ROME UNDERGROUND & APPIAN WAY, ST. JOHN LATERAN OR SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE BASILICA

Experience the Appian Way, the earliest and strategically most important Roman roads of the ancient republic. It served as the main route for Roman traders and warriors traveling to the far eastern reaches of the Empire.  See the Christian Catacombs, the burial grounds of the earliest Christians who were laid to rest below the earth in subterranean passageways that form real labyrinths several kilometres long, along which rows of rectangular niches. Roman law at the time prohibited the burial of the deceased in the interior of the city, for which reason all of the catacombs were located outside of the walls. These separated and hidden places below ground constituted the perfect refuge in which the Christians could bury their own, freely using Christian symbols. Your guide will lead you to St. John Lateran, the former seat of the Papacy or Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica, the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Virgin Mary.  Please note, this tour is not recommended for clients with walking limitations.  There is a required dress code for Catacombs.  Knees and shoulders must be covered.  Sandals are not permitted. It is chilly so be prepared.