Crypts, Bones & Catacombs: An Underground Tour of Rome

Highlights

  • Explore the catacombs of the early Christians in Rome.

  • Visit one of the best-preserved sections of the catacombs.

  • Peek at eerie decorations in a historic bone crypt.

  • Drive along the Appian Way, Ancient Rome's most important road.

  • Enjoy private roundtrip transportation from central Rome.

Summary

Explore the crypts and catacombs of Ancient Rome on a half-day small-group bus tour. See underground cemeteries and temples that once housed many of the city’s dead and its most mysterious cult, a guaranteed thrill for adults and children alike.

Tour info

Duration
3 hours
Group Size
18
Pricing (From)
Adult (15+): (15-99 years)
€74.00
Child (2-14): (2-14 years)
€69.00
Infant (0-1): (0-1 years)
€0.00
Commentary
English
Dropoff location

Piazza Barberini or Piazza Trilussa, Rome, IT

Why take this tour?

Peel back the layers of Roman history—quite literally—with a thrilling exploration of its underground tombs and chapels. Visit a hidden bone crypt, where you'll find thousands of artistically displayed bones. Next up is the Roman Catacombs, home to stunning frescoes and thousands of centuries-old bones. Learn about early Christianity from your guide while meandering the endless darkened tunnels.

This Roman catacombs tour starts in one of the most singular and spine-tingling sights in Rome, a bone chapel from as early as the 16th century. The cemetery festooned with the bones and remains of thousands of individuals is a jaw-dropping display of life and death. Although it might appear macabre, your expert guide will tell you why the early Christians in Rome actually consider the display life-affirming. 

After this brief introduction for your guide, it's time to enter the crypt. As the crypt is located beneath a fully functional church, you'll explore the chambers on your own to respect those worshipping and then reunite with your local guide to ask any questions.

Next, it's off to the city's most interesting catacombs. The catacomb contains miles of creepy tunnels and the world’s oldest collection of bones. Your expert, guide, hand-picked for knowledge of the catacombs, will lead your small group of 18 people or fewer through these wonderfully historic and atmospheric tunnels, while telling you the story of early Christianity. Large groups simply can’t fit into these areas, so take advantage of this truly unique access.

With comfortable, air-conditioned transport throughout, your only responsibility is to immerse yourself in the thrills and wonder of Rome. Our expert guides have been hand-picked for this experience based on both their knowledge and love of history. They make the perfect escorts through our eeriest and most mysterious tour.

What’s included?

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Expertly guided walking tour

  • Entrance ticket to Catacombs of Rome

  • Expert Catacombs guide

  • Entrance ticket to Roman bone crypt (with audio guide when necessary)

  • Transportation (Minibus with air conditioning)

  • Small group of 18 people or fewer

  • Gratuities

  • Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off

Things to know

Before you book

  • Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, those with claustrophobia may want to consider another tour.

  • The ancient sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact us for alternative options.

  • Should the San Sebastiano catacomb close, your tour will visit another one of the catacombs along the Appian Way.

  • Photography is not allowed in the sites visited on this tour, due to their religious nature

  • Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.

Before you go

  • This tour is in English.

  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.

  • The tour meeting time is 15 minutes prior to the start time. No refunds or re-bookings can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.

  • Due to the tight nature of the catacombs, those with claustrophobia may want to consider another tour.

  • The ancient sites on this tour are not wheelchair or stroller-friendly. Please contact us for alternative options.

  • Should the San Sebastiano catacomb close, your tour will visit another one of the catacombs along the Appian Way.

  • Both men and women are required to cover both shoulders and knees due to the religious nature of this site.

  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.

  • This tour will end in Piazza Barberini or Piazza Trilussa depending on the day

Cancellation Policy

    Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Redemption information

    Mobile tickets will be accepted


    Your voucher will be collected or scanned on redemption

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.