Embark on an extraordinary private tour of the Appian Way and Castel Gandolfo. Experience Rome’s rich history, from the iconic Circus Maximus to the tranquil Papal summer residence, while enjoying breathtaking views, delicious local cuisine, and immersive storytelling.”

Enjoy an extraordinary private tour that immerses you in the city’s enchanting history, making you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. Your exclusive adventure begins with breathtaking views of Palatine Hill, where Romulus and Remus in the 753 BC founded the city, and the magnificent Circus Maximus, the largest stadium of the Empire, built for exhilarating chariot races.

As you stand before the Circus Maximus, which could hold up to 300,000 spectators, you’ll be reminded of its legacy, famously captured in the film “Ben-Hur.” After a brief drive past the impressive Caracalla Baths, the second-largest thermal baths in Rome, you will enter the iconic Appian Way at Porta Capena, experiencing the grandeur of the “Queen of the Roads” like a true Roman.

Your private tour continues with a drive by the elegant San Sebastian Gate and Druso’s Arch, remnants of an ancient aqueduct. Then, driving along the external walls of St. Callixtus Catacombs (note), where the early Christian community excavated tunnels that served as burial sites. In fact, just as the Christian religion requires, the bodies of dead people were laid in niches at the side of those tunnels, waiting for the future resurrection.

Following this immersive experience, the magnificent Cecilia Metella Mausoleum is just 5 minutes away, a testament to the Metella family’s affluence. Here, you can appreciate the typical Mediterranean landscape due to so many Mediterranean pine trees and walk along the ancient Roman basalt stone pavement in tranquility.

From this point, we’ll leave the Ancient Appian Way, driving along the modern Appian Way road leading to Castel Gandolfo, known for the Pope’s summer residence, and to the striking Albano Lake, formed by volcanic eruptions 100.000 years ago.

 

The Castel Gandolfo Pope Summer Residence

The Summer Residence of the Popes has been a retreat for pontiffs during the summer months since the 17th century. The Palace was constructed atop the ruins of a former Roman fortification, with its gardens located on the western side of the property. The architect Carlo Maderno designed the new villa, and later, Gian Lorenzo Bernini enhanced the area by enriching the square adjacent to the Papal palace.

Your visit to the Papal apartments and the Secret Garden can last about 1 hour. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy your lunch at the local trattoria we include, where, among other dishes, you can taste the famous porchetta (roasted pork) known as the best in Italy, along with the local Frascati wine.

After lunch, you can have some free time strolling among the narrow streets of Castel Gandolfo before leaving and driving back to Rome, skirting the volcanic Albano Lake beaches.

Note: The St. Calixtus catacombs are included in our tour of Appian Way and Catacombs.

 

Overview

Embark on a private tour of the Appian Way and Castel Gandolfo, where you will delve into Rome’s illustrious history. Begin with stunning views of Palatine Hill and the majestic Circus Maximus, known for hosting chariot races and accommodating up to 300,000 spectators. Following a drive past the Caracalla Baths, you will enter the renowned Appian Way at Porta Capena, gaining insight into this ancient road. The journey continues with sights of the San Sebastian Gate, Druso’s Arch, and St. Callixtus Catacombs, highlighting their historical significance. The tour culminates at the Cecilia Metella Mausoleum, set amidst a picturesque landscape. Finally, you will proceed along the modern Appian Way to Castel Gandolfo, adjacent to the scenic Albano Lake, enriching your experience with culinary delights and captivating narratives.

Itinerary

• Palatine Hill: start with a panoramic view of the site where Romulus and Remus founded Rome in 753 BC.
• Circus Maximus: View the Empire’s largest stadium, once home to chariot races for up to 300,000 spectators.
• Caracella Baths: A drive-by of the city’s second-largest thermal bath complex.
• Porta Capena & Appian Way: Enter the iconic ancient highway.
• San Sebastian Gate & Druso’s Arch: View these massive gates and remnants of ancient Roman aqueducts.
• Callixtus Catacombs: The external walls of these early Christian burial tunnels.
• Cecilia Metella Mausoleum: A 5-minute hop from the catacombs to see this grand family monument.
• Ancient Roman Basalt Walk: Enjoy a tranquil walk on the original Roman stone pavement among classic Mediterranean pine trees.
• The Modern Appian Way: A scenic drive leaving the ancient ruins behind.
• Castel Gandolfo: Visit the town famous for being the Pope’s summer residence.
• Albano Lake: Conclude at the striking volcanic lake formed roughly 100,000 years ago.

 

FAQs

What is included in the tour price?
The tour includes private transportation in a deluxe vehicle with an English-speaking driver, VAT and taxes, RC insurance, entrance tickets to the Papal Summer Residence, and lunch at a local trattoria.

How long does the tour last?
The duration of the tour is approximately 7 hours.

What will I see during the tour?
You will visit iconic historical sites including the Circus Maximus, the Caracalla Baths, the Appian Way (with stops at San Sebastian Gate and Cecilia Metella Mausoleum), the Papal Summer Residence in Castel Gandolfo, and Albano Lake.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the tour includes lunch at a local trattoria where you can taste traditional dishes like porchetta (roasted pork) and local Frascati wine.

Are Catacombs included in this specific package?
A visit to Catacombs is not included in the standard price, but you can customize your tour by adding this visit as an additional service.

How far in advance should I book?
Online bookings require a minimum of 30 days’ notice. If you wish to book a date within the next 30 days, please contact us directly through our Contact Page.

What is the price range for this tour?
The price varies depending on the number of participants (from 2 to 7 people) and ranges between €606.00 and €1,048.00.

What should I wear?
While not explicitly stated for this specific link, it is highly recommended to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour involves walking on ancient Roman stone pavements.