Appian Way Ebike tour with catacombs and natural spring – Lazio, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Escape from the city of Rome and all the crowds to reach the Appian Way and visit the Catacombs; The ancient christian underground cemetary!

Start from our bike depot near the Circus Maximus, the ancient roman race track which was where the Appian Way actually began. See the gates through which St. Peter would have walked when he fled from Rome along the Appian Way. Exit the ancient Roman walls through the Roman gate as you ride downhill to the Catacombs of St. Callisto. Visit these underground burial chambers that span over 28kms, as deep as 40metres underground. A huge complex that housed half a million bodies and was used as the official cemetery of the church of Rome untill the third century.

Leading us away from the walls of Rome towards the south, cycling over the ancient paving stones laid by the romans till we reach the Catacombs and later a natural spring buried along the way off the road. After a guided tour of the underground labyrinth which was the official cemetary of Romes church during the 1st, 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. we reach the spring.

Stop for a break at this natural spring, tasting the water from the fountains of this little oasis. After a short break during which participants will be able to taste the water directly from the spring, we continue back towards the city passing through a valley full of animals and birdlife called the Cafarella Valley.

This valley is amazingly green and cool due to the fact there is an abundance of water running underground and through the rock, which you can see for yourself at the Ninfeo d’Egeria. This little temple was dedicated to a water fairy and is amazing to see how its remained intact, with water still pouring from the rock.

This valley is now a public park and is still used today for sheep farming and cheese production. An excellent path of park land and gravel roads lead us back to the city and bike depot.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

Visit a natural spring for a taste of mineral water
Take a guided tour of the catacombs of St. Callisto
Cycle through the countryside and parks
See the original stone blocks of the Appian Way
Enjoy being with your family and friends outdoors

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