Rome Exclusive Underground Catacombs Guided Tour & Hop-on Hop Off Open Bus Tour
Rome Exclusive Underground | Rome Catacombs Guided Tour & Green Line Hop-on Hop-Off Open Bus Tour 24/48/72 hr tickets!
Enjoy an in-depth experience in one of the most exciting and visited places in Rome, the Catacombs on the Ancient Appian Way. Descend into a complex and incredible network of underground tunnels, among the longest in the world, where you can admire ancient and precious frescoes, crypts rich in inscriptions, small mausoleums, sarcophagi, and tombs. You will also find the burial of famous people like popes, martyrs, and, according to legends, even some apostles.
The catacombs we will visit (San Calisto, San Sebastiano, or Santa Domitilla) will change depending on the day.
Special combo tour to get the chance to explore the best of Rome comfortably and efficiently. With the panoramic Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour, you can run far and wide in Rome for 24,48, or 72 hours, according to your chosen option. Onboard you’ll find 8 languages of audio commentary that will guide you through Rome and its wonders!
What’s included
- Small group tour (max 25 pax) inside the Catacombs (about 40 minutes)
- Hop On-Hop Off Bus Ticket (according to the chosen option you’ll have 24/48/72-hrs bus ticket)
- Headset for the panoramic bus
- Round transfer to the Catacombs and back
Exclusions
- Food & Drink
- Guide service during the transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
PLEASE NOTE
- Public transportation nearby
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
- To join the bus tour, please make sure to arrive at one of the designated stops. Present your voucher along with your booking number to board the bus.
- Panoramic Bus Ticket is valid from the first use.
- For the Catacombs Tour customers have a mandatory meeting time stated 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time due to managing and organizational reasons.
- Guided tour inside the Catacombs lasts about 40 min
- Transportation from the meeting point to Appian Way Catacombs is lead by professional drivers (not a guide)
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- You must have a valid photo ID (ID, Driver License, Passport or State ID all work.)
- Child discount is applied only with a valid ID card
- No one can visit the catacombs on their own, nor stray from their group along the route, nor cross the gates that delimit the paths open to the public
- It is forbidden to touch the exhibits along the visit path
- No photos or videos allowed
- Food and drink are not allowed
- Pets are not allowed
- There is no refund on reservation fees and tickets of monuments that are closed due to event that is out of our control.
- The itinerary may vary depending on weather conditions (ice, rain, or high temperatures) or other events beyond the travel agency’s control.
- Not accessible for walker users and wheelchairs
PLEASE NOTE
- To join the bus tour, please make sure to arrive at one of the designated stops. Present your voucher along with your booking number to board the bus
- The ticket is valid for 24/48 or 72 hours from the first use
- Tour is not wheelchair / walker accessible
- Regarding the Catacombs tour, there is a mandatory meeting time of 15 minutes before the tour starting time. Be aware that late arrivals cannot join the tour and won’t be entitled to get a refund as per the standard procedure
- The meeting point for the Catacombs tour is at Piazza di San Clemente, in front of the Basilica’s entrance. Your driver will have a signboard reporting your name
- We kindly inform you that any kind of disability (visual impairment, hearing impairment… ) or anything that might prevent you from regularly joining the tour MUST BE communicated in advance to our staff at the following email address: tourinthecityrome@gmail.com
- Transportation will be led by a professional driver (not a guide)
- The temperature in the Catacombs is about 60°F, and the moisture content is high; please dress appropriately
- Catacombs are a sacred place. For this reason you must dress properly (no skirts, mini skirts, sleeves, shorts)
- No one can visit the catacombs on their own, nor stray from their group along the route, or cross the gates that delimit the paths open to the public
- It is forbidden to touch the exhibits along the visit path
- It is forbidden to remove any object and/or material inside the Catacombs
- No photos allowed inside the Catacombs
- Pets, food and drinks are not allowed inside the Catacombs
items are not permitted: firearms of any type (with or without a permit), ammunition, pepper/mace sprays, knives of any size, box cutters or like items, and sharp/pointed items including scissors or nail files. Coolers, luggage or other large bags are not permitted. All bags, purses, and other items will be opened and inspected at the Visitor Complex (procedures to search all bags carried into the complex by visitors and employees are actions taken as part of the increase in security and not part of a specific threat.) If any of the above items are discovered, you must surrender them to a Security Officer. Surrendered items will not be returned to you. Since all guests have to go through the metal detectors, please reduce the number of items you normally carry. Visitors could face delays entering the park as a result of the searches.
