We had wonderful, inclusive tour. Philip was most informative and patient with our questions.
Rome Underground Archeology Tour
Compare modern Rome above ground to the city hidden beneath
The Finer Details
Please Note: this specific tour is temporarily unavailable.
The venues visited on this tour are currently undergoing essential restoration and safety maintenance to preserve their incredible history for future generations. In the meantime, we highly recommend checking out our Underground Rome Tour: From Empire to Middle Ages, which offers a fascinating, deep-dive exploration of the Basilica of San Clemente and its subterranean secrets.
Ever wondered what the streets of Rome looked like in the past? How much has changed over the centuries? Rome still holds countless traces of its ancient face: some hidden in plain sight, others buried beneath the modern city.
With the guidance of an experienced archaeologist or historian who knows where to look and what to look for, you can uncover these hidden remnants of the past. Explore ancient Roman apartments beneath a modern cinema and discover aqueducts tucked away under luxury shops. The Eternal City's history is made of layers, and this exclusive underground Rome tour unveils all its secrets, granting you private access to a hidden site reserved solely for you and your group.
Route Details
You will begin near the Trevi Fountain at Vicus Caprarius, an archaeological gem hidden beneath a modern cinema. Here, you'll explore the remains of ancient Roman apartments, gaining insight into daily life in the past, right beneath today’s bustling city.
Next, you'll visit Rinascente Tritone, a stylish department store with a hidden secret: its basement houses the Aqua Virgo aqueduct, an engineering marvel dating back to 19 BC.
As you stroll through Rome’s vibrant streets, you’ll make your way to Piazza Navona. Unbeknownst to many, even locals, this lively square sits atop the Stadium of Domitian, a vast arena that once hosted thrilling athletic contests.
You will enjoy exclusive access to a private section of the Domitian Stadium at the École Française, right in the heart of Piazza Navona. Your guide will lead you beneath the bustling square for a truly exclusive experience reserved solely for you and your group. You'll have the rare opportunity to explore this remarkably well-preserved site at your own pace, pausing to reflect, ask questions, and fully absorb the atmosphere of this evocative underground space.
This intimate Rome underground tour through the city's layered history, guided by an experienced archeologist, offers a rare glimpse into the ancient world that lies quietly beneath the modern city.
Choose this tour if...
- You’re intrigued by the contrast between modern Rome above ground and the ancient city hidden beneath, and want to explore how these two worlds coexist.
- You want a historian or archaeologist as your guide, bringing Rome’s past to life with expert knowledge and fascinating stories.
- You’re looking for an exclusive experience, gaining special access to hidden sites that most visitors never even realize exist
Sites Visited
- Vicus Caprarius – excavated underground space showing ancient Roman apartments situated near the Trevi Fountain.
- Rinascente Tritone – modern department store housing the ancient Aqua Virgo aqueduct in its basement.
- Stadium of Domitian – ancient stadium located beneath Piazza Navona, including exclusive access to the restricted École Française site.
Logistics
Tickets
- Includes tickets to Vicus Caprarius and the Stadium of Domitian.
- Upon receiving your order, our team will secure a guide. Once the venue tickets are released, we will purchase them. Our team will be in touch with alternative options if we cannot secure tickets for the date and time you requested.
Resources
- Check out our upcoming online lectures which transport you back to Ancient Rome, accompanied by a leading Context Expert.
- Check out Cities of the Underworld on the History Channel; many of the guides who lead this walk were featured on this program.
Accessibility
Wheelchair accessibility
- This tour may not be accessible for clients with limited mobility as it includes a lot of stairs and uneven grounds. Vicus Caprarius has only limited wheelchair-accessibility and Stadium of Domitian is not currently accessible as there are no ramps or elevators at the site and the terrain is uneven and difficult to navigate. Please inform us in case of mobility issues.
Service Dogs
- Service dogs are allowed if you have a medical certificate proving the need.
Frequently Asked Questions
- For more information about Context Tours, please visit our FAQs.
Is this walk suitable for claustrophobic clients?
You do spend much of the tour underground, although you won't visit any site that is particularly narrow or small.
What makes the École Française site on Piazza Navona special?
You’ll have exclusive access to this private section of the Stadium of Domitian. Unlike other parts of the stadium, this area is reserved solely for your group, offering an intimate look at the well-preserved ruins and their fascinating history.
You do spend much of the tour underground, although you won't visit any site that is particularly narrow or small.
What makes the École Française site on Piazza Navona special?
You’ll have exclusive access to this private section of the Stadium of Domitian. Unlike other parts of the stadium, this area is reserved solely for your group, offering an intimate look at the well-preserved ruins and their fascinating history.
Where does the tour start?
The exact itinerary may vary based on reservation times and site availability, your tour may start at Vicus Caprarius or the Stadium of Domitian. Your confirmation email will include all the details and information.
The exact itinerary may vary based on reservation times and site availability, your tour may start at Vicus Caprarius or the Stadium of Domitian. Your confirmation email will include all the details and information.
Cancellation Policy
Book worry-free—review our flexible cancellation policy here.
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Vicus Caprarius
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Rinascente Tritone
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Stadium of Domitian
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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GratuitiesWe encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Food and drinkRefreshments are only included during a tour when clearly noted.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
This was our third Context tour and we have loved each one. Paolo is a wealth of knowledge and was super engaging. What a difference having an expert tour guide makes!
Our guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining- a proud Roman and true local. The underground sites gave us a new appreciation for the ancient city. She even gave us a recommendation for lunch following the tour, which was fantastic.
Book a Tour
Let Your Curiosity Shape Your Journey
Join passionate experts on intimate walking tours that reveal a city’s unique stories, spark conversations, and leave you seeing the world—and yourself—a little differently.
Structured, never scripted
Your interests guide your Expert, leading to stories and perspectives that matter to you.
Crafted for conversation
With 12 or fewer guests, ask questions, engage with your Expert, and fully immerse yourself.
Experts, not guides
Explore with 1,200+ Experts—from historians and architects to archaeologists and chefs.
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Go Underground in Rome: Visit Vicus Caprarius and More with a Local Expert
Embark on a captivating journey beneath the bustling streets of Rome with our Rome Underground Archaeology tour. This exclusive exploration offers more than just a glimpse into the ancient city's past; it's a deep dive into the heart of Rome's hidden archaeology. Discover the Vicus Caprarius, an enchanting underground area known as the "City of Water," where history resonates through the ruins and whispers of ancient lives echo through the ages.
This personalized experience is meticulously designed to ensure an immersive journey that aligns with our dedication to educational depth, cultural immersion, and sustainable travel. Led by expert guides with specialized knowledge in archaeology and history, you are guaranteed an enlightening tour that stands apart from typical tourist outings. Visit Vicus Caprarius with a local expert and unravel the layers of history, as well as enjoy exclusive access to the subterranean wonders beneath Piazza Navona, including the impressive Domitian Stadium.
This tour not only reveals the secrets of Rome but also draws parallels with historical narratives from another of Europe's key cities, enhancing the depth and breadth of your learning experience. Whether you're a history buff, a cultural enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, our Rome Underground Archaeology Tour with Vicus Caprarius and exclusive access to the Domitian Stadium promises an unforgettable adventure. Book your tour today and take the first step towards uncovering the hidden treasures of Rome.