IN SHORT: By car with some portions on foot or, even better, entirely by bike. Dive into the poetic Queen of the Roman consular roads, through monumental gates, tombs, imperial villas and medieval fortresses.
IN MORE DETAIL: Wars and trade brought about the construction of these important roads leading to our south: the Magna Graecia and then the East, North Africa. In the Middle Ages it was long used by pilgrims en route to the Holy Land. Lined with magnificent villas and burial monuments, once abandoned and looted, became the romantic symbol of the fallen Roman civilization. The landscaping eventually consumed the decayed ruins but still today it is a leading attraction, an enchanting beauty frozen in time. We pass through the Porta Appia and ride alongside the catacombs, passing the monumental Tomb of Caecilia Metella, the Circus of Maxentius, and we arrive at the Villa of the Quintilii, or at the aqueducts, depending on the means of transportation you have chosen and the time you decide to dedicate to this excursion. Even without having to go too far, the Appian Way offers beautiful landscapes, antique ruins, beautiful remembrances of bygone years, perfectly situated in a spectacular setting.
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MEETING PLACE In hotel or at bike rental
DURATION 3 hours, 4 or 5 hours
PRACTICAL TIMES Any time. Especially beautiful at sunset.
TRANSPORTATION In rented car with driver, or on bikes.
SUITABLE FOR Everyone. Fun on bikes with children and teenagers.
ACCESSIBILITY Even by car there will be stretches for walking, and the paths can be bumpy. Some sites (villas and tombs) are only partially accessible.
TICKETS The sites are beautiful even without entering their monuments, but in case you so desire: Baths of Caracalla, Villa of the Quintilii and Tomb of Caecilia Metella All tickets: €6. The Museo delle Mure and the Circus of Maxentius: free entry. Catacombs €8 (reduced prices are available for students and children)
NOTES Free admission to all state monuments on the first Sunday of the month (with exception of the catacombs, which are the property of the Vatican).