Rome EBike Tour: Appian Way, Catacombs & Roman Aqueducts

Exploring Rome’s ancient wonders has never been easier or more exciting than with the Rome EBike Tour: Appian Way, Catacombs & Roman Aqueducts. This unique tour offers participants the chance to experience the city’s rich history up close, cycling along the iconic Appian Way and visiting remarkable sites like the Catacombs and grand Roman aqueducts. With expert guides, high-quality electric-assisted bikes, and a small group size, riders can expect a personalized, effortless adventure through a mix of urban and off-road terrain. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an exhilarating way to explore Rome, this tour promises an unforgettable experience that might just leave you craving more.

Just The Basics

• This electric-assist bike tour covers approximately 17 miles along the ancient Appian Way in Rome, exploring key historical sites like the Catacombs and Roman Aqueducts.
• The small-group format, limited to 10 participants, provides personalized attention and an immersive experience, suitable for ages 9 and up.
• Top-quality CANNONDALE e-bikes with anti-puncture tires ensure a comfortable and effortless ride through the varied terrain of city streets and off-road countryside.
• The tour features a mix of difficulty levels, with 40% in the city and 60% in the countryside, making it suitable for those with some prior cycling experience.
• The tour includes a professional guide, mandatory helmet, handlebar bag, and biodegradable water bottle, ensuring a safe and well-equipped adventure.

Tour Overview

This electric-assist bike tour along the ancient Appian Way in Rome offers cyclists the opportunity to explore the Roman countryside on an intermediate-difficulty route.

The small-group format, limited to 10 participants, ensures personalized attention from the guide throughout the experience.

Riders will cycle through a mix of urban and off-road terrain, covering approximately 17 miles (27 km) over the course of the tour.

The e-bikes, outfitted with anti-puncture tires, provide a comfortable and effortless ride, while the included helmet ensures safety.

This tour is suitable for ages 9 and up, with options for younger children as well.

Participants can expect an engaging and immersive exploration of Rome’s rich history and stunning natural surroundings.

Key Sites Visited

The tour visits several key historical sites, including the 2nd-century San Callixtus catacombs (or the 4th-century San Sebastiano catacombs) where participants can learn about ancient Roman burial traditions. Riders also see the ruins of the Aurelian Walls, Circus of Maxentius, and the ancient Roman aqueducts, offering a glimpse into the engineering feats of the Roman empire.

Site	Description	Significance
San Callixtus Catacombs	2nd-century underground burial chambers	Reveal ancient Roman burial practices
San Sebastiano Catacombs	4th-century underground burial chambers	Offer an alternative catacombs experience
Aurelian Walls	Ruins of the ancient city walls	Demonstrate Rome’s defensive architecture
Circus of Maxentius	Remains of an ancient Roman chariot racing stadium	Showcase the Romans’ love of spectacle
Roman Aqueducts	Preserved sections of the ancient water supply system	Highlight the engineering prowess of the Roman empire

Bike and Gear

Top-quality CANNONDALE e-bikes are the centerpiece of this Rome tour, providing riders with electric-assist power to conquer the hilly terrain. These bikes come equipped with anti-puncture tires, ensuring a smooth and reliable ride throughout the tour.

Participants also receive a helmet, which is mandatory for safety reasons.

The tour also provides a few additional items to enhance the experience:

• A handlebar bag to carry personal items
• A biodegradable water bottle to stay hydrated
• A guide to provide expertise and lead the group
• An off-road capable bike designed for the terrain

These thoughtful inclusions make this electric-bike tour along the Appian Way a comfortable and well-equipped adventure.

Difficulty and Distance

Spanning an area of 17 miles (27km), this Rome e-bike tour covers a mix of city streets and off-road terrain, presenting an intermediate difficulty level for participants.

Approximately 40% of the route is situated within the city, while the remaining 60% ventures into the picturesque Roman countryside.

With the aid of top-quality CANNONDALE e-bikes and anti-puncture tires, riders can tackle the varied landscape with ease.

The tour’s difficulty level is suitable for those with some prior cycling experience, ensuring a challenging yet enjoyable adventure.

Participants must be at least 9 years old to ride autonomously, with younger children accommodated via child seats or extensions.

Age and Group Size

Children of all ages are welcome on this Rome e-bike tour, with accommodations for infants, toddlers, and older kids. Infants under 1 year old aren’t permitted, but those aged 1-4 can ride in a child seat, and 5-8 year olds can use a child extension. Riders 9 and up are free to cycle autonomously.

