Appian Way & Catacombs Tour: Underground Secrets

Hotel pick up

Private hotel pickup: you will be collected directly from your hotel or accommodation in Rome at the scheduled time. A dedicated driver and vehicle are reserved exclusively for you, ensuring a comfortable, punctual, and stress-free start to your experience.

Catacombs

The Catacombs of San Callisto are among the most important and extensive underground burial sites in Rome. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, they were used by early Christians as places of burial and worship. Stretching for miles beneath the surface, the catacombs feature ancient tombs, frescoes, and crypts, offering a powerful insight into the origins of Christianity and life in ancient Rome. Visiting the catacombs is a moving journey into Rome’s hidden history, where faith, art, and tradition meet underground.

Appian Way

The Appian Way (Via Appia Antica) is one of the oldest and most important roads of Ancient Rome, built in 312 BC. Lined with ancient paving stones, tombs, aqueducts, and ruins, it once connected Rome to the southern regions of Italy and was known as the “Queen of Roads.” Today, it offers a peaceful walk through history, where visitors can experience the timeless atmosphere of Rome beyond the busy city center.

Villa of Maxentius

Villa of Maxentius (Villa Massenzio) is one of the most atmospheric and lesser-known archaeological sites along the Appian Way. Built in the early 4th century AD by Emperor Maxentius, the complex includes the ruins of an imperial palace, a grand circus used for chariot races, and a mausoleum believed to be dedicated to his son. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, Villa Massenzio offers a unique glimpse into imperial life away from the city and is a perfect stop to experience the quiet, timeless beauty of ancient Rome.

Quo Vadis Church

Quo Vadis Church (Santa Maria in Palmis) is a small but deeply meaningful site located along the ancient Appian Way. According to Christian tradition, this is where Saint Peter met Jesus while fleeing Rome and asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” (“Lord, where are you going?”). Inside the church, visitors can see a revered marble copy of Christ’s footprints, symbolizing Peter’s return to Rome and his martyrdom. Simple, peaceful, and rich in spiritual history, Quo Vadis is one of the most evocative stops on the Appian Way.

Aurelian Walls

Pass by the ancient Aurelian Walls, one of the best-preserved defensive systems of Imperial Rome. Built in the 3rd century AD, these massive walls once protected the city from invasions and still stand as a powerful symbol of Rome’s strength, engineering, and enduring history.

Basilica of St. Paul

The Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls (San Paolo fuori le Mura) is one of Rome’s four papal basilicas and one of the most important churches in Christianity. Built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle, the basilica impresses visitors with its vast size, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning golden mosaics.

Inside, you’ll find elegant marble columns, an extraordinary coffered ceiling, and the famous medallion portraits of all the popes, creating a powerful link between early Christianity and the present day. Located just outside the ancient city walls, the basilica offers a serene and spiritual contrast to Rome’s bustling historic center.