Rome Underground: Catacombs Tour, Aqueducts and Appian Way

Recommended by 96% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Rome, Italy

Very popular!

5+ bookings in the past 6 hours.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Group discounts
Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.8

· Carla_T ·

Mar 2026

This was a fabulous well organized tour. Our tour guide, Chiara, was friendly, informative and extremely organized. The tour was approximately 3 hours long and well divided between the aqueducts, catacombs and the Appian way. Transport between the sites was comfortable and high end. I highly recommend this tour. Not to be missed!

· Cindy_L ·

May 2026

Great tour outside the main city with so much history. Loved getting to learn more about the catacombs, aqueduct system, and Appian Way. Flavia was a lot of fun and had a great sense of humor.

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Overview

Immerse yourself in Roman history and learn information you’d unlikely encounter on your own on this small-group tour of Rome’s underground. Discover the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and learn about its history. Then, visit the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla (depending on the day), home to stunning frescoes and thousands of centuries-old bones. Learn about early Christianity from your guide while meandering the endless darkened tunnels.

Perfect for travelers who want to delve deeper into Roman history
Learn about the Mythraic, a secret religion remains a mystery to many
Explore the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla (depending on the day)
A small group size means more attention from your guide

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Unlike many Appian Way tours, this offers air-conditioned transportation so you can beat the summer heat.

What's Included

Entry to the catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla (depending on the day)
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella (exterior)
Ancient Roman Aqueducts
Private, air-conditioned transport
If option selected: Colosseum Entrance Ticket (€18)
Small groups of 18 people or fewer
Expert Catacombs tour guide
Expertly guided walking tour

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Piramide
00154 Rome, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a green Walks sign. This tour meets in front of the Piramide metro station, located across from Piazzale Ostiense.

End points

This activity ends in a different location. See details below:

Itinerary

Travel back in time as you explore the historic Appian Way, one of the earliest roads built by the Romans. With centuries-old paving stones beneath your feet, follow the path once used by legions, merchants, and travelers.

Along the way, discover ancient tombs and ruins that tell the story of Rome’s expansion. Pause to admire the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, an imposing circular tomb dating back to the 1st century BCE. Learn about the powerful family that built this monument and how it has endured through time. Then, stand in awe beneath the remains of Rome’s ancient aqueducts. These towering structures once supplied fresh water to the ancient city, demonstrating the engineering prowess of the Roman Empire.

Finally, it's time to experience the eerie and fascinating Catacombs of San Sebastiano in a crowd-free setting as the last visitors of the day. Venture into underground tunnels lined with ancient frescoes and early Christian burial sites, gaining insight into Rome’s hidden past.

Enjoy a hassle-free experience with private, air-conditioned transport between sites and a guide to bring history to life. Step beyond the city center and uncover Rome’s lesser-known wonders on this immersive tour.

Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Parco degli Acquedotti - Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Catacombe San Sebastiano

1 hour 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Rome

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, those with claustrophobia may want to consider another tour.

This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
Please note, the tour visits the catacombs of San Sebastiano or Domitilla (depending on the day).
Please note: This tour offers multiple options to help you customize your experience. Take a moment to choose the one that best suits your interests.
If Catacombs with Colosseum option is selected: The full names of all participants must be provided at the time of booking and match the names on their ID. The Colosseum requires all guests (including children) to present government ID at the time of entry. Therefore any guest that does not submit their name in advance of the tour, or who does not bring their ID to the meeting point, will be refused participation without refund.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 18 travelers

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

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Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.8

based on 1,263 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Very cool ancient sites

Christina_A, May 2026

Very good visit to off the beaten path ancient sites, even though part of it was on the Appian Way haha! Loved all the sites we saw. Our main guide, Aurelio, was knowledgeable, friendly, helpful, courteous. Our Domitilla Catacombs guide, name starts with a G & was from Albania, was similarly very knowledgeable & accommodating & thoughtful. Highly recommend!

Great tour

Irene_E, May 2026

Paris is a lovely guide. She is passionate about Rome and all the history. The Appian Way is fascinating and so glad we actually walked on it! The Aqueducts are stunningly beautiful. The catacombs have an intriguing history. Very nice your to get out of the hustle & bustle of Rome

Wonderful tour!

Cindy_L, May 2026

Great tour outside the main city with so much history. Loved getting to learn more about the catacombs, aqueduct system, and Appian Way. Flavia was a lot of fun and had a great sense of humor.

Off the beaten path.

Hanh_P, May 2026

Our driver Daniela and our guide Paris were lovely. The aqueducts were a great experience and Paris was quite knowledgeable. The catacomb tour wasn’t what we expected (no bones) and was a bit slow but still a good experience. The AC on the bus wasn’t working so it was a bit miserable with the heat.

Uncrowded and Unrushed

Gerald_F, May 2026

Informative, off the beaten path, lots of fun. Our guide Abi was wonderful. See new and interesting sites without the crowds.

Catacumbs and aqueducts& the road to Rome

Jan_H, May 2026

Experienced guide with very good knowledge of Rome the aqueducts, the catacumbs, the road to Rome and how the impachet Rome history.

Excellent tour, enjoyed it!

gloverandrea, May 2026

We had an awesome time with our tour guide, Andrea. He was so passionate about the Roman history he was sharing with our group. We were able to bring a stroller and leave it in their shuttle while walking through the catacombs.

