Half-Day Ostia Antica Archaeological Site Day Trip from Rome

See an ancient Roman city come to life
From US$1,309 privately
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Tour Details
Duration
5 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
Ostia Antica Archaeological Site
Photos & Highlights
  • Tour an excavated city outside of Rome with an archaeologist or classical historian
  • Visit ancient baths and an ancient restaurant to get a feel for daily life
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Tour Description
Our Ostia Antica tour, a popular day trip from Rome, provides an in-depth way to visit this stunningly preserved ancient Roman city. With an archaeologist or classical historian leading the way, we’ll pick our way through two thousand-year-old apartment complexes, visit a bygone restaurant, and learn about bizarre religious cults.

We’ll begin our Ostia Antica tour in Rome with a short private car or van ride toward the coast. Along the way, our guide will discuss the regional geography of the area, Ostia's role as Rome's port, and the historic background leading up to the town's rise in the Imperial era. On-site, we will spend 3.5 hours combing through the ruins, which include some of the best examples of baths, a fantastic amphitheater, and several Mithraic temples, not to mention a forum with temples. As we walk, we’ll focus on the daily life of regular, working-class Romans. We'll spend time in the market area with its wonderful mosaics discussing the economy of the empire and the materials and commodities that made their way through there every day. We will also spend time in the insulae (apartment houses) that characterize Ostia and even visit an ancient bakery and fast-food restaurant.

At the end of our Ostia Antica tour, participants are free to linger on-site (where there is also a modern restaurant) or return to Rome with our guide. If you decide to remain and are booking a private tour, you can ask our team to delay the return car or van transfer.  If you are booking a small group tour and would like to stay on-site longer, you will need to return to Rome by train.

Note:
The synagogue in Ostia—the oldest in Europe—is located at the far end of the site, but is not usually included on our tour. On private tours, it is possible to shape the tour so that we include it—please let our team know in advance that you would like to visit this area of the archaeological site. 


Why Ostia Antica?

Why would I tour Ostia Antica instead of Pompeii? There are two reasons many of our clients in Rome choose to visit Ostia over Pompeii. The first is that it's much closer and easier to visit. While it takes up to three hours to get to Pompeii from Rome, Ostia is a quick 25-minute train ride. The second reason is that many scholars feel that Ostia is a better example of a real, working-class town than Pompeii. We add a third reason. Visiting Ostia has a lower carbon footprint than visiting Pompeii, and given the crowds at the latter and general "undiscovered" feeling of the former, it's a more enjoyable, enriching experience. 


If you are interested in continuing to explore Ancient Rome, we highly recommend our Roma Antica Forum Tour and our Underground Rome Tour, two exceptional antiquities tours in our Rome Walking Tours program.


FAQ

What is a private tour?
Our private tours are limited exclusively to travelers in your party. They are designed to provide a learning experience that is completely tailored to you and your traveling companions. Private tours give you more flexibility with scheduling (you decide when the tour best fits in your trip), the ability to tailor your itinerary (we'll work to match the itinerary to the interests and dynamics of your group), and more personalized time with your guide.

Are tickets included?
Yes. The cost of this tour does include a ticket to the site.

How long is the van ride?
We book a van, and the one-way transfer is 45 minutes (1.5 hours round trip).

Is it possible to spend more time on-site on our own?
You are welcome to stay more time on-site, but the guide's time with you ends at 1:30 pm. You may choose to take the train from the Ostia train station to go back to Rome or arrange for additional transportation.

Is this tour mobility friendly?
Ostia Antica is an archaeological site that is still being uncovered, making it very difficult for wheelchairs, walkers, or canes. The average group tour covers about 3 miles. Private tours have the option to cover less ground, and are the best option for those with mobility concerns. All guests should wear comfortable walking shoes.
Where You'll Start
302 Reviews (4.76)

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Great tour to an overlooked gem! Livia is knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate!
Wonderful guide.
Sabrina is a personable, enthusiastic, and very knowledgeable guide to ancient Ostia, and we enjoyed a rainy morning in her company learning about daily life in ancient Rome. We had the site almost to ourselves; it’s remarkable to find remains of such quality virtually deserted. With a guide like Sabrina, it was a fascinating experience.