Tour Details
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Product Type
- Tour
- Venues
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- Baths of Caracalla
- Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
- Circus and Villa of Maxentius
Photos & Highlights
- In-depth look at Rome's oldest and most prestigious roads, part of the UNESCO World Heritage List
- Led by an archaeologist or historian
Select a date
Tour Description
Dating back to the fourth century BCE, the Via Appia is the oldest and most prestigious of Roman roads. The regina viarum—queen of all roads—was named after the Roman censor Appius Claudius, who completed its first stretch toward Campania and the south. The road became a gateway to Italy and eventually the entire Roman Empire, and it defined Rome's urban development and city planning for centuries, and in 2024 it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our tour, led by an expert guide, explores the importance of the Appian Way as well as the meaning and function of the monuments along its path.
Please Note: This tour includes a car service that will pick you up at your accommodation. Please tell us your hotel or apartment address in the 'Additional Details' box when adding the tour to your shopping cart.
We begin at the Baths of Caracalla, constructed along a stretch of the Appian Way in 221 CE. In addition to its architectural splendor, this complex gives us a chance to discuss the use of baths as a social and political tool for Roman citizens. We'll then take a private car to the Appian Way itself and stroll along the road for the remainder of our itinerary.
We begin at the Baths of Caracalla, constructed along a stretch of the Appian Way in 221 CE. In addition to its architectural splendor, this complex gives us a chance to discuss the use of baths as a social and political tool for Roman citizens. We'll then take a private car to the Appian Way itself and stroll along the road for the remainder of our itinerary.
The building of temples, altars, arches, tombs, and other public structures along the sides of the road contributed to the monumental transformation of the Via Appia. Becoming more opulent as time passed, they give us a good sense of how the Roman elite expressed their social and political status. We may visit the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, built for the daughter of a wealthy Roman patrician, or the Circus of Maxentius, which once contained the obelisk now in Piazza Navona—a site visited on our Rome Night Tour.
At the end of our time together we will come away with a better understanding of Roman urban planning and how the city presented itself to incoming visitors.
- You are interested and fascinated by the world of archeology and want a deeper dive into Ancient Rome's urban design.
- You are eager to explore a UNESCO World Heritage site with a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
- You want to skip the hassle of planning and organizing, and just relax in your private vehicle and fully soak in the experience and learning.
- Appian Way - Via Appia
- Baths of Caracalla
- Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella
- Circus and Villa of Maxentius
Will we meet our guide on the Appian Way?
No, you will meet your guide and driver at your accommodation in Rome and proceed together from there. Please let us know your hotel details so we can confirm the service for you.
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour walking intensive or wheelchair accessible?
No, the tour is not physically demanding. However, the terrain can be uneven and the tour is therefore not completely wheelchair accessible. Please contact us if you're interested in adapting the tour for travelers with limited mobility.
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You'll Start
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46 Reviews
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Have not done tour yet
Janet
Jun. 17, 2017
I would say that our tour with context was the highlight of our trip, Benedetta was so generous in sharing her knowledge and responding to our different queries. My Dad has never visited Europe before but has spent a lifetime reading about classical Rome, so being able to talk with someone who knew so much more than the usual tour guide spiel was really something. For me too, doing a PhD on medieval Tuscan history, Benedetta was able to make connections and suggestions as to further places to investigate that I never would have realised on my own. Mum and Cassie don't study history at all, but they also loved it. Do please pass our thanks on to Benedetta - I would heartily recommend anyone take the opportunity to go on a tour with her. If you are travelling on a budget, a context tour is quite a substantial investment, but it is absolutely worth it.
Emma
Nov. 4, 2016
The nice minibus and driver were great. Our guide was excellent, making history come alive and checking with us to see if he was being clear. I don't know how to say this in a politically correct way, but the caliber of the other participants led to insightful questions that enhanced the experience. It was altogether a delightful experience. If you are a solo traveler, go completely independently and schedule some walks with Context. That provides a base of support should you need it, gives you somebody to check I with at regular intervals so your children don't worry, and feeds your soul.
Bronwynne
May. 28, 2015
