Paris Catacombs Guided Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Skip-the-line entry to the Catacombs
- Expert local guide
- Access to restricted areas
- Explore the Empire of the Dead
- Discover the Crypt of the Passion
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Skip-the-line entry to the Catacombs
- Expert local guide
- Access to restricted areas
- Food and beverages
Itinerary
The sightseeing tour begins with a comfortable bus ride to the Roman countryside. Here you will discover the beauty that lies outside of Rome, starting with the infamous Catacombs of San Callisto- among the largest and most important in Italy. This underground cemetery and the burial site of 500,000 Christians and dozens of martyrs and popes is divided into two areas – the crypt of St. Cecilia and the Crypt of the Popes.
Pass by: We continue by bus through the Roman countryside to the next destination – Circus of Maxentius. Although not as renown as Circus Maximus, this well-preserved structure can be found in the lush Caffarella Park
Next stop on this undiscovered Rome itinerary is an external visit to the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella. Located at the top of a hill along Via Appia, this monumental tomb was built to honor the Roman noblewoman during the 1st century B.C
We continue with a walk through one of the oldest and most significant streets in the world - the Appian Way. Referred to by Romans as the “Queen of Roads”, Via Appia connected Rome to Brindisi in Southern Italy, serving as the main trade route with Greece and the East. Which is why the Appian Way of 300 B.C. is considered one of the greatest engineering works of Ancient Rome civilization.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Important information
Know before you book
- Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.
- The Catacombs are not wheelchair accessible due to stairs and uneven paths.
- No food, drink, or large bags are allowed inside.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
- The temperature inside is around 14°C (57°F); bring a light jacket.
- Photography is allowed without flash; be respectful of the site.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Stroller Accessible
- Easy Public Transport
Good to know
- Luggage storage NOT available
- A dress code is required to enter the catacombs. Both shoulders and knees MUST be covered for both men and women. This dress code is strictly enforced and you will be refused entry if you fail to comply with requirements.
Traveler reviews
Booking cancelled with less than 24 hours notice by tour operator
Tour operator phoned with less than 24 hours notice to state that they could not accommodate us on the tour which we booked and paid for 2 weeks earlier. No explanation offered, no refund yet received.
that you really need...
that you really need to take a guide. Lots of information we got from the guide. Really impress and for the time really well structured
The family from Toronto, who loved the tour.
Wonderful! We booked this tour to visit the catacombs and the 1st Roman aqueduct. Cathia and Mario, our tour guide and driver, were very welcoming, patient, and knowledgeable. We have a young toddler and both Cathia and Mario were very accommodating and kind. We loved this tour and will take another tour that they offer when we come back to Italy soon.
A Drive through Roman History
This tour certainly exceeded my expectations. Since childhood, I'd wanted to see the Roman catacombs and walk on the Via Appia. My husband had wanted to see an aqueduct. This tour was an ideal chance to do all of it. Our van driver, Mario, and our tour guide Katia were a great team. While we patiently waited in Rome traffic, Katia pointed out sites we passed, giving us lots of historical detail but even better, she told interesting stories and provided color so we got a sense of what it might have been like to live in Rome at different times. And she answered questions, happily! A bit about the logistics: meeting and checking in was well organized. There were 6 on the tour so we fit in a comfortable van. There was not as much walking at the different stops as the tour description said. The only tough part was the stairs to the catacombs. But they were worth it! There we had an expert guide, Don Sam, who had been giving tours since 2006. His explanations were very informative and neutral in terms of religious aspects. He also answered our questions about geology, archeology, religious traditions, restorations, and history. The Via Apia portion did not disappoint! We stopped at one of the Roman mausoleums and heard about the castle's medieval history. We walked on the ancient road a bit. TIP: Think twice about a bicycle tour--the cobblestones probably made that experience painful! Plenty of young people were struggling. Driving out to the aqueduct, Katia told us the history of the great Roman families whose fame stretched from antiquity to modern times and gave us a taste of other villas and sites we might be interested in seeing. The stretch of aqueduct we visited was impressive--more than just a couple of ruined arches. There we learned more about ancient Rome's astounding water system. Leaving the intensity of Rome for a few hours in the countryside was just what we needed after a week of non-stop sightseeing. I highly recommend this tour to people of all ages and interest levels--even archeology and history buffs.
Worth It!
Francesca and Mario were wonderful! Thank you for a memorable day! Catacombs and Aquaduct Park were awe-inspiring and beautiful