Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up)
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.4/5
Based on 127 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) worth booking?
Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) is a 2.5-hour experience in Rome, Italy, from $78 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.4/5 rating across 127 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.4/5 (127)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Embark on an intriguing journey exploring the "Secrets Below Rome" with our private driver tour of the Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pick-up as you venture into the depths of Rome's his
What you get
- Guided grouptour catacombs
- Private transportation
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Tickets
- English speaking driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
About this experience
Embark on an intriguing journey exploring the "Secrets Below Rome" with our private driver tour of the Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way. Enjoy the convenience of hotel pick-up as you venture into the depths of Rome's history. Porta San Sebastiano: Ancient gate, Aurelian Walls. Catacombs of San Callisto: On a guided group tour, explore the labyrinthine catacombs, where popes and martyrs were buried over 1,800 years ago. Appian Way, one of the oldest and most important roads of the Roman Empire. Church of Domine Quo Vadis: Visit this sacred site where Saint Peter is said to have had his encounter with Christ. The church is home to the legendary footprints of Christ and offers a peaceful moment for reflection. Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis The Church of Domine Quo Vadis, According to tradition, this is where Saint Peter, fleeing persecution in Rome, encountered a vision of Christ.
What's included
Included
- Guided grouptour catacombs
- Private transportation
- Hotel pick up and drop off
- Tickets
- English speaking driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What you'll see and do
Porta San Sebastiano
The Porta San Sebastiano, originally known as Porta Appia, is one of the largest and best-preserved gates in the Aurelian Walls, which encircle ancient Rome. This impressive structure marks the beginning of the historic Appian Way, Rome’s “Queen of Roads,” and serves as a stunning reminder of the city’s ancient defensive systems. A Majestic Entrance: Marvel at the grandeur of this massive gate, which dates back to the 3rd century AD and was a critical part of Emperor Aurelian’s fortifications. Learn how Porta San Sebastiano served as a key military defense point, guarding the road that led to the south of Italy.
10 minutes here
Catacombe di San Callisto
Uncover the secrets of early Christianity with a guided group tour of the Catacombs of San Callisto, one of Rome’s most significant underground burial sites. Established in the 2nd century, these catacombs served as the official cemetery of the Church of Rome and are a testament to faith, history, and architecture. Explore Ancient Underground Passageways: Wander through a labyrinth of tunnels stretching over 12 miles, where popes, martyrs, and early Christians were laid to rest.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Appian Way (Via Appia Antica)
Walk in the Footsteps of Legends: Discover where Spartacus and his 6,000 followers met their tragic fate, and explore sites tied to iconic figures like Crassus and Commodus.
15 minutes here
Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis
The Church of Domine Quo Vadis, also known as the Church of Saint Mary in Palmis, is a small yet profoundly significant chapel located on the legendary Appian Way. This humble site is steeped in Christian tradition and offers visitors a moment of reflection amidst the echoes of history. The Famous Encounter: According to tradition, this is where Saint Peter, fleeing persecution in Rome, encountered a vision of Christ. When Peter asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” (“Lord, where are you going?”), Jesus replied, “I am going to Rome to be crucified again.” Moved by the vision, Peter returned to Rome to face martyrdom. Sacred Footprints: Inside the church, you'll find a marble slab believed to bear the footprints of Christ, marking the spot of this divine encounter.
15 minutes here
Basilica Papale Di San Paolo Fuori le Mura
A Sacred Jewel of Early Christianity The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is one of Rome’s four major basilicas and a site of profound spiritual and historical importance. Built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle, this grand basilica is a masterpiece of early Christian architecture and a serene escape from the bustling city center. Portraits of the Popes: Explore the long gallery adorned with medallion portraits of every pope, a unique feature that connects the church's history to the present day.
20 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
Secrets Below Rome: Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way
Pickup included
private group upto 3
Sedan Pickup included
Family/Group Tour
Minivan Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Eternal City Private and Guided Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 127 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
127 verified traveler reviews for Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up). Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A great tour enjoyed by all the family!
This tour was the perfect way to escape the heat and beat the crowds. Patrick, the driver, was a great guide, incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer our questions. He took time to stop and explain key features on the Appian Way and sights in the city. He even stopped at the impressive Basilica Papale di San Paulo and gave us plenty of time to look round. It was a great addition to the tour. Catacombs were very impressive and thoroughly enjoyed by all the family. Thank you, Patrick for a great tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Claire, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We are delighted that the whole family enjoyed the tour and that it was a comfortable way to discover Rome away from the heat and crowds. Patrick will be very happy to know that you appreciated his knowledge, explanations, and willingness to answer your questions. We are also pleased that the visit to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was such a memorable addition. Thank you again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you and your family back to Rome in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing tour!
