Appian Aqueducts Ebike Tour (Catacombs & Brunch Option)

The Appian Aqueducts Ebike Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s ancient wonders. Visitors can explore the city’s rich history by visiting the Catacombs of San Callisto and riding along the historic Appian Way. With quality e-bikes and stunning landscapes, the tour provides a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and culinary experience. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an engaging outdoor activity, this small-group tour is sure to captivate your senses and leave you yearning for more.

Key Points

• This 5-hour small-group ebike tour explores the ancient Appian Way, including stops at the Catacombs of San Callisto and various historic landmarks.
• Participants can opt for a visit to the Catacombs, which offers insights into early Christian burial practices and the vast underground networks.
• The tour provides quality ebikes, helmets, and phone holders, allowing travelers to comfortably navigate the scenic landscapes and historic Appian Way.
• Knowledgeable guides offer engaging history lessons, highlighting the significance of the Appian Way as a vital trade route and the architectural wonders along the way.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible but is near public transportation, with options for a brunch or aperitivo experience.

Tour Overview and Highlights

The Appian Aqueducts eBike Tour is a highly-rated small-group experience in Rome, Italy, with a 96% traveler recommendation.

Cyclists explore the ancient Appian Way, stopping at landmarks like Porta San Sebastiano, Catacombe di San Callisto, and Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella. Outfitted with quality e-bikes, helmets, and phone holders, travelers can upgrade to include a catacomb visit and brunch/aperitivo.

Over 827 reviews praise the knowledgeable guides, scenic landscapes, and engaging history lessons. While some note challenges on bumpy terrain, the tour’s convenience, accessibility, and 5-hour duration make it an excellent way to experience Rome’s iconic aqueducts and surroundings.

Tour Itinerary and Stops

The tour begins at the Roma STARBIKE shop on Via dei SS. Quattro.

Riders will start by visiting the Porta San Sebastiano, an impressive ancient gate along the Appian Way, for 15 minutes.

Next, they’ll explore the Catacombe di San Callisto, ancient underground Christian cemeteries, for 50 minutes.

Continuing on the Appian Way, they’ll spend 50 minutes cycling along this historic road.

After, they’ll visit the Parco Della Caffarella for 50 minutes and the Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella for 20 minutes.

The final stops include the Parco degli Acquedotti, Circus Maximus, and Baths of Caracalla before returning to the bike shop.

Catacombs Visit

As visitors descend into the ancient Catacombe di San Callisto, they’re transported back in time to the underground world of early Christian burials.

The tour guide shares insights into this vast network of tunnels and galleries, where thousands of Christians sought refuge and were laid to rest between the 2nd and 5th centuries.

Guests explore the intricate carvings, frescoes, and epitaphs that offer a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the early Christian community.

The catacombs visit provides a thought-provoking and immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with Rome’s rich history and spiritual heritage.

Appian Way Exploration

After departing the catacombs, participants venture along the renowned Appian Way, one of the oldest and most historically significant roads in Rome.

Riding their electric bikes, they experience the scenic beauty and ancient atmosphere of this iconic thoroughfare.

The tour explores the Appian Way’s well-preserved sections, providing insights into its rich history as a vital trade route.

Travelers marvel at the impressive aqueducts and the Parco Della Caffarella, a lush green oasis offering a peaceful respite from the city.

The journey culminates at the iconic Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella, a stunning ancient tomb along the Appian Way.

Parco Della Caffarella and Mausoleo Di Cecilia Metella

Upon departing the catacombs, the tour then ventures into the serene Parco Della Caffarella, a lush green oasis offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city.

Cyclists coast along tree-lined paths, admiring the natural beauty and historic structures. The tour pauses at the Mausoleo di Cecilia Metella, a well-preserved 3rd-century monument that once served as a tomb for a wealthy Roman woman.

Travelers learn about the site’s fascinating history before continuing their journey, now surrounded by the ancient Appian Way‘s iconic paving stones and towering aqueducts, a true testament to Roman engineering prowess.

Parco Degli Acquedotti and City Sights

From the serene Parco Della Caffarella, the tour then ventures into the Parco Degli Acquedotti, a stunning natural preserve showcasing the iconic aqueducts that once supplied water to ancient Rome.

Towering arches punctuate the landscape, offering a glimpse into the engineering marvels of the past. The group takes time to explore this idyllic setting, learning about the aqueducts’ history and role in the city’s development.

As the tour nears its conclusion, the cyclists ride past the Circus Maximus and Baths of Caracalla, two of Rome’s most impressive landmarks, before returning to the bike shop.

Tour Logistics and Requirements

The Appian Aqueducts eBike Tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but it’s located near public transportation.

A child seat is available for children up to 25 kg. However, children between 6-10 years old are only valid if they’re less than 4 feet 7 inches tall.

The maximum weight limit for this tour is 120 kg or 265 pounds. Moderate physical fitness is required, and participants must know how to ride a bike well.

The tour has a maximum of 10 travelers, ensuring a small-group experience.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Appian Aqueducts eBike Tour, with an average rating of 4.8 based on 827 reviews.

Guests highlight the small group experience, knowledgeable guides, and high-quality bikes. The tour’s beautiful landscapes, insightful history lessons, and exploration beyond the city walls are particular standouts.

While some travelers mention discomfort on bumpy Appian Way sections, many recommend adding the catacomb visit for a richer experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Camera Equipment Is Recommended for the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t provide specific camera recommendations. However, a compact or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens would work well to capture the ancient aqueducts, catacombs, and scenic landscapes along the Appian Way. Ensure the camera’s battery is fully charged.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour offers an optional upgrade to include a visit to the Catacombs of San Callisto and a brunch or aperitivo break, which extends the duration to 5 hours. This provides a richer experience for interested travelers.

Can I Bring My Own Electric Bike Instead of Renting One?

Unfortunately, you can’t bring your own electric bike on this tour. The tour company provides high-quality e-bikes, helmets, and accessories as part of the experience. Using your own bike isn’t an option.

Are Any Covid-19 Safety Measures in Place During the Tour?

Yes, COVID-19 safety measures are in place during the tour. The company follows all local guidelines, provides hand sanitizer, and encourages social distancing. Masks may be required in certain settings as per regulations.

Can I Request a Private or Custom Tour Itinerary?

Yes, customers can request a private or custom tour itinerary. The tour operator provides flexibility to accommodate individual preferences and group needs. Additional fees may apply for customized experiences based on the specific requirements.

The Sum Up

The Appian Aqueducts Ebike Tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Rome’s ancient history while enjoying a scenic ride on quality e-bikes. The tour combines visits to the Catacombs of San Callisto, the historic Appian Way, and picturesque landmarks, along with a delightful brunch or aperitivo experience. This small-group adventure provides a well-rounded cultural and culinary experience for visitors to the Eternal City.