

• The tour is led by a professional guide who provides historical context and insights, and includes admission to the catacombs as well as transportation, but excludes food, drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off.

Overview of the Tour

This 3-hour walking tour takes visitors through the Roman countryside, where they’ll explore the ancient Appian Way and visit either the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or the Catacombs of San Callisto, underground tunnels that were used as Christian burial sites.

Along the way, they’ll see the remains of impressive Roman aqueducts, remnants of the empire’s engineering prowess.

A professional guide will lead the way, providing insights and historical context.

The tour includes admission to the selected catacombs, as well as transportation by bus or minivan.

Participants will need to meet at the designated starting point and should be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity during the walking portions of the tour.

Exploring the Appian Way

The tour begins with a stroll along the ancient Appian Way, one of the most famous roads of the Roman Empire. This historic thoroughfare, dating back to the 4th century BC, served as a vital link between Rome and the southern regions of the Italian peninsula.

As participants walk along the iconic cobblestones, they’ll marvel at the road’s remarkable preservation and learn about its strategic importance in Roman times. The guide will point out the impressive remains of ancient aqueducts and offer insights into the engineering marvels that made the Appian Way a technological wonder of its era.

This section of the tour provides a glimpse into the grandeur and ingenuity of the Roman civilization.

Visiting the Catacombs

Next, the tour moves underground as participants descend into the eerie yet fascinating Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano. These sprawling, subterranean burial complexes date back to the 2nd century AD and showcase the early Christian community’s practices for interring their dead.

Visitors will walk through the labyrinthine network of narrow tunnels and corridors, marveling at the intricate artwork and symbolic inscriptions that adorn the catacombs’ walls. The guide will provide detailed explanations about the historical significance of these sacred sites and the insights they offer into the lives and beliefs of Rome’s ancient Christian population.

The tour highlights include:

1. Exploring the vast network of underground tunnels and chambers.
2. Observing the intricate carvings and paintings on the catacomb walls.
3. Learning about the burial practices and religious symbolism of early Christians.
4. Gaining a deeper understanding of the role of the catacombs in the history of Rome.

Seeing Roman Aqueducts

After exploring the underground catacombs, the tour takes visitors above ground to witness the impressive remains of ancient Roman aqueducts that once supplied water to the city. These massive stone structures, built with engineering prowess, transported water from distant sources to meet the demands of Rome’s growing population. The tour provides a unique opportunity to marvel at the ingenuity and scale of Roman construction. Visitors can see the towering arches and marvel at the sheer size of these aqueducts, which continue to stand as a testament to the technological advancements of the ancient world.

Aqueduct Name	Length (km)	Water Flow (m³/day)
Aqua Claudia	69	200,000
Aqua Marcia	91	180,000
Aqua Anio Novus	87	200,000
Aqua Traiana	58	100,000
Aqua Virgo	20	100,000

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the tour price are a professional guide, admission to the Catacombs of San Callisto, and bus/minivan transportation, with headsets available to enhance the experience. However, food, drinks, and hotel pickup/drop-off are excluded, requiring participants to arrange those separately.

The tour offers the chance to:

1. Explore the ancient Appian Way, a historic Roman road.
2. Descend into the underground tunnels of the Catacombs.
3. Marvel at the remains of iconic Roman aqueducts.
4. Immerse oneself in the rich history and culture of the Roman countryside.

Meeting and Drop-off Details

The tour meets at Via Cavour, 224, 00184 Roma RM, Italy, and concludes at the same meeting point. This central location is easily accessible by public transportation.

After exploring the ancient Roman road, the Appian Way, and touring the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto, the group will return to the starting point.

Confirmation of the meeting location is provided at the time of booking. Since the tour involves walking for an extended period, participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

The tour accommodates a maximum of 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience. With the meeting and drop-off details clearly outlined, participants can plan their day with confidence.

Confirmation and Accessibility

Confirmation of the tour is provided at the time of booking, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.

The tour covers moderate distances on foot, requiring a moderate level of physical fitness.

Visitors are expected to dress appropriately, with shoulders and knees covered.

The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation options.

The group size is capped at 25 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

While the experience offers an immersive journey through Rome’s ancient past, these details help ensure guests are well-prepared to fully appreciate the Catacombs and Roman countryside during this half-day walking tour.

Tour Group Size and Fitness

With a maximum of 25 travelers, the Catacombs and Roman Countryside Half-Day Walking Tour ensures a more intimate and personalized experience.

Guests should possess a moderate level of physical fitness, as the tour involves covering considerable distances on foot through the ancient Roman landscape.

The tour route covers the Appian Way, an iconic ancient Roman road, as well as the underground Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano. Visitors will also see the remains of ancient Roman aqueducts.

While the guide provides engaging commentary throughout, guests should be prepared for a moderately strenuous walking tour that requires stamina and mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Yes, visitors can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, the tour package does not include any provisions, so you will need to plan accordingly to have their own sustenance.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

The tour includes restroom facilities at the Catacombs stop, allowing participants to use the facilities during the tour. However, there may not be additional restroom breaks available along the walking portion of the tour.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Catacombs?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the catacombs, but flash photography is typically prohibited to protect the ancient artifacts. Some catacombs may have restrictions on photography, so it’s best to check with the tour guide beforehand.

Is the Tour Guided in Multiple Languages?

The tour is guided in multiple languages. According to the overview, the tour includes a professional guide, indicating the tour will be conducted in a language(s) that the guide is fluent in to accommodate different participants.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no explicit age restrictions for this tour. However, a moderate level of physical fitness is required, so it may not be suitable for very young children or those with mobility issues. The tour is recommended for ages 10 and above.

Recap

The Catacombs and Roman Countryside Half-Day Walking Tour offers an immersive exploration of ancient Roman history. Visitors can walk the Appian Way, marvel at Roman aqueducts, and descend into the Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano.

Guided by a professional, the tour provides insights into the engineering marvels and burial practices of the Roman civilization, offering a unique glimpse into the past.

This 3-hour walking tour is a must-see for history enthusiasts and those seeking to discover the rich heritage of the Roman countryside.