An absolutely brilliant way to see all that's offered on this tour! Our driver, Massimilliano, was amazing! Picked us up on time, the drive was great - so cool to travel on the Appian Way! The Catacombs were fantastic, as were the two churches. We had plenty of time at each stop. Bottles of water were provided, and Max pointed out restrooms if needed. Was so nice to have a cool drive vack to the hotel. The door to door service was perfect for the heat. Can't say enough how great this tour was!
Response from the operator: Dear Laura, Thank you so much for your amazing review! We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed every part of the tour, from travelling along the historic Appian Way to visiting the catacombs and churches. Massimiliano will be very happy to know that you appreciated his punctuality, care, and helpful attention throughout the experience. We are also pleased that the water, restroom stops, comfortable vehicle, and door-to-door service made the tour especially enjoyable in the summer heat. Thank you again for choosing us. We hope to welcome you back for another wonderful experience in Rome!
via Viator
Excellent Tour of the Catacombs, Appian Way, and Other Beautiful Sites in Rome
The pickup was on time, the van was comfortable, Our guide Gaya was friendly, knowledgeable, fluent in English and was very pleasant. The driver Mohammed was also great. Had a very comfortable vehicle, a nice supply of cold water, knew the streets of Rome well, was very pleasant, and very timely. I wish all our tours were this good! Thanks Gaya and Mohammed.
Response from the operator: Dear Gary, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your tour of the Catacombs and the Ancient Appian Way. It's especially rewarding to know that Gaia's knowledge and friendly guidance, together with Mohammed's safe driving, comfortable vehicle, and thoughtful service, made your experience so memorable. We'll be sure to share your kind words with both Gaia and Mohammed. Thank you for choosing Eternal City Tours, and we hope to welcome you back to Rome for another unforgettable experience!
via Tripadvisor
Horribly Over Priced and Misleading
This is not a Private Tour. It’s a private driver. Driver basically drove us around. We arrived at the catacombs - tickets were 10 euros - got us on a tour that was already in process. So we missed a lot of the history. Dropped us off at the next church said Ok you have 5 minutes. Not a word about the church and what to look for. Dropped us off at the next church and showed us the entrance. We had him drop us off at the Baths of Caracalla because what was the point of continuing. Ridiculously over priced and not described correctly.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. We are very sorry to hear that the experience did not meet your expectations. We would however like to clarify that this experience is described and sold as a private driver-guided tour with transportation, including hotel pickup and visits to the Catacombs and Appian Way area. The Catacombs themselves are always visited through the official on-site guides provided directly by the archaeological site, as external guiding inside the Catacombs is not permitted. Our driver-guides are highly rated by many travelers for their professionalism, knowledge, and personalized service, and this tour consistently receives excellent reviews from guests who appreciate the combination of private transportation, flexibility, and historical highlights. Regarding the Catacombs visit, entrance timing is managed directly by the site and, especially during busy periods, groups may occasionally join a tour already in progress depending on operational logistics at the venue. We are sorry that the pace and format of the experience did not align with your expectations, but we can confirm that the service provided was in line with the published tour description and inclusions. We nevertheless appreciate your comments, as feedback always helps us continue improving our experiences for future guests. Warm regards, Eternal City private and guided Tours Arrive as a Guest, Leave as a Local Marta
via Tripadvisor
Catacombs and the Ancient Way
The sites and history throughout this tour were exceptional 👌
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re delighted to hear that you found the sites and history of the Catacombs and the Ancient Appian Way exceptional. It’s truly a unique part of Rome, and we love sharing its stories with our guests. We really appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you again for another memorable experience in Rome!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $78 to $176
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 44
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up): questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Rome.
How much does Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Rome usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) take?
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Plan for about 2.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Rome is not rushed.
Is Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.4/5 across 127 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Rome, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up)?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 2.5-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up)?
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Around 44 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Rome can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Rome and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Tour of Catacombs and Ancient Appian Way (hotel pick up) start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Rome within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Rome?
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Rome runs on skip-the-line access. The Colosseum underground, the Vatican before opening, and the catacombs south of the walls all require a licensed operator, and the price gap between the good ones and the rest is smaller than you would expect. We rank by guide credentials, group size and how reliably the promised access actually materialises. On Outty we rank every Rome experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Rome Pasta and Tiramisu Class: Ravioli, Fettuccine & Fine Wine 5*, Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome, Rome: Pizza & Tiramisu or Gelato Class with Flowing Fine Wine 5*. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Rome?
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April, May, September and October. August is hot and half the city is shut. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Rome?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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