Cancellation policy
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 100% if booking is cancelled 1 day or less before the event
- We will charge a cancellation fee of 0% if booking is cancelled 1000 days or less before the event
Starting, with a small group, from our travel agency, near the Colosseum, you will be comfortably transported on an air-conditioned vehicle, in one of the most interesting and visited places in Rome, the “catacombs” on the Via Appia Antica. With this tour, we will guide you through time to discover a hidden and parallel world in which, for centuries, Jews and Christians have looked after and adored their dead. Pass by the majestic Aurelian Walls, and come to the archaeological area of the Via Appia Antica. Here, immersed in the green Roman countryside, you will descend into the ancient world of the Catacombs, a complex network of underground tunnels among the longest in the world, occupying an area of about fifteen hectares for about 60 kilometers of tunnels on several levels. The catacombs included in the visit (San Calisto, San Sebastiano, or Santa Domitilla), change depending on the day. After the tour, your driver will take you back to the original starting point.
This activity includes the Panoramic Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Ticket, so you explore the best of Rome comfortably and efficiently. You can run far and wide in Rome for 24,48, or 72 hours, according to your chosen option. Onboard you’ll find 8 languages of audio commentary (English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian, Chinese, and Russian) that will guide you through Rome and its wonders. The Hop On-Hop Off service is operating from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. A complete Round Trip to Rome lasts about 2,5 hrs. However, you can join this service within the validity of your ticket (24,48,72 hrs). The validity of your ticket independently from the chosen option (24,48,72 hrs) is calculated from the validation of the ticket. Panoramic Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Itinerary: 1. Termini Station (TERMINAL A/TERMINAL B) 2. Santa Maria Maggiore 3.Colosseo 4.Circo Massimo 5. Teatro Marcello 6. Castel Sant’Angelo 6 Vatican Musuem 7. Via Veneto e Villa Borgehse 8. Piazza Barberini
OPEN BUS TOUR 1 TERMINAL DISCOVER ROME Termini Railway Station, Roman National Museum, Piazza della Repubblica 2 SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore, St. Peter in Chains and Michelangelo’s Moses, Monti District, Oppian Hill 3 COLOSSEUM Colosseum, Archaeological Area, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Arch of Constantine 4 CIRCUS MAXIMUS Circus Maximus, Mouth of Truth, Rome Rose Garden 5 PIAZZA VENEZIA Piazza Venezia, Altar of Fatherland, Capitoline Hill, Trastevere District, Pantheon 6 VATICAN CITY Saint Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel, Navona Square, Castel S. Angelo 7 VILLA BORGHESE Spanish Steps, Shopping Area, Piazza del Popolo, Villa Borghese, Borghese Gallery, Zoo 8 BARBERINI SQUARE Trevi Fountain, Barberini Square, Barberini Palace, Quirinale Palace
The catacombs are subterranean passageways that were used as places of burial for several centuries. The burials of Jewish, pagan, and early Christian Roman citizens in the catacombs began in the second century and ended in the fifth century. The word catacomb, which means “next to the quarry,” comes from the fact that the first excavations to be used as a burial place were carried out in the outskirts of Rome, next to the quarry site. The Christians did not agree with the pagan custom of burning the bodies of their dead, for which reason, to solve problems created by a lack of space and the high price of the land, they decided to create these vast underground cemeteries. The catacombs possess many subterranean passageways forming natural labyrinths several kilometers long, along which rows of rectangular niches were dug out. The corpses were wrapped in a sheet and placed in the niches, which were then covered with gravestones made of marble or, more commonly, baked clay.
