Beneath the bustling streets of Rome lies a captivating world waiting to be uncovered. The "Secrets Below Rome: Tour Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way" promises to take adventurous travelers on an immersive journey through the city’s rich history, revealing the intriguing stories hidden deep underground. From the eerie Catacombs of San Callisto to the scenic trek along the ancient Appian Way, this private tour offers a unique glimpse into Rome’s past. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, visitors can expect to discover early Christian burial practices, admire impressive ruins, and uncover the significance of iconic sites. What secrets will this tour unveil?
Key Points

- Explore the vast underground necropolis of the Catacombs of San Callisto, providing a glimpse into early Christian burial practices and beliefs.
- Walk along the ancient Appian Way, a vital Roman transportation route, and marvel at the impressive ruins and scenic vistas.
- Visit the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, a site of religious significance where Jesus is believed to have appeared to Saint Peter.
- Discover the archaeological wonder of the Villa di Massenzio, showcasing the grandeur of Roman architecture and lifestyle.
- Conclude the tour at the historic Basilica of St. Paul, the burial site of the renowned apostle.
Tour Overview

The "Secrets Below Rome" tour offers a captivating 3-hour exploration into the city’s underground wonders.
Priced at CZK 4,208 per person, the tour is conducted in English and includes pickup from your accommodation in Rome.
With a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, you can book your spot without any upfront payment.
The tour takes you to the ancient Appian Way, the Catacombs of Rome, the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, the Villa di Massenzio, and the Basilica of St. Paul.
Throughout the journey, you’ll embark on a guided tour, sightseeing, and photo stops, all while traveling in a private, air-conditioned vehicle with Wi-Fi.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rome.
Itinerary Highlights

The tour commences with a pickup at Porta San Sebastiano, the historical gate situated along the Appian Way.
Visitors then embark on a 30-minute exploration of the ancient Appian Way, marveling at the scenic vistas and cobblestone streets.
Next, they explore the captivating Catacombs of Rome for a 45-minute guided tour, uncovering the secrets of this underground necropolis.
The journey continues with stops at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis and the Villa di Massenzio, each offering 15 minutes of sightseeing.
The final destination is the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, providing another 15 minutes to explore this historic site before returning to the main stop in Rome.
Experience and Features

This tour offers a private group experience that takes visitors on an engaging journey through Rome’s ancient wonders. Explorers will explore the Catacombs of San Callisto, walk along the ancient cobblestone streets of the Appian Way, and marvel at the Igreja do Domine Quo Vadis and Basilica of St. Paul. The tour combines guided tours, sightseeing, and scenic drives, allowing guests to enjoy the rich history and culture of Rome.
| Tour Type | Activities | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Private group experience | Guided tour, sightseeing, scenic drive, photo stops | Explore underground tunnels of Catacombs of San Callisto, walk on ancient cobblestone streets, learn about ancient Roman water supply systems |
Visitors can expect a comfortable and well-organized experience, with private transportation and knowledgeable guides to ensure an unforgettable adventure.
Inclusions

Private, air-conditioned transportation with onboard WiFi takes visitors to the key sites of this tour.
The experience includes a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Callisto, an ancient underground burial site that provides a glimpse into early Christian history.
On the surface, the tour explores the Ancient Appian Way, one of Rome’s oldest and most significant roads.
Visitors also have the opportunity to visit the Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis and the Basilica St Paul, two notable religious sites along the tour route.
While meals and gratuities aren’t included, the tour provides a rundown of Rome’s rich history and underground wonders.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
According to the information provided, the Secrets Below Rome tour has received mixed reviews from customers.
The tour has an overall rating of 3.9 out of 5 based on 14 reviews. Customers have praised the informative guides and the quality of the transportation, rating it 5 out of 5.
However, the service and organization of the tour have received lower ratings, both at 2.8 out of 5.
The feedback suggests that while the tour offers an engaging exploration of Rome’s underground and ancient landmarks, there’s room for improvement in terms of overall service delivery and organization.
- Guide Rating: 3.7/5
- Transportation Rating: 5/5
- Service Rating: 2.8/5
- Organization Rating: 2.8/5
- Overall Rating: 3.9/5 based on 14 reviews
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Exploring the Catacombs

