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Ostia Antica Day Trip from Rome: Explore the 'Better Pompeii' with Semi-Private Guided Tour
4.8
468 Ratings
Roma
Embark on a journey to Ostia Antica, deemed ‘The Superior Pompeii’ by authorities in the field. Just a stone’s throw away from Rome, experience this fascination in an intimate small group capped at 12 individuals! Ideal for those yearning to delve into the intricacies of antique Roman ruins but pressed for time to visit Pompeii.
Duration:
4 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Rome - Meeting place prior to start the tour
- Parco Archeologico di Ostia Antica - Your tour starts at a meeting location in Rome, where you’ll meet your guide, who provides your round-trip train ticket. Then hop aboard the train for the ride southwest of Rome to Ostia Antica, which lies near the coast.
When you arrive, take a 2.5-hour leisurely walking tour through the ancient ruins, noting their highly preserved state for which this archaeological site is so renowned. Dating as far back as the 4th century BC, the ruins include structures like an amphitheater, the Forum of the Corporations, the Collegiate Temple, taverns and public baths. Once home to more than 100,000 people, Ostia was the port city of Ancient Rome.
Walk along the main road, Decumanus Maximus, while your guide tells you stories about life in town. Admire the intact Roman statues that line the walkways; pass by the Baths of Neptune, crowned by a mosaic that depicts the Roman god of the sea behind a 4-hourse chariot; and take a seat in the amphitheater, which dates back to 12 BC and was built to hold 3,500 spectators. Shops and apartments make up some of the smaller buildings. When your time at the site is up, you’ll return to Rome by train.
What's Included
- Round-trip train ticket from Rome
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide
- Exclusive semi-private group (max 12 people)
- Admission to Ancient Ostia included
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Additional Information
- Children under the age of 18 might be requested to show their ID card at the entrance of the site, so please bring it with you on the tour.
- While our day trips are typically of a fixed duration, external factors may occasionally extend tour times slightly. We appreciate your understanding and planning as we strive to provide you with the best possible experience.
Location
P.za Ostiense, 11
Piazzale Ostiense
Cafe Piramide, when facing the Piramide metro (Line B – the blue line) stop on your right hand side is the cafè, just in view of the train tracks and the exit from the trains. You can recognize the cafè by the white umbrellas on the tables outside.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(468 Ratings)
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Camper42971390512
Jun 7, 2024
Ostia Antica experience - Our trip to Ostia Antica was, in a word, wonderful. We were so fortunate to have, as our guide, Angela. She was so knowledgeable about the history of the site and very patient in answering any of our questions very thoroughly and in a way that made the whole experience fun and enjoyable. Would very highly recommend this your and especially, this guide.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Paula_m
May 9, 2024
Skip the lines at Pompei and visit Ostia Antica - Caterina was a very knowledgeable tour guide. She made the experience very enjoyable and the place itself is well worth the visit.
Review provided by Viator
Glenn_b
May 5, 2024
When in Rome, don't overlook this gem - Our guide was very knowledgeable and helped bring the history of this amazing place to life. Ostia Antica is a short train ride from Rome, and it doesn't draw large crowds. The sights are incredible. Check it out!
Review provided by Viator
Neve_d
Apr 26, 2024
Must see ! - This tour was the highlight of our trip to Rome! Do not miss it! Catrina was an excellent guide, very knowledgeable and friendly, showed us all the highlights and then left us to potter around the rest of the site on our own. The tour is around 2.5 hrs but you could spend all day at Ostia there is so much to see and a lovely cafe too.
Review provided by Viator
Susan_n
Apr 22, 2024
Fascinating and beautiful - Take a break from crowds and drink in ancient history. Ostia Antica was a wonderful experience. Our guide, Lara, was a great storyteller, blending history with enthusiasm and animation for the entire tour. In my opinion, Ostia Antica needs to be on the "must see" list for Rome. The ruins are extensive and give a very clear concept of ancient Roman life. I can't say enough, how much I enjoyed the excursion and all that I learned. It was such a delight to be able to wander without pressure or feeling crowded.
Review provided by Viator
Lisa_b
Apr 14, 2024
highly recommended - Super interesting and not at all crowded, very easy and cheap to get to from Rome, hot but there were trees and opportunity's to sit in the shade
Review provided by Viator
Michael_m
Apr 13, 2024
Wonderful time in Ancient Ostia with Caterina - Caterina was excellent. She was extremely personable and knowlegable on Ancient Ostia and Ancient Roman life. My family and I thoroughly enjoyed her tour. It was like being transported back in time. Ancient Ostia is not to be missed. Make sure to ask for Caterina when booking.
Review provided by Viator
Lisamulhol
May 23, 2024
Ostia Antica - This was a truely special tour 25 mins out of Rome to see the remains of Ostia Antica without hordes of people. Our guide Caterina was knowledgeable and funny. Highly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Isobel_b
Apr 24, 2024
Great experience - Guide was lovely and knowledgeable, and it was plenty of time to see the place. You had the option to stay in town after too.
Review provided by Viator
Wairimu_m
May 11, 2024
Customer Service Failure - I rarely give bad reviews, because at the least I appreciate effort. I arrived to the meeting spot as listed, did not see people so I walked around to see if maybe on the other side. Pretty sure we crossed paths. Miscommunication can happen, but what should never happen when in the business of meeting people for the first time is not having a means to communicate. I reached out to he operator via Viator app, phone and text. All without success. The only response was automated "This number is for broadcast only. Your message was not read!" The exclimation mark was all them. As I didn't cancel and my contact info was accessible why didn't I get a text/call from a human saying literally anything? Nearly every adult has a phone in their pocket, to be 100% unacessible is unacceptable.The experiences sell themselves, but customer service separates tour operators.This was a fail. Additionally the directions state red umbrellas in the meet up. Likely there used to be red umbrellas, but how much effort does it take to switch out that minor detail for what don't look like brand nee white umbrellas. Bypass this operator. I took the train myself and got the audio tour all for about half the cost, save yourself money and potential stress.
Review provided by Viator
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