CATACOMBS AND UNDERGROUND CITY TOURS IN ITALY
The 15 best catacombs and underground city tours in Italy you can book today, with what each costs, how long it runs and how far down it goes. Number one is first for a reason; start there.
Spend about 45 minutes with an English or Italian guide in Naples’ vast Catacombs of San Gennaro. See ancient Christian paintings, 5th-century mosaics, a bishop’s crypt, and a baptismal font. Your ticket also covers San Gaudioso and Basilica della Sanità for 12 months.
“I was amazed with the size of catacombs, history and guide (Nello).”
See Rome beneath the surface: the Capuchin Crypt’s 4,000 monk bones, a Caravaggio painting, early Christian catacombs, and San Martino ai Monti. Air-conditioned transfers and skip-the-line entry keep the 2.5 to 3.5 hour tour orderly, with guides such as Emiliano, Andrea, Maria, and Cat bringing the stories to life.
“Paola was amazing!!! So funny and so much knowledge. Always checked in with us to make sure we were ok and if we had any questions. We had 3 tours with her, and my partner and myself had the best time! Thank you so so much Paola! Your amazing personality and knowledge really shined. Thank you for a day we will never forget. 🩷🏴.”
Visit Rome’s bone-lined Capuchin Crypt, the vast Domitilla Catacombs, and ancient ruins beneath San Martino ai Monti. English or Spanish guides lead the catacomb visit, while the crypt uses an audio guide. Transfers connect the sites, making this a smart choice without a car.
“We had the absolute best tour guides for this experience! The Roman Crypts and the Catacombs were so interesting and unreal! Just to think that it was built sooo long ago and hw they accomplished it all!”
Visit the Catacombs of St. Callixtus beneath the Appian Way on a 30-minute guided tour. See the Crypt of the Popes, the Crypt of St. Cecilia, and early Christian frescoes. Guides such as Francesca, Sam, and Fr. Peter have been praised for clear, engaging explanations. Bring a sweater and expect no photography.
“It was interesting and our guide was very informative and respectful. He answered questions and it was a pleasure to meet him”
Travel by minivan from central Rome to the Domitilla Catacombs, then follow an expert guide through four levels of tunnels, early Christian frescoes, burial chambers, and the underground Basilica of Nereus and Achilleus. The small-group tour lasts 90 minutes and includes transport and entry.
“Host was very well informed and shared a lot of valuable info.”
Travel from Piazza Ara Coeli to Rome’s ancient catacombs by open panoramic bus. A multilingual guide leads you through burial tunnels dating to the 2nd century AD. Add the Trevi District underground tour or visit the Capuchin Crypt independently with an audioguide.
“Alessandro was a fantastic guide! Not only do you see the catacombs but you also have the chance to pass by several historic sites on the transport to and from.”
Ride a Cannondale e-bike from central Rome to the Appian Way, Roman aqueducts, ancient walls, and countryside parks. Choose four hours or six hours with a 45-minute catacomb visit. Guides such as Cas, Carmen, and Fabio lead groups of up to 10 riders.
“It was fun riding on the "world's oldest highway", but if you are not a confident cyclist you may want to walk that part. The catacombs were interesting and a bit creepy, but you should know that you can't take pictures inside so no need to prep your camera.”
See Rome's bone-decorated Capuchin Crypt, then ride by private air-conditioned vehicle to ancient Christian catacombs. Guides such as Monica, Fiona, Davide, and Maria bring history to life, while skip-the-line entry keeps the visit moving. Expect covered knees and shoulders, no photography, and underground walking.
“Monika was an amazing guide, she explained the history inna fun and exciting way and took care to answer our questions. The tour was awesome and I can only recommend it!”
Leave central Rome behind on a full-suspension CUBE e-bike, riding ancient cobbles and country paths along the Appian Way to the Villa of Maxentius, Cecilia Metella, catacombs, and the Aqueducts Park. Guides such as Iman, Silvia, Bruno, and Felipe lead small or private groups in four languages.
“Our tour was great, thanks to our guide Adriana. She was very professional, informative and took good care of all our needs. A very confident, trustworthy, friendly, "no nonsense" -guide. And she knew exactly how to get to our 13 year old son who really had the time of his life. Bikes were good. The tour was somewhat expensive but worth it. Best regards to Adriana!”
You’ll ride a Cannondale e-mountain bike from Via Labicana through the Aurelian Walls, Appian Way, catacombs, Circus of Maxentius, and Aqueducts Park. Choose four hours without an underground visit or six hours with a guided catacomb tour, led in several languages by guides such as Oscar, Arina, Agnese, and Pablo.
“Anna was an excellent guide. She explained the safety details well and tried to prepare us for the sections that were in the busy part of the city. The city biking was scary but doable. The majority of the trip was in parks and along the Appian Way. Gorgeous scenery and Anna stopped several times to explain the sites and allow pictures. Excellent trip!”
Join a 45-minute English or Italian tour beneath the Basilica of Santa Maria della Sanità. See early Christian frescoes, noble tombs, skull displays, and artwork by Giovanni Balducci. Your ticket also includes free entry to the Catacombs of San Gennaro for 12 months.
“Our guide Nello was really knowledgeable. He had very good insights to the history”
Leave central Rome for the Appian Way, Cecilia Metella’s tomb, the Aqueducts Park, and San Sebastiano or Domitilla catacombs. An English-speaking guide leads the walks, while private air-conditioned transport links the sites. Expect history, uneven ground, and tight underground passages.
“Excellent guide and intersting tour. I liked the aquaducts and learnt lots. Catacombs fsacinating. Minibus transfer was good and we had a good group.”
Leave central Rome by e-bike with guides such as Alex, Ava, Chris, Iman, or Paolo, then ride through the Aurelian Walls, Caffarella Park, the Appian Way, and the great aqueducts. Choose the 5-hour version for the catacombs, lunch, and an aperitif.
“Best tour ever! Paolo was fun, friendly and super knowledgeable. Saw areas of Rome we never imagined existed and learned a lot”
Spend 195 minutes beyond central Rome with guides such as Federico, Antonella, or Silvia. Walk the Appian Way, visit Cecilia Metella, see the Aqueducts Park, and enter San Sebastiano or Domitilla near closing time. Air-conditioned transport links the sites, but expect uneven roads and plenty of outdoor walking.
“Very informative, knowledgeable, responsive to questions and our specific interests, and caring. Driver had to negotiate protests to mange route.”
Enter the San Domitilla Catacombs with an English-speaking guide such as Mike, Divan, Sean, or Peter. Expect two hours of stories about Roman burial customs, persecution, and the shift from pagan to Christian Rome, plus time near the Appian Way.
“Our guide Sean really brought the catacombs to life (not sure if you can do that!) with his stories and humour. He started by giving us the context and history of catacombs in Rome and built up the story through the ages. We had been in catacombs before but this was a much bigger and more complex system. The link between the catacombs and the construction of Rome was fascinating.”
By boat, by ladder, by staircase or on a rope.
