What did daily life really look like in ancient Rome—not for emperors, senators and elites, but for bakers, merchants, and families? Just outside the city, Ostia Antica offers one of the most vivid portraits of Roman life anywhere, and you’ll explore it alongside a professional archaeologist or historian who has worked on or studied digs here and across the Ancient Empire.

With exclusive access to a set of beautifully preserved apartment buildings—closed to the public for nearly half a century—you’ll walk through rooms where real Romans once lived, with wonderful frescoes still untouched and perfectly preserved on the walls.

The tour starts in Rome, and you can choose how you’d like to travel: take the same quick electric train locals use, or opt for a private car for a more comfortable ride. Along the way, your guide will introduce you to Ostia’s unique geography and role as the port of ancient Rome.

Once at the site, you’ll explore the ancient town on foot, wandering through communal baths, street-side shops, food stalls, a bakery, and even a fast-food counter. These aren’t the grand temples of the Forum—they’re the practical, lived-in spaces where Rome’s working class built the empire from the ground up. Your guide brings rare insight and can point out details you’d never notice on your own.

Then comes the moment most visitors never get to experience: a private visit to the Case Dipinte, the “Houses of Paintings.” These residential buildings still bear intricate wall paintings, miraculously intact. Thanks to Context’s exclusive access, you’ll explore them in total peace—just you, your guide, and nearly 2,000 years of history.

With few visitors and no tour buses in sight, Ostia Antica feels like stepping into a different world—quiet, atmospheric, and powerfully real.

The cost of this tour includes the cost of the tickets for the Archeological Site and the special access to the Case Dipinte - Houses of Paintings Complex. You will be responsible for the cost of the train ticket. It is recommended to have cash and small coins with you. If you choose to arrive to and from Ostia by private car, all associated costs are included in the tour price.

Yes, if you want to be picked up from your hotel, please select the optional 2-way car transfers at checkout and share your hotel address with us. In this case, the guide and your private driver will meet you at your hotel.

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 after 5 hours and therefore you will have to return to Rome on your own at the end of the tour.

Why should 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 30/45-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 the general "undiscovered" feeling of the former, it's a more enjoyable, enriching experience.

How do we get from Rome to Ostia? 
You will meet your guide at the Porta San Paolo train station in Rome to board the regional Roma-Lido train to Ostia Antica. The train journey takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, and the guide will assist you in purchasing the train ticket on-site. Alternatively, you may choose to use a car service, available as an option at checkout. If you select the car service, the guide and driver will meet you at your hotel.

How long is the drive to Ostia?
The drive from Rome to Ostia is about 45 minutes (1.5 hours round trip) depending on traffic. If you choose car transport, please know we book the car based on the size of the group. Please make sure to select the correct vehicle at checkout according to the size of your group and let us know your hotel address in Rome.

Can we visit the Synagogue?
The synagogue in Ostia—the oldest in Europe—is located at the far end of the Archeological Site and it is not usually included on our tour, but it is possible to shape the tour so that we include it. Please let us know in advance so that we can inform your guide accordingly.

What are the Case Dipinte, Houses of Paintings? The Case Dipinte are magnificent ancient Roman apartments in Ostia, known for their well-preserved frescoes. These luxurious residences, likely owned by wealthy elites, have been closed to the public for nearly 50 years. Through a special agreement, we offer exclusive private access to these stunning houses—our guests will have the entire site to themselves during the tour.

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Is this tour wheelchair-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. The guides can adjust the route to cover less ground, but the tour is quite challenging. All guests should wear comfortable walking shoes.

Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.