Get ready to dive deep into Roman history and discover Ancient Ostia with an expert guide. Our driver will pick you up at your centrally located hotel in the morning. You’ll reach Ostia (30 km or 18,6 miles from Rome) with no stress and attend the most complete tour of ancient Rome’s first colonia (or outpost) located just four kilometers (2,5 miles) from the sea!
The archaeological site of Ostia Antica is a real treasure trove of ancient Roman history. It was once a bustling seaport, and its ruins are still incredibly well-preserved today. In fact, the site's buildings still show magnificent frescoes, marbles, and mosaics, which are a testament to the incredible craftsmanship of the ancient Romans.
One of the most fascinating things about Ostia Antica is its location at the mouth of the Tiber River, which is where its Latin name derives from: ostia - from os - means 'mouth'. In ancient times, Ostia Antica was an important trading port, and it played a crucial role in the growth of the Roman Empire. During Julius Caesar's time, it was one of the most thriving Roman seaports and a key center for commerce.
As you explore the ruins of Ostia Antica, your expert guide will treat you with fascinating stories and anecdotes about life in ancient Rome. You'll admire the fascinating remains of old streets, blocks of apartments, dwellings, and huge statues, and even take a look inside Ostia Antica's theater, overlooking the Forum.
Did you know that the theater was once used for gladiator fights and other public spectacles? Your guide will tell you all about the history of this impressive structure and how it was used in ancient times.
Another highlight of the Ostia Antica tour is the public baths, of which there were 26 complexes in total. You'll learn about the different types of baths, how they were used, and the rituals associated with them. The Baths of Neptune, located to the east of the theater, are particularly impressive and contain an open-air palestra. Here, you'll be able to admire a stunning, almost-intact original mosaic of the God of the sea pulled by a four-horse chariot on display.
As you walk down the Decumanus Maximus, the main street of ancient Ostia, your guide will point out the different shops, taverns, and public buildings that lined the street. You'll learn about the daily life of the inhabitants of Ostia Antica, how they lived, worked, and played.
At the end of the tour, you'll have gained a deeper understanding of ancient Roman history and the incredible legacy of the Roman Empire. Return to Rome with a newfound appreciation for the achievements of this incredible civilization. Book now and get ready to dive deep into Roman history with our expert guide!
- Hotel pick-up/Meeting Point: our driver will pick you up from your centrally located hotel in Rome in the morning, if this is the option you selected and booked, otherwise you will reach the meeting point indicated on your own;
- Departure from Rome: you'll leave Rome and head towards Ostia, which is about 30 km away.
- Arrival at Ostia Antica: upon arrival, your expert guide will take you on a tour of the ancient city, pointing out its many fascinating ruins and sharing stories and anecdotes about life in ancient Rome.
- Return to Rome: at the end of the tour, you'll return to Rome with a newfound appreciation for the achievements of the Roman Empire.
Kindly note that hotel drop off is not included.