Bicycle tour along the ancient Appian Way in Rome
Description
Many visitors to Rome overlook this beautiful and amazing part of the city and with this guided tour you will have the opportunity to discover it. Nicknamed the "queen of roads", the Appia Antica is a respite from ancient Roman history. In ancient times it was lined with monuments to honour the dead. Along the route, you will find ruins of tombs, mausoleums and statues. We will even walk along sections that are still paved with the original basalt stones from 2300 years ago. We will enjoy a walk through the Roman countryside, a unique landscape rich in historical, cultural and artistic evidence that impressed 19th century travellers such as Byron, Goethe and Stendhal. We recommend this tour if you want to get away from the crowds and experience the authentic Roman countryside, combining history and beautiful nature. The specialised guides will make you relive and imagine the ancient Rome of more than 2000 years ago among ruins and meadows.
What we are going to do?
Guided electric bike tour through the Roman countryside where you can discover the extraordinary beauty of the ancient Appian Way. The experience also includes a guided visit to the Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or St. Sebastian) and a light lunch or snack. The guide will point out all the details so that we can fully appreciate the fascinating history of one of the world's most famous roads. And, of course, there will be plenty of time for photo opportunities. We will leave the city centre through the majestic gate of San Sebastiano in the ancient Aurelian walls, where the Appia Antica officially begins. We will then head towards the catacombs, huge underground cemeteries formed by endless labyrinths in which Christians chose to be buried. From the Appian Way we will continue to the Aqueduct Park. This park is one of the least explored outdoor spaces in Rome and offers unforgettable views of the famous ancient aqueducts. Walking along its small paths, we will see the ruins of seven aqueducts, including the majestic Aqua Claudia and the Aqua Felice (the latter is still functioning today!). Through the suburbs, we will enter the Caffarella Park, a valley surrounded by mystery since ancient times. Today the park is particularly popular with the locals and is home to an active sheep farm. On our way back to the city, we will make a last stop at the Baths of Caracalla, one of the most glorious destinations of the aqueducts in the centre of Rome.
Itinerary
Points of interest along the route: Baths of Caracalla, Aurelian Walls, Ancient Park of the Appian Way, Circus of Maxentius, Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, Park of the Aqueducts, Catacombs of St. Callixtus (or St. Sebastian) and Caffarella Park.
What's included?
Mountain bike with electric assistance
Helmet
Guided tour of the catacombs of San Callisto (or San Sebastian)
Light lunch
Tour guide
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and clothing
Water
Important
Intermediate level of difficulty. Electric-assisted mountain bikes are only available for participants with a minimum height of 140 cm and over 8 years old. Infants (1-4 years) may ride in a child seat (mounted on an adult bike) and children (5-8 years) on a bike extension (strapped/attached to an adult bike).
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts. If you cancel under this time or do not show up, you will not be refunded.