This is a trip along the Appia Antica, most important of the Roman roadways, which was built in 312 AD to connect Rome with southern Italy. A visit is highly recommended for anyone fascinated by ancient history, archeology and the remains of the greatest empire in human history. The tour includes tombs, sepulchres and ancient ruins set among stately cypresses and pines. The Appia Antica begins at Porta Capena, near Circo Massimo and the Terme di Caracalla (Tel: 06-575 86 26, hours every day 9:00-18:00), one of the oldest of the Roman baths. The excursion begins just after the Porta di San Sebastiano and sets out on what would appear to be a simple country road, if not for the ancient flagstones remaining from Roman times. The first stop is at the catacombs of San Callisto (Via Appia Antica 110, Tel: 06-513 67 25) the most famous necropolis of paleochristian Rome. The tour continues to the tomb of Cecilia Metella, a looming patrician mausoleum of stone. From there, a slight detour leads the way to the Parco della Caffarella, truly one of the most fascinating sights in the Campagna Romana, with its famous grotta della Ninfa Egeria. Guided tour information is a vailable at 06-785 04 04 (Comitato per il Parco della Caffarella). Near the endof the tomb are the sepulchers of those heroes of ancient Rome, Oriazi and Curiazi. Fallen in battle, their remains were laid to rest in the fabulous villa. This marks the end of the walk, but it is recommended that the weary stop for a bite at the restaurant Cecilia Metella (Via Appia Antica 125, Tel: 06-513 67 43) on the way back.