The Appian Way by Bicycle on a Sunday

Built 312 BC to connect Rome to Brindisi. The oldest and most famous road in the Western world. First ten miles are a regional park. Walking or cycling the ancient basalt paving stones beneath umbrella pines is the closest you'll come to physically touching the Roman Empire.

Catacombs of San Callisto and San Sebastiano (guided tour): underground burial chambers with early Christian frescoes. Villa of the Quintilii three miles down: imperial estate so large Commodus murdered its owners. Sundays the road closes to cars. Bike rental at the park entrance near Baths of Caracalla. Water and a picnic — few services past the first mile.