The tour maintains a small group size, limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention from the guide throughout the experience.

This small-group format offers several benefits:

1. Personalized attention from the guide
2. Ability to navigate the route safely as a cohesive group
3. Opportunity to ask questions and engage with the guide
4. Intimate, immersive experience exploring the Appian Way and Roman landmarks

Schedule and Closures

The tours generally operate on Wednesdays, though those scheduled for January 25 – February 20, 2024 may be slightly longer in duration.

Visitors should also be aware that the Catacombs are closed on Easter Sunday, March 31st, 2024. This means travelers interested in seeing the Catacombs on their Rome eBike tour should plan accordingly and avoid booking their tour for that date.

While the tour doesn’t include any food or drinks, there are opportunities to purchase items along the route.

Importantly, helmets are mandatory, and the carefully planned routes ensure the tour is considered safe for all participants.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Rome eBike tour includes top-quality CANNONDALE electric-assist bicycles with anti-puncture tires, as well as mandatory helmets for all participants.

The longer tour option features a guided visit of the ancient Roman catacombs, where travelers can learn about the burial traditions of that era.

Tour-goers also receive a handlebar bag and a biodegradable water bottle during the excursion.

The tour doesn’t include:

1. Food or drinks, but there are opportunities to purchase them along the route.
2. Transportation to the meeting point.
3. Gratuities for the guide.
4. Any additional activities not mentioned in the tour inclusions.

Safety and Planning

Carefully planned routes ensure the Rome eBike tour is considered safe for participants, with approximately 40% of the route within the city and the remaining 60% off-road.

Helmets are mandatory, and the tour’s difficulty level is intermediate, making it suitable for cyclists with some experience.

The small group size of up to 10 people allows the guide to provide personal attention, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Tours on certain dates may be slightly longer, so participants should check the schedule.

Closed on Easter Sunday, the catacombs can be visited during the longer tour option.

With no food or drinks included, participants have opportunities to purchase refreshments along the route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike Instead of the Provided E-Bike?

The tour provider generally requires participants to use the provided electric-assist bikes for the tour. This ensures a consistent experience and allows the guide to properly manage the group.

While bringing one’s own bike is usually not permitted, customers should check with the tour operator in advance. Factors like battery life, tire suitability, and group dynamics may influence whether using a personal bike is feasible or advisable for this particular tour.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour if We Want to See More?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour to see more. The tour provider offers longer versions of the tour that include additional stops, such as visits to the San Callixtus or San Sebastiano catacombs.

These longer tours provide the opportunity to explore more of the Roman countryside and learn about the history of the ancient Appian Way and Roman burial traditions.

However, it’s important to note that these extended tours may be 30 minutes longer than the standard option.

Are There Any Restroom or Dining Facilities Along the Tour Route?

There are opportunities to stop for restroom and dining facilities along the tour route.

The guides often point out well-suited locations where participants can take breaks, purchase snacks or meals, and use the restrooms.

While the tour focuses on cycling and sightseeing, the guides ensure there are appropriate stops to accommodate the needs and comfort of the group.

Can I Charge My Phone or Electric Devices During the Tour?

During the tour, riders can charge their phones and other electric devices.

The tour provider equips the electric bikes with USB ports, allowing participants to keep their devices powered throughout the excursion.

Riders are encouraged to bring their own charging cables to plug into the bike’s USB ports. This ensures everyone can stay connected and capture memorable moments without worrying about their device’s battery life during the tour.

What Should I Wear and Bring Besides the Provided Gear?

When going on an e-bike tour, it’s a good idea to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and any necessary personal items like medications.

Consider bringing a small backpack or waist pack to carry your belongings. While the tour provides water, you may want to bring additional snacks or drinks to enjoy along the way.

Staying hydrated and protected from the elements will help ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Sum Up

The Rome EBike Tour: Appian Way, Catacombs & Roman Aqueducts is a unique opportunity to explore ancient Rome’s landmarks on electric-assisted bikes.

With personalized attention, comfortable gear, and suitable for all ages, it’s a convenient and effortless way to discover the city’s rich history.

Whether you’re interested in the Appian Way, Catacombs, or Aqueducts, this tour provides a memorable and engaging experience.