Descending beneath the bustling streets of Rome, visitors to the Catacombs of San Callisto embark on a spellbinding journey into the city’s ancient past.
This vast underground necropolis, stretching for miles, once served as the final resting place for early Christians.
Weaving through the intricate network of tunnels, guests witness the intricately carved tombs adorned with symbols and inscriptions, offering a glimpse into the beliefs and practices of the early church.
The tranquil atmosphere and the sense of reverence evoked by these sacred spaces create a truly immersive experience, transporting visitors back in time and providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich heritage.
Walking the Ancient Appian Way

After exploring the hidden wonders of the Catacombs, the tour continues above ground, leading visitors along the ancient cobblestone pathways of the Appian Way.
This legendary road, constructed in the 4th century BC, served as a vital transportation route for the Roman Empire.
Along the way, guests will:
- Marvel at the impressive ruins and remnants of ancient aqueducts and tombs that line the Appian Way.
- Gaze upon the stunning panoramic views of the Roman countryside.
- Discover the Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis, a small church with a rich history.
- Visit the Villa of Maxentius, a well-preserved example of a grand Roman villa.
- End the journey at the majestic Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.
Discovering Ancient Roman Wonders
Beneath the bustling streets of Rome, a hidden world of ancient wonders awaits. Descend into the catacombs, where intricate networks of underground tunnels reveal the final resting places of early Christians. Stroll along the cobblestoned Appian Way, a testament to Roman engineering that once linked the Eternal City to the southern reaches of the empire. Marvel at the Church of Domine Quo Vadis, where legend says Jesus appeared to Peter, and explore the Villa di Massenzio, a stunning archaeological site showcasing the grandeur of ancient Rome. Uncover the secrets buried beneath the surface, and learn about the captivating history that lies just below the modern city.
| Catacomb | Appian Way | Domine Quo Vadis | Villa di Massenzio | St. Paul Outside the Walls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Underground tunnels | Ancient cobblestoned road | Church legend | Archaeology site | Historic basilica |
| Early Christian burials | Roman engineering | Jesus’ appearance | Massenzio architecture | Saint Paul’s burial site |
| Intricate networks | Southern empire connection | Spiritual significance | Grandeur of ancient Rome | Iconic landmark |
| Final resting places | Testaments to history | Stirring history | Captivating discoveries | Echoes of the past |
| Glimpse the past | Walk through time | Uncover the legends | Immerse in the past | Explore the legacy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Take Photos During the Tour?
Yes, guests are generally allowed to take photos during the tour. However, there may be restrictions in certain areas, such as the catacombs, to preserve the historical sites. It’s best to follow the guide’s instructions on photography during the tour.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour may not be fully wheelchair accessible. While the private transportation is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, the catacombs and some historic sites may have limited accessibility. Visitors should consult the tour provider for specific details on accessibility arrangements.
How Strenuous Is the Walking Involved?
The walking on this tour is moderately strenuous, with some uneven terrain and stairs. Participants can expect to walk for around 2 hours over the course of the 3-hour tour, with stops to rest along the way.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for most participants as the walking is moderate, with stops along the way. Guests of all ages can enjoy exploring the historical sites on this private group experience.
Can I Purchase Souvenirs During the Tour?
The tour does not include any dedicated stops for purchasing souvenirs. However, visitors may have opportunities to browse and buy small items at some of the sites visited, like the church or basilica. It’s best to check with the tour guide for specifics.
Recap
This immersive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s rich history, exploring the captivating Catacombs of San Callisto and traversing the ancient Appian Way. Travelers will uncover early Christian burial practices, marvel at impressive ruins, and visit significant sites, all while enjoying comfortable transportation and the expertise of knowledgeable guides. It’s a memorable journey through Rome’s underground wonders that promises to leave a lasting impression.
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