Your LivTours Private Appian Way Bike Tour of Rome begins in the Circus Maximus area of central Rome. Here you will meet your friendly guide and get acquainted with your electric bike. You’ll ride past ancient Roman baths, the Terme di Caracalla, as you start your route. These thermal baths were the second largest in Rome, covering 62 acres of land! Pass through the Porta Appia, a remarkably preserved large city gate that allows you to imagine what entering and exiting Ancient Rome would have felt like. Onwards into the countryside and finally onto the Appian Way! Built in 321 BC, learn about the many different ways it came to be used throughout history and why it became the inspiration for the phrase “All roads lead to Rome”.
Stop to see beautiful churches like the small church known as Chiesa del Domine Quo Vadis. This 17th-century church was built where St. Peter is said to have encountered Jesus as he was leaving Rome and he was inspired to return to Rome to face persecution, thereby changing history! Visit the ancient church and catacombs of San Sebastiano fuori le mura, dedicated to St. Sebastian. Your guide will also stop at the famous Catacombs of Callixtus. These expansive underground burial tunnels span nearly 12 miles of underground tunnels and hold the tombs of 16 early Christian Popes, and more than half a million early Christians. Some of the earliest examples of Christian religious art can be found inside as well.
Among the many fascinating landmarks and pieces of Roman past, you’ll also get the chance to see one of Rome’s best-preserved arenas – the Circus Maxentius. Built by Emperor Maxentius in the early 4th century AD shortly before his defeat under Constantine. See the remains of the neighboring Villa Maxentius, the emperor’s home, and family mausoleum.
This bike exploration covers 4 miles of ancient Appia Antica and thousands of years of history and ruins. This is the perfect escape out of the busy city and into the captivating past and beautiful Roman countryside!