Underground and Medieval Rome
Travel through millennia of hidden history, exploring multi-layered basilicas, ancient underground Roman houses, the mystical Catacombs, and the storied Appian Way.
The Tour
Unveil the secret layers of the Eternal City on an immersive journey through Rome’s most ancient sanctuaries, imperial dwellings, and subterranean wonders. Your personal English-speaking driver welcomes you directly at your hotel lobby in a luxury vehicle, whisking you away to begin an extraordinary descent through time.
Your morning starts at the remarkable Basilica of San Clemente, where you will travel downward through three distinct underground levels spanning two thousand years of history, moving from a medieval basilica down into a first-century Roman street and pagan temple. Nearby on the tranquil Caelian Hill, you will discover the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, constructed directly above a complex of remarkably preserved ancient Roman residences adorned with classical wall paintings. Gliding past the sweeping grounds of the Circus Maximus, the route introduces you to some of the oldest sacred landmarks in the world, including the unique fifth-century circular temple design of Santo Stefano Rotondo and the serene Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill.
After pausing to enjoy a traditional lunch of regional specialties at an authentic local trattoria, your afternoon takes you beyond the ancient walls to the legendary Appian Way. Here, you can walk along original Roman paving stones before descending into the shadowed tunnels of the Catacombs to experience early Christian history firsthand. The day concludes with a visit to the monumental Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and its fascinating ancient residential excavations before your driver escorts you comfortably back to your hotel.
Your morning starts at the remarkable Basilica of San Clemente, where you will travel downward through three distinct underground levels spanning two thousand years of history, moving from a medieval basilica down into a first-century Roman street and pagan temple. Nearby on the tranquil Caelian Hill, you will discover the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, constructed directly above a complex of remarkably preserved ancient Roman residences adorned with classical wall paintings. Gliding past the sweeping grounds of the Circus Maximus, the route introduces you to some of the oldest sacred landmarks in the world, including the unique fifth-century circular temple design of Santo Stefano Rotondo and the serene Basilica of Santa Sabina on the Aventine Hill.
After pausing to enjoy a traditional lunch of regional specialties at an authentic local trattoria, your afternoon takes you beyond the ancient walls to the legendary Appian Way. Here, you can walk along original Roman paving stones before descending into the shadowed tunnels of the Catacombs to experience early Christian history firsthand. The day concludes with a visit to the monumental Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and its fascinating ancient residential excavations before your driver escorts you comfortably back to your hotel.
Duration
8 hours
Dress Code
Shoulders and knees must be covered when visiting religious sites
Flexibility
Itinerary and pace managed directly with your private driver
Services include pickup from and drop-off back at either your hotel or at your cruise ship in one of our luxury vehicles by an English-speaking driver.
Lunch, gratuities, and any entrance fees to attractions are not included. Also please note that we may change the order of the itinerary at our discretion.
Multiple booking discounts are available when you book more than one tour or excursion with us. Please note that these discounts do not apply to airport or port transfers.
This tour is suitable for families with children, with a comfortable pace and private service that makes the day easier to enjoy together.
