We will be in Rome October 5 - 10, and are planning on walking the Appian Way on the day after our arrival--a Sunday October 5, (with no traffic allowed).
I was planning on doing the "reverse" walk as recommended by RS--(in our case taking a taxi from a nearby taxi stand, directly to the Tomb of of Cecilia Metella). We will get an early start, leaving apartment by 8:15 or so.
From the Metella Tomb, walking south first for a bit to see the scenic, quiet and oldest part of the Appian Way. Then reversing our tracks and starting northward.
Hoping to include Catacombs of Callisto (without pre-ordering tickets??) then having lunch, and catching bus #118 at Domine Quo Vadis back to the city, with stops at Baths of Caracalla (no pre-paid tickets, just get them there using a credit card, maybe get audio guide) and then Circus Maximus. Catching same bus back to our area near Piazza Navona.
However, need to fit in lunch and I read in my Frommer's guide about an excellent restaurant called Hostaria Antica Roma. First, any feedback on this? All the reviews seem good...
However, Frommer's address for the restaurant appears to be wrong--they say it's slightly NORTH of the Callisto Catacombs, but Google maps disputes this location. Google says it's in the same location as the (more casual) Appia Antica Cafe/bike rental shop. Has their address changed? This would be much too early for lunch in our walk coming from the south (they open at 12:00).
If Google maps is correct (making Frommer's wrong!), I would do the walk in reverse: taxi drop off at Porta San Sebastiano, Catacombs of San Callisto, etc. walking all the way down to Tomb of Cecilia Metella, and onward south for a bit on the old part of Appian way, and then back to restaurant for lunch when they open at 12:00 noon.
Also, there is a huge walking detour (according to Google maps) taking us off the Appian Way from Villa of Maxentius to Catacombs of San Callisto--like an hour walking versus what I would imagine is a very short distance via the straightforward Appian Way!
Any answers to these questions would be so appreciated...I am confused and frustrated!