You can start this experience at the following places.
Piazza di San Clemente
Piazza di S. Clemente, 00184 RM Roma, IT
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25 years of experience
Tour in The City was founded in 1990 in response to the ever increasing demand for customized guided tours, in order to visit one of the most important art collections in the World, the eternal city Rome.
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Must-see attractions
Colosseum
The Colosseum, Rome’s legendary ancient arena, once echoed with gladiator battles and grand shows, and now stands as a powerful symbol of the city's eternal legacy.
Pantheon
The Pantheon is a masterpiece of Roman ingenuity, crowned by its iconic dome and central oculus, serving as a temple-turned-church for almost two millennia.
Roman Forum
Once the center of ancient Roman society, the Roman Forum is a vast archaeological park showcasing temples, civic buildings, and storied ruins.
Vatican City
Vatican City, the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church, holds a wealth of art, history, and faith, housing St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Palatine Hill
Palatine Hill, one of Rome’s famed seven hills, was the site of imperial palaces and offers breathtaking views over the city and its ancient ruins.
Galleria Borghese
The Galleria Borghese, set within the lush Villa Borghese gardens, showcases a stunning collection of sculptures and paintings by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.
St. Peter’s Basilica
St. Peter’s Basilica, the crown jewel of Vatican City, is a majestic architectural marvel housing Michelangelo’s Pietà and the soaring dome he masterfully designed.
Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, famed for Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes, is both a masterpiece of Renaissance art and the sacred setting of the papal conclave.
Castel Sant’Angelo
Castel Sant’Angelo, once Emperor Hadrian’s grand mausoleum, now serves as a museum with sweeping views of Rome and a rich history as a fortress and papal stronghold.
Trevi Fountain
The Trevi Fountain, Rome's largest and most iconic Baroque fountain, is famed for its stunning sculptures.
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
Testimonials
Hear From Our Happy Explorers!
Martin G
A hot visit to the Colosseum!
Had to collect tickets from a shop near to the Colosseum – lady there was most helpful in explaining where we needed to go and to download apps to our phones for the self audio guide (also gave us some free water with the heat!). Found the entrance easy and then enjoyed the tour – only issue was that the GPS signal wasnt great inside so it was difficult to sync the audio guide to what we were looking at. Took a break before doing the Palatine Hill and Roman Forum – we went on a very hot day and it was hard work walking around – make sure you have plenty of water!! Surfaces were very uneven – which is understandble considering its an ancient monument.
Martin G
FamilyOfFive
Amazing place to visit, weak audio guide
Such an amazing place to visit, it’s easy to understand why this is a must see! The sites were fantastic, but the audio tour was too generic. There were some interesting clips, but not enough about what we were looking at when we were at different points and too much generic history. In retrospect we would have got a lot more from a guide, but it was very nice to go at our own pace.
FamilyOfFive
Eva N
Unforgettable experience!
This tour was nothing short of amazing! From start to finish, everything was organized, engaging, and informative. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history of the Colosseum to life with fascinating stories, little-known facts, and a real passion for Ancient Rome.
The skip-the-line access was a huge plus—no waiting around in the hot sun! We also got upgraded for an Arena tour and got to explore areas that aren’t always open to the public, which made the experience feel exclusive and even more special.
Eva N
Poppy B
Very good customer service from Dolly
I was due to travel in August on this holiday however due to operational reasons, the tour may not have run and I was made aware straight away. I dealt with a women called Dolly and she offered me alternative options and we decided to refund the tour which was done promptly. Dolly gave me some brilliant advice and some useful insight to Rome.She was fab!
Poppy B
Tom P
Good day out
Really enjoyed the experience, can’t remember the tour guide’s name but he was very good. Very informative and detailed on the tour which kept me engaged about the history. It wasn’t as busy as usual which was also a pleasant experience. Highly enjoyable, many thanks.
Tom P
James C
Well worth it
Really well organised and our guide was great. Really informative and engaging. You wasn’t rushed and had a nice flow to it.
Would highly recommend this. Not sure you’d capture everything without the guide.
James C
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