Rome: Appian Way EBike Tour Catacombs Aqueducts & Food+Drink

Key Points

• Duration: 4.5 hours of guided cycling through historic and scenic areas outside Rome.
• Highlights: Visit the Catacombs of St. Callisto, see the Parco degli Acquedotti, and explore the Tomb of Cecilia Metella.
• Transport: Ride full/front suspension e-bikes designed for comfort and ease over uneven terrain.
• Food & Drink: Enjoy a scenic picnic or aperitif, depending on the season, with options for family-friendly snacks.
• Accessibility: Suitable for families with children, with e-bikes for kids and tag-along attachments available.
• Meeting Point: Next to Bar Ristretto Bistrot, close to Circus Maximus metro station.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discover the Appian Way and Its Treasures

The tour starts at Viale Aventino, 37, where guides from the Red Bicycle lead groups into the Roman countryside. The journey lasts 4.5 hours, during which participants ride suspension e-bikes along the historic Via Appia Antica. This route offers a chance to leave behind the crowded city streets and experience the peaceful landscape surrounding ancient Rome.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on key archaeological sites and natural beauty. Riders can expect to see the Tomb of Cecilia Metella, a well-preserved Roman mausoleum, and visit the Catacombs of St. Callisto or St. Sebastian for a guided underground tour lasting 45 minutes. The guides are known for their informative and engaging storytelling, making the history come alive.

Exploring the Aqueducts Park and Roman Countryside

After the underground tour, the group heads to Parco degli Acquedotti, a vast park showcasing the cloacae of Claudio and Felice, ancient Roman aqueducts that still impress with their size and engineering. The 30-minute bike ride through the park offers spectacular views of these ancient structures, highlighting their significance in Roman life.

Following the aqueducts, the tour passes by Parco della Caffarella and approaches a natural spring at Egeria – L’Acqua Santa di Roma. Here, a relaxing stop takes place, often accompanied by a scenic picnic or aperitif depending on the season. The food options include simple, fresh items like mozzarella, tomatoes, or seasonal fruits, with the chance to sample local flavors in a peaceful outdoor setting.

Family-Friendly E-Bikes and Comfort Features

This tour excels in accommodating families and those with limited cycling experience. The e-bikes are equipped with full or front suspension, making it easier to navigate uneven roads and cobblestone paths. Bicycles for children are available, along with tag-along attachments for younger kids, ensuring everyone can join the adventure.

Helmets are provided to all participants, and the group size is kept between 2 and 10 people, maintaining a comfortable, personalized experience. The bike sizing process is straightforward, and the bikes are praised for their high quality and ease of use. This makes the tour inviting for both active individuals and beginners.

The Experience at the Catacombs and Hidden Sights

The visit to the Catacombs of St. Callisto is a major highlight, with the 45-minute guided tour revealing underground burial sites of early Christians. Guides explain the history and significance of these subterranean tunnels, providing a deeper understanding of Rome’s religious past.

Back on the bikes, the tour continues through parks and wooded valleys, offering plenty of opportunities for photos and sightseeing. Riders appreciate the timed stops at key locations, allowing for engaging explanations and photo moments without feeling rushed.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Routes and Natural Breaks

One of the most praised aspects of this tour is the balance between sightseeing and relaxation. The cycling route takes travelers through tree-lined paths and rural roads that offer a different perspective of Rome’s outskirts. Near a natural spring, riders often pause to refill water bottles, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the natural beauty.

The scenic picnic or aperitif is a highlight for many, providing a chance to unwind after the cycling segments. The food stop is simple but well-prepared, often including local cheeses, meats, fruits, and refreshing beverages like wine or sparkling water.

Logistics of the Tour and Meeting Point

Participants meet at the bike depot adjacent to Bar Ristretto Bistrot, just 150 meters from Circus Maximus metro station. The meeting point is easy to find, with clear coordinates provided (41.88169860839844, 12.486207008361816). The tour begins with a short photo stop at the Aurelian Walls, setting the tone for a journey through Rome’s ancient defenses and landscapes.

The group size is kept small, ensuring personalized attention and safety. Helmets are supplied, and the cycling pace is adjustable thanks to the e-bikes’ assist features, making it suitable for families and casual riders.

Guides Known for Knowledge and Warmth

The guides leading this tour receive consistently high praise for their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to make the experience enjoyable. Many reviews highlight guides like Michael, Adriano, Giuseppe, Filipe, Laura, and Richard for their engaging storytelling and helpfulness.

With multilingual options available—English, French, Italian, Spanish—the guides ensure clear communication and an educational experience. They are also attentive to safety, especially when navigating traffic or tough terrain, which reassures less experienced riders.

The Food and Drink Experience

The food and beverage stop varies depending on the season, but it always emphasizes local, fresh ingredients. The picnic typically includes mozzarella, tomatoes, melon, cured meats, and drinks such as wine or sparkling water. Many reviews mention the deliciousness of the food, the generous portions, and the pleasure of eating outdoors amid scenic surroundings.

This stop offers a relaxing break from cycling, with some tours offering optional aperitifs for a more leisurely experience. The combination of cycling, sightseeing, and tasting makes this tour a well-rounded day out.

Suitability and Physical Requirements

The tour is ideal for families with children, thanks to the availability of kids’ bikes and attachments. Riders should have a basic ability to ride a bike, as the route includes some tougher terrain, like Roman roads from 317 BC. The e-bikes dramatically reduce physical effort, making the experience accessible to most.

Participants should bring a charged smartphone for photos, and avoid open-toed shoes for safety. The tour is not suitable for children under 2 years old or individuals who cannot ride a bike comfortably.

Comparing Similar Experiences

The tour is offered by the Red Bicycle and aligns with similar options available on platforms like GetYourGuide. These include full-day bike rentals, additional archaeological sites, or underground catacombs. However, this specific tour’s focus on the Appian Way, aqueducts, catacombs, and scenic picnic offers a comprehensive outdoor adventure, combining history, nature, and local flavors.

Final Thoughts on the Appian Way E-Bike Tour

This 4.5-hour guided e-bike tour provides a relaxed yet enriching glimpse into Rome’s ancient countryside. The full suspension e-bikes, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful stops make it appealing for families, history enthusiasts, and outdoor lovers.

The tour’s ability to mix archaeological wonders with natural beauty and tasty food stops creates a well-rounded experience that leaves many feeling they’ve uncovered a different side of Rome. While some terrain may be challenging for the less experienced, the electric assist keeps the ride accessible and fun.

For those seeking an active, educational escape from the city’s hustle, this tour offers great value, combining history, scenery, and delicious food into one memorable outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour includes e-bikes for kids and tag-along attachments, making it suitable for families with children who can ride a bike.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is 4.5 hours, including cycling, stops, and the guided visits.

Where does the tour start?
It departs from Viale Aventino, 37, next to Bar Ristretto Bistrot, near the Circus Maximus metro station.

What locations will I visit?
Stops include the Aurelian Walls, Appian Way, Tomb of Cecilia Metella, the Catacombs of St. Callisto, and the Parco degli Acquedotti.

What is included in the food stop?
Depending on the season, there is a simple food and drink stop, typically featuring cheeses, meats, fruits, and refreshing beverages.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are supplied to all participants for safety.

What if I can’t ride a bike well?
The e-bikes have assist features to make riding easier, and the guide helps ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?
It requires the ability to ride a bike, so it may not be suitable for all with mobility issues.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a possibility of rain?
The tour proceeds rain or shine; consider bringing appropriate clothing if rain is forecast.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby