4.7 / 5Appian Cycle Tour
Bike across the Appian Way in Rome
On this exciting bike tour, experience the beauty of the Appian Way as you leave the center of the city and its crowds behind. Cycle along this ancient Roman road and enjoy a visit to the catacombs of St. Callisto.
The Appian Way has been closed to traffic for 20 years, so you will not have to worry about cars as you ride to your first stop, the Aurelian Walls. The walls are a line of city walls built between 271 AD and 275 AD and enclose the seven hills of Rome. Continue on to tour the Gate of St. Sebastian, with its base of tall marble block supporting crenelated towers. The gate is only a short ride away from your next stop, the Catacombs of St. Callisto. Tour the area, known as the earliest site of Christianity in Rome. It was used for multiple purposes, including protection as well as burying the dead. These catacombs once held over 500,000 bodies. The Catacomb entrance fee is not included.
The Appian Way is home to many tombs and wealthy residences. As you ride through the area, cycle by the tomb of Cecilia Metella, which has been turned into a fortress, and by Circus of Massenzio, a funerary complex created by the emperor Maxentius. Next, tour the Park of the Aqueducts. This park is home to seven aqueducts, including Marcio, Anio Novus, Tepula, Mariana, Claudio, Iulia and Felice. Early architectural wonders, the aqueducts are located on natural hills and were used to bring water into the city.
Following your Roman aqueduct tour, visit Torre del Fiscale. This area once controlled the farming in the area and now has a little restaurant and coffee bar open to the public. Your next stop will be at the Spring of Santa Egeria, where it is a tradition to fill your bottles up with mineral water. This spring is one of Rome's natural springs and is still used by locals today for its healthy properties. On your journey back to the Colosseum, ride through the scenic Cafarella Valley. With a total of four hours of cycling, not only is this Rome bike tour incredibly interesting, but it'll give you quite the workout.
Please Note: This Rome tour does not include the entrance fee to the Catacombs (8 EUR for adults; 6 EUR for children under 16). This tour takes place in Rome. Guests on ships docking in Civitavecchia will need to make their own way to Rome from Civitavecchia (approximately 50 miles away) at their own expense. There is train service from nearby train stations, and the average trip takes approximately 90 minutes each way. Your cruise ship may offer a shuttle to a nearby station.
