Rome: Catacombs of San Sebastian and Via Appia Tour

Uncover the captivating history of Rome’s Catacombs of San Sebastian and the iconic Via Appia on this immersive guided tour. Descend into the underground necropolis and discover the final resting place of early Christians, their burial chambers adorned with intricate frescoes and inscriptions. Then, stroll along the ancient Appian Way, marveling at the grandiose Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the impressive ruins of the Circus of Maxentius. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you’ll gain unparalleled insights into the enduring legacy of this remarkable city. But the journey has only just begun – what secrets lie waiting to be unveiled?

Good To Know

• This tour provides skip-the-line access to the Catacombs of San Sebastian, allowing visitors to explore the Christian heritage of these ancient underground burial sites.
• The tour includes a guided journey along the historic Appian Way, showcasing landmarks like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, Circus of Maxentius, and Mausoleum of Romulus.
• The tour is available in both Spanish and English and offers a flexible schedule, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves significant walking, and access to the Catacombs may not be suitable for wheelchair users.
• The tour price of $72.28 per person covers the entrance fees and the services of a knowledgeable guide, but does not include food or drinks.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This Rome: Catacombs of San Sebastian and Via Appia Tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through the city’s rich Christian heritage.

Priced from $72.28 per person, the 2-hour tour offers skip-the-line access to the historic Catacombs of San Sebastian and a guided exploration of the ancient Appian Way.

Exploring these lesser-known sites with an expert guide, participants can explore Rome’s fascinating past.

The tour is available in both Spanish and English, with a flexible schedule and a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an engaging cultural experience, this tour promises an unforgettable glimpse into Rome’s Christian legacy.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at either the Appia Antica Caffè, located along the iconic Via Appia Antica, or directly at the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian.

Visitors will embark on a guided exploration of the Catacombs, where they’ll discover the fascinating Christian heritage hidden beneath the city.

After an hour immersed in this underground necropolis, the tour transitions to the ancient Appian Way.

Along this historic road, guests will witness the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the Circus of Maxentius, and the Mausoleum of Romulus, all while learning about Rome’s rich history from the expert guide.

Starting Locations

The tour begins at two convenient starting locations – the Appia Antica Caffè, situated along the iconic Via Appia Antica, or directly at the Catacombs of Saint Sebastian. From these starting points, visitors embark on a journey to uncover the fascinating Christian heritage of Rome.

Location	Address	Accessibility
Appia Antica Caffè	Via Appia Antica, 175	Easy access, near public transportation
Catacombs of Saint Sebastian	Via Appia Antica, 136	Directly at the entrance of the catacombs

Whichever starting point is chosen, the tour promises an immersive and enlightening exploration of the Catacombs and the renowned Via Appia, allowing guests to step back in time and gain a deeper understanding of Rome’s rich cultural and religious past.

Activities

On the tour, participants embark on a captivating two-part journey.

First, they’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Catacombs of San Sebastian, stepping back in time to explore these ancient underground burial sites that were once used by early Christians. For an hour, the expert guide will bring the history of these hallowed catacombs to life, sharing fascinating insights and stories.

Next, the tour continues along the legendary Via Appia, the ancient Roman road that’s home to remarkable sights like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the Circus of Maxentius.

Guests will discover these lesser-known gems away from the bustling city center, seeing the rich history of Rome.

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Main Stops

After exploring the Catacombs of San Sebastian, the tour takes visitors along the ancient Appian Way, showcasing some of Rome’s most captivating historical landmarks.

Guests will marvel at the impressive Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, a grand circular tomb from the 1st century BC.

Further down the road, the Circus of Maxentius, a well-preserved racetrack from the 4th century AD, offers a glimpse into Rome’s chariot-racing past.

The tour culminates at the Mausoleum of Romulus, an enigmatic structure that once served as the tomb of the legendary co-founder of Rome.

Throughout the journey, the guide shares fascinating insights, bringing these ancient sites to life.

Experience and Features

Although the tour primarily focuses on exploring Rome’s Christian heritage, it offers a multifaceted experience that delves into the city’s rich history.

Guests will skip the line and embark on an immersive guided journey through the Catacombs of San Sebastian, where they’ll uncover the secrets of early Christian burial practices.

The tour then leads them along the ancient Appian Way, showcasing remarkable landmarks like the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella and the Circus of Maxentius.

Key features include:

• Expert local guides provide fascinating insights
• Discovery of lesser-known historical sites
• Opportunity to walk the legendary Appian Way
• Skip-the-line access for a seamless experience
• Chance to explore Rome’s Christian heritage

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes a number of key elements to ensure a comprehensive and seamless experience for guests.

Entrance fees to the Catacombs of San Sebastian and walking along the iconic Via Appia are included, as is the service of a knowledgeable, Spanish-speaking guide. This allows visitors to fully enjoy the rich Christian heritage and ancient Roman history of these remarkable sites.

However, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of food and drinks, nor does it provide hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing guests the flexibility to explore Rome at their own pace before and after the tour.

Important Information

Visitors should pay close attention to the tour’s dress code, as long pants or knee-length skirts, and covered shoulders, are required when entering places of worship.

Plus, comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended, as the tour involves significant walking along the ancient Appian Way.

Photography is allowed, but flash photography is prohibited within the catacombs.

Wheelchair users should note that the tour isn’t suitable for them, as the sites visited may not be fully accessible.

Finally, it’s important to be mindful of the tour’s start times and to arrive promptly, as the group won’t wait for latecomers.

• Dress code: long pants or knee-length skirts, covered shoulders
• Footwear: comfortable walking shoes
• Photography: no flash photography in catacombs
• Accessibility: not suitable for wheelchair users
• Punctuality: arrive on time as the group won’t wait

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Children Allowed on the Tour?

Children are welcome on this tour, but it may not be suitable for very young kids. The walking and tour of the catacombs can be challenging for little ones. Parents should use their best judgment when booking.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Though the tour doesn’t provide food or drinks, participants are welcome to bring their own snacks and beverages to enjoy along the way. However, they’ll need to dispose of any waste responsibly during the tour.

Is There a Bathroom Available During the Tour?

Participants will find public restroom facilities available at the starting location, the Appia Antica Caffè. However, there are no restrooms along the tour route through the Catacombs of San Sebastian and the ancient Appian Way.

Can We Take Pictures Inside the Catacombs?

Photography is not allowed inside the catacombs, as it could damage the delicate ancient structures. However, you can capture the atmosphere and explore these sacred underground spaces with your eyes and imagination during the guided tour.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour has a dress code – long pants or knee-length skirts and covered shoulders are required, especially for the places of worship you’ll visit. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended too, as you’ll be on your feet for the duration.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating history of early Christianity as you explore the Catacombs of San Sebastian and stroll along the iconic Appian Way. This guided tour offers an immersive experience, taking you back in time to uncover the rich heritage of Rome. With skip-the-line access and expert commentary, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s remarkable past.

You can check if your dates are available here: