Rome: Appian Way E-bike Tour, Catacombs, Aqueducts & Transfer

Explore Rome in a fresh and engaging way with the Rome: Appian Way E-bike Tour, Catacombs, Aqueducts & Transfer offered by Bicycle Roma. Priced at $98.48 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, this tour combines history, scenic beauty, and active exploration. It departs from Viale Aventino near Circus Maximus, with a small group size limited to 15 travelers, ensuring personalized attention. The tour features a private transfer, e-bikes, and visits to iconic sites like the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, Cecilia Metella Mausoleum, and the Aqueduct Park.

While the tour offers a fantastic mix of historical insights and outdoor adventure, it does involve some cycling on cobblestones and countryside roads, making it best suited for those with basic to medium cycling skills. Notably, the tour is praised for knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery, though some stops may require moderate walking. This experience is ideal for travelers who want to see a different side of Rome that combines history, nature, and active exploration.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $98.48, with a 4.5-hour duration
• Small-group tour for a more personalized experience, with up to 15 travelers
• Includes private round-trip transfer from Circus Maximus
• Visits to the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus with a guided 45-minute tour
• Rides along the historic Appian Way on electric-assist bikes
• Stops at major sites like the Cecilia Metella Mausoleum and Aqueduct Park

Starting Point Near the Circus Maximus

The tour begins at Viale Aventino, 46, close to Circus Maximus. The private shuttle service departs from this location, making access straightforward for visitors staying in Rome’s city center. The round-trip transfer helps avoid heavy city traffic, giving more time for sightseeing and less stress on transportation.

Visiting the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus

The first stop features a 45-minute guided tour inside the Catacombs of San Callisto or San Sebastiano. Admission to the underground tunnels is included, providing a compelling glimpse into early Christian burial practices. The guided experience enriches the visit with stories about the crypts’ historical significance, making it a highlight for many participants.

Cycling on the Historic Appian Way

The core of this tour is a 2-hour bike ride along the Via Appia Antica, the oldest road in Rome. Pedal in the pedal-assist e-bikes that make covering more ground easier, especially on uneven cobblestones and countryside paths. The route features ancient Roman ruins and scenic views, with a relaxed pace that allows for plenty of photo stops and sightseeing.

Exploring the Aqueducts of Parco degli Acquedotti

A key highlight is the stop at Parco degli Acquedotti, where the ancient aqueduct arches stretch across the landscape. This park delivers breathtaking vistas, perfect for snapping photos and learning about Rome’s engineering feats. The visit lasts about an hour, and admission is included, making it an ideal spot to appreciate Rome’s historical ingenuity.

Discovering Tor Fiscale Park

A 20-minute ride takes visitors to Parco di Tor Fiscale, a peaceful area that offers insights into ancient Roman ruins amid the countryside. The tranquil setting provides a break from city noise, with a focus on historical discovery and relaxation. Admission to this park is included in the tour.

Visiting the Caffarella Park

The tour also stops at Parco della Caffarella, a lush green space just outside the city center. This 15-minute visit showcases the natural beauty of Rome’s countryside, contrasting with the urban landscape, and offers a final chance for photos and soaking in the historic atmosphere. Admission is included.

End of the E-bike Adventure and Return Transfer

After exploring the parks and ruins, the tour concludes back at the starting point. The Bike Shuttle returns travelers from the countryside to Viale Aventino, providing a comfortable and efficient way to finish the day. This seamless transfer allows for a relaxed end to an activity-packed experience.

Tour Inclusions and Practical Details

The package includes a round-trip private transfer, e-bike, helmet, and a local guide who shares engaging stories along the way. Visitors also receive tickets to the catacombs, visits to the aqueduct park, a poncho in case of rain, and a Roma Bike Card with exclusive discounts.

The tour is suitable for most travelers, with children up to 139 cm able to join using a children’s extension. Riders from age 12 can operate the e-bike independently. Basic to medium cycling skills are recommended, especially when navigating cobblestones and countryside paths.

Guide Expertise and Tour Atmosphere

Guides like Emanuele and Guido are highly praised for their knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging personalities. They provide interesting facts, historical context, and customized options along the route, ensuring a personalized experience. Many reviews highlight the guides’ patience, humor, and ability to make everyone feel at ease, making the tour enjoyable for all levels.

Flexibility and Safety Measures

The tour emphasizes safety, favoring quiet roads with minimal traffic, and guides accompany participants at all times. The route is carefully designed to avoid heavily trafficked city streets, with only two crossings outside the Appian Way Regional Park. The private shuttle option allows for an even more relaxed experience, especially for those concerned about city traffic.

Physical Requirements and Suitability

Participants should have basic to medium cycling skills due to the terrain and urban riding conditions. The tour involves around 20 km of riding over roughly 4.5 hours, including walking at stops. Children from 12 years old can ride their own e-bike, but younger children can join with a children’s extension.

Overall Value and Experience

The high praise in reviews reflects the tour’s excellent guides, scenic stops, and comprehensive insights into Roman history. The small group size and private transfer add to the comfort and personalized feel. While the tour does involve some riding on cobblestones and countryside roads, the pedal assist bikes make it accessible for most fitness levels.

Suitability for Different Travelers

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy active sightseeing, are interested in Roman history, and want a break from crowded city streets. It appeals to travelers with some cycling experience, and families with children over 12 will find it engaging and manageable. The relaxed pace and beautiful scenery make it suitable for a wide range of ages.

Final Reflection on the Appian Way E-bike Tour

The Rome: Appian Way E-bike Tour offers an authentic way to see historic sites, combining cycling, history, and nature in one experience. The expert guides and well-maintained bikes ensure a safe and enjoyable ride. The inclusion of catacombs visits and aqueduct parks makes this tour stand out from more conventional city excursions.

While some stops require walking and the terrain is uneven, the overall experience rewards participants with a unique perspective on Rome’s ancient infrastructure and countryside. For those seeking an active, informative, and scenic adventure, this tour offers great value and memorable moments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children over 12 years old can ride their own e-bike. Children up to 139 cm can participate with a children’s extension.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes a private transfer, e-bike, helmet, guide, catacombs tickets, and visits to parks like Aqueduct Park, Tor Fiscale, and Caffarella. Refreshments are not included.

How physically demanding is the tour?
Participants should have basic to medium cycling skills. The route covers about 20 km over 4.5 hours, including walking and stops. The pedal-assist bikes help reduce fatigue.

Can I avoid city traffic?
Yes, the private shuttle option allows you to skip riding through busy city streets, making the experience more relaxed and safer, especially in the city center.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Key sights include the Catacombs of Saint Callixtus, the ancient Appian Way, Cecilia Metella Mausoleum, and the Aqueduct Park. The scenic countryside and historical sites provide a well-rounded adventure.

Is this tour guided by knowledgeable people?
Absolutely. Guides like Emanuele and Guido receive praise for their expertise, friendliness, and storytelling, enriching the experience with interesting facts and stories.

How long is the bike ride?
The bike ride lasts around 2 hours along the Via Appia Antica, with additional time spent at stops and parks.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if plans change.

What makes this tour different from other Rome bike outings?
This tour’s small group size, private transfer, and visits to historic parks and catacombs make it more personalized and immersive than typical city cycling tours.