Appian Way & Roman Aqueducts Tour | Private

Take a break from Rome’s bustling historic center by exploring the surrounding countryside. Just south of the Circus Maximus begins the Appian Way, or as the Romans called it, Via Appia Antica. While all roads may lead to Rome, this was the one you took to leave it behind for good — for along the Appian Way lie the tombs and catacombs of the ancients, banished from burial within the city walls by Roman law.

Our Private Appian Way and Roman Aqueduct Tour takes you on a scenic journey along one of the oldest and most storied roads in history. Originally begun in 312 BC, the Appian Way once stretched across the Italian peninsula, linking Rome to Brindisi in the far south. Today, this ancient road — now lined with towering trees and lush greenery — offers one of the most picturesque and peaceful landscapes in all of Rome.

Marvel at the Tomb of Cecilia Metella

As we journey along the Appian Way, we’ll pass the towering Tomb of Cecilia Metella. Built for a noblewoman from one of Rome’s most powerful families, the structure looks more like a fortified castle than a traditional tomb. Its striking exterior reliefs and decorative details make it a majestic monument that commands attention even today.

Pay a special visit to the Aqueduct Park

Stretching across 240 hectares of countryside just outside Rome, the Park of the Aqueducts is one of the city's true hidden gems. Here, you’ll find two impressive aqueducts — one from the 1st century AD, the other from the 16th century — both remarkably well preserved, standing as enduring symbols of Roman engineering brilliance.

The park’s dramatic beauty hasn’t gone unnoticed by filmmakers. Federico Fellini captured it in the iconic opening sequence of La Dolce Vita, while Paolo Sorrentino featured it in a striking performance-art scene in his Oscar-winning The Great Beauty.

Visit the monumental Baths of Caracalla

The Baths of Caracalla stand as one of the few lasting achievements of an otherwise infamous emperor. Towering near the Circus Maximus, these monumental ruins still convey the sheer scale and grandeur of what was once one of the largest public bath complexes in ancient Rome.

As you explore the vast halls, intricate mosaics, and open courtyards, your expert guide will bring the site to life, painting a vivid picture of the daily rhythms, social rituals, and architectural marvels that once filled these walls with activity.

Your final stop is the Circus Maximus

Though little remains of the original structure of the Circus Maximus, the echoes of its 2,500-year history still resonate in the vast space it once occupied. With the help of your expert guide, the arena will be vividly brought back to life, allowing you to imagine it in all its ancient glory.

Picture the thunder of chariot wheels, the roar of tens of thousands of spectators, and the thrilling — and brutal — spectacles of wild animals and fierce competition that once made this the greatest stadium of the Roman world.

Customize the tour to cover the Christian Catacombs

We’re happy to extend this tour to include a visit to one of the Appian Way’s Christian Catacombs. Or if you want to focus mainly on the catacombs, we offer a Catacombs and Appian Way Private Tour.

Both include a private car with driver so you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the Eternal City.