Private tour in Rome Giampaolo P

Appian way: Christian Catacombs and Pagan Tombs

5.0

(4) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Giampaolo P.

4.9

Guide rating

91

Reviews

Tours delivered

6 hrs

Avg. response time

Welcome to my profile! I am a native, officially licensed Guide for Rome and a licensed Educator in Didactics for the Visually Impaired, with a Doctorate in Art History and a researcher in Arts and Palaeography. The path to becoming an official guide here in Italy is NOT short and straight. I have dedicated a good portion of my life to studying and deeply furthering my passion for Italy, its history and its importance in shaping the world that we all live in today. I am eager to help you to see, understand and to fully grasp, not just the 'wow factor' of what you're seeing, but also its place in all of our histories. No matter where we were born. As a re-enactor I also love to show objects, tools, music, food, scents that may help you to touch, listen, visualize and understand habits of the past. So much has changed and yet, so little. This kind of sensorial experience is also a very good key for the ones with special needs. In fact I am also a specialist in the particular needs of the elderly, the visually impaired and those with mobility issues. Nothing needs to hold you back from what will be not just the holiday of a lifetime, but also a new learning experience. That is why I am more oriented toward the EDUCATIONAL side of the tour, deepening and discussing CULTURAL and HISTORICAL aspects of the masterpieces we will discover together. I lead small groups with a maximum of 8 guests, my tours last longer than the average so that you can feel fully engaged and free to ask whatever you want, and I like answering questions. I love to share my knowledge with those whom are curious and motivated but I am NEITHER AN ENTERTAINER NOR A COMEDIAN; as one my clients noted, "If you're just looking for photo ops and fluff, he may not be the guide for you. But, if you want to learn about the amazing history of Rome, he's your guide!". The key my tours is FACTS: so I DO NOT indulge in blood, gore and spicy gossip but just keep to HISTORY. Believe me: Rome has definitely much more to offer than just the Colosseum and the Vatican! You can learn much more about History and Art visiting lesser known, more exclusive treasures rather than the usual "must-see" blockbuster. For this reason in addiction to the classical itineraries I love also to suggest specific, tailored thematic tours lasting one or more days, in order to favor a full immersion experience of Rome's beauty. And that is surely the best souvenir of all. CREDENTIALS Scuola Specializzazione in Storia dell'Arte (Ph. D. ), Siena (2005) Degree in Art History, Rome (2000) Licensed Vatican Operator for Didactics and Visual and Motorial Disability, Vatican (2012) Licensed Guide for Rome district (2001) Diploma of Librarian, Vatican (2017) Diploma of Archivist & Palaeographer, Rome (1999) none

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Giampaolo P.

Overview of your Rome tour

What were Religion and Death for the Romans? Were their ceremonies, habits and hopes really so different from the ones of the Christians and ours? With this tour you will find answers by visiting the Appian Way, a perfectly preserved ancient road surrounded by the impressive tombs of Rome's elite as the mausoleum of CAECILIA METELLA, the daughter of a senator. You will then explore the christian CATACOMB of Domitilla, one of more than 60 in the city, and you will understand that such underground cemeteries had nothing to do with persecutions but much with a rational use of space. Entering the church of the MARTYRS NEREUS and ACHILLEUS with its poor, touching graves of common people will show the simple and intimate faith of the early Christians. Finally the grandiose S. PAUL'S BASILICA, erected in 390 AD in a pagan cemetery over the tomb of the saint, shows perfectly the transition to an official state religion imposed by the roman Emperors, reflecting the magnificence and decline of their absolute power.

Recent Reviews

Dan H.United States
July 2026

Giampaolo helped us see both the aqueducts and some of the key sites on the Appian Way with limited time.

Dmitry S.United States
July 2025

Very knowledgeable to professional. Gave us very strong insights on the catacombs.

Jean R.United States
October 2023

Wonderful tour and very accommodating. Can't wait to come back !!

Raj S.United States
October 2023

Excellent guide with good command of English. Very thorough and knowledgeable about the subject matter. Always punctual, and very professional. The tour was informative and well organized.

Your Rome tour itinerary

Appian way Mausoleum of S. Caecilia (inside visit) Catacomb of Domitilla and church of S. Nereus and Achilleus (inside visit) (Catacombs of S. Sebastian or S. Callistus if Domitilla not accessible) Basilica of S. Paul outside-the-walls (inside visit) No knives, weapons, glass bottles, alcoholics, backpacks, large bags are allowed. The dress code requires shoulders and knees covered for both women and men. IMPORTANT: Please ALWAYS CHECK FOR AVAILABILITY, no matter what the calendar shows. Due to possible shortage of tickets, please ALWAYS inquire before proceeding with the booking. Please indicate as well special needs or mobility issues if present. Complaints will not be accepted for declining the booking if these rules are not followed. Feel free to contact me if you would like to customize this tour!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Van

Luxury Mercedes class A cars or Viano vans are used for the necessary transportation from one site to the other. All vehicles are less than 2 y.o., fully equipped with A/C, hygienized according to Covid safety standards and driven by professionals. Eating is not allowed on board.

What's included
Other: Tickets for Catacombs and Tomb of Caecilia Metella
Private Guide
Tickets: Catacombs, Caecilia Metella's Mausoleum
Private Transportation With Driver
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Private Transportation
Public Transportation
Accommodation
Tastings
Classes Workshop
Equipment
Services
Meeting location

Rome, Lazio, Italy

Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Architecture
Art And Culture
History
Tour reference number
708311
Languages
Italian
English
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Rome best suited for?

This private tour in Rome is perfect for travellers interested in exploring the historical and religious aspects of ancient Rome. It's ideal for those who want to delve into the differences and similarities between pagan and Christian burial practices. The tour is also suitable for families, as it is kid-friendly, and for those who prefer a light activity level. Additionally, cruise ship passengers can enjoy this as a shore excursion.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Rome be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

Is this private tour in Rome suitable for cruise ship passengers as a shore excursion?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-7 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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