Not providing a guide in Coliseum as advertised!

Gloria_V, May 2026

Totally disappointed that they didn't provide a guide thru the Coliseum. We were told that guides were no longer allowed inside the Coliseum, but we saw a lot of guides inside. We did get $130.00 credit, but we chose this excursion, because of it being guided all the way thru!

Guides were very...

Brittany_H, May 2026

Guides were very knowledgeable and this tour moved smoothly and easily! We've been to Rome a number of times and it was great to see some of the less traversed sites. Definitely worth a go!

Amazing Guide

Paula_M, May 2026

Awesome excursion- Guilia was a fantastic guide. Might want to bring a jacket for the catacombs! Loved the aquifers

Journey through the Ancient Ways

Anne_H, May 2026

Very well organized with excellent information ahead of time to help us arrive at the right time in the right place. A fantastic journey through centuries of Roman history. Away from the crowds but literally on the beaten paths of time and culture.

Don’t miss

Lisa_L, May 2026

This was a great experience! Our guide was excellent and all the spots we stopped were perfect. Was one of the best tours we ever took.

Great guide and driver. ...

Marta_W, May 2026

Great guide and driver. . Very knowledgeable. Enjoyed the experience, maybe add another short stop to the tour. Ie baths.

Wonderful Tour!

Carol_D, May 2026

Great tour covering three main sites in an efficient and interesting manner. Ale and our driver, Peito (Peter) did a great job moving us along. Everyone in our 12 ish person group seemed at ease and had fun. Great tour! Highly recommend!

Aqueducts

anna_M, May 2026

Sylvia was amazing. She was extremely knowledgeable and happy to answer any questions. She has great pride in her town of Rome.

Fun Tour!

Deborah_F, May 2026

Fun tour! Catacomb of St. Sebastian worth seeing! Alex the tour guide was knowledgeable and fun about the aqueducts, Appian Way and architecture of Rome!

Great day!

Nancy_C, May 2026

This was a very interesting tour and a great break from the city chaos! Our guide was very fun and so knowledgeable!

Great activity outside of...

JORDI_T, May 2026

Great activity outside of the historic city center that gives you additional information of how the first Christian community began and also on how transportation and water management was managed at that time. Our guide Paris was very knowledgeable and provided all kinds of information.

Who knew I’d find Paris in Rome

6h2696yq4g, May 2026

My tour guide Paris was so wonderful and so sweet. Her enthusiasm for history really showed and I had a great time.

Alessandro was an amazing...

Giovanna_Z, May 2026

Alessandro was an amazing guide! His passion for the history of the places we visited made the tour that much more engaging.

Enjoyable afternoon. Mini bus transport

Amgela_G, May 2026

Meet at Piramide Metro station. This is a short walk from Ostensia overground station. Some local restaurants nearby. Great guide Matthia. Comfortable experience.

Fabio was an articulate...

Felicia_L, May 2026

Fabio was an articulate guide with lots of extra tidbits of information to share. Excellent and informative tour.

Very informative

Inna_K, May 2026

We had great experience although it started raining at the end of the tour. Very informative tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable.

Paris rocks in Rome!

Janet_G, May 2026

Informative and fun experience with a great guide, Paris. She gave us the historical background to the aqueducts and the Appian Way in an engaging, story-telling way. We had a special guide for the Catacombs (note: it can be a bit dark and disorienting in there but very interesting history to it). Paris answered all our questions and at the end, made sure we all knew how to catch the bus or find the taxi stand to get home. Really enjoyed it!

Appian Way experience without bicycle

Diana_T, May 2026

Great way to experience the Appian Way without having to ride a bicycle! Loved getting outside the crowded city and seeing a large aqueduct section in a quiet picturesque area. Our guide, Paris, was a wealth of information, personable, and professional.

Guide was a collet,...

Wendy_C, May 2026

Guide was a collet, knowledgeable, courteous, funny, and polite. The catacombs guide was very good. Enjoyed it a lot

Seeing the 2000 year old...

Nancy_D, May 2026

Seeing the 2000 year old Roman aqueducts was amazing! Catacombs were fascinating and walking on the Appian Way was stepping into history.

Digging History

Lisa_J, May 2026

This tour took us to see not only the catacombs but also an aqueduct and the Appian Way. Our guide, Annamarie, was excellent; her English was impeccable and she was informative and entertaining. We visited the Catacombs Domitilla and our guide for that portion of the tour was Andrea. He was also excellent and made the tour very interesting. The meeting place was easy to get to as we met outside the Piramide Metro station. Riding the Metro is easy, especially with the credit card “tap and go” - it’s not necessary to buy a ticket.

Appian Way, Aqueducts, and Catacombs excellent tour

Haislip_H, May 2026

Julia our guide was a local Roman who knew the catacombs, Appian Way and mausoleum history as well as church history very well. Julia was open to questions and made the tour fun and informative. Julia was very knowledgeable about the Roman aqueduct engineering, number of aqueducts serving Rome how springs were selected, very impressive. We walked a small portion of the Appian Way which made us think how commerce arrived to Rome, military could move quickly, and of course crucifiction of thousands of Spartacus allegiants during the Slave Revolt. The catacombs and church above funded by Cardinal Borghese was equally impressive, and had an excellent guide from the Church. Thoroughly enjoyed this tour.