Ancient Ostia, Rome’s former harbor town, offers a captivating glimpse into the daily lives of ancient Romans. On this half-day tour, visitors can discover the remarkably preserved ruins and structures that once bustled with activity. Led by a knowledgeable guide, the journey along the Decumanus Maximus promises unique insights into Ostia’s rich history, from its founding in the 4th century BC to its role as a thriving commercial hub. For history enthusiasts, this tour presents a chance to step back in time and uncover the secrets of this remarkable archaeological site.
About Your Stay

- This half-day tour explores the well-preserved ruins of Ancient Ostia, an ancient Roman harbor town near Rome, providing insights into daily life in ancient times.
- The tour includes a 3-hour guided walk along the Decumanus Maximus, allowing visitors to view Roman statues, the Baths of Neptune, and other remarkably preserved structures.
- The tour is available in English, French, and Spanish, and includes pickup from hotels within the Aurelian Walls, making it convenient for travelers.
- With a professional local guide, the tour offers a unique opportunity to learn about the history and archaeology of this important ancient site.
- The tour is priced at $270.73 per person and has received highly positive reviews from previous participants for its exceptional educational value and preservation of the site.
Tour Overview

The tour, titled "Rome: Ancient Ostia, Archaeology and History, Half Day Tour," is priced from $270.73 per person and lasts approximately 4 hours.
Available in English, French, and Spanish, the tour offers private or small group options. Pickup from hotels within the Aurelian Walls is included.
Visitors will explore the well-preserved ruins of Ancient Ostia, a 4th-century BC harbor town often compared to Pompeii.
With a professional local guide, they’ll walk along the Decumanus Maximus for 3 hours, learning about the site’s fascinating history.
The tour includes entrance fees, transportation, and gratuities.
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Experience Highlights

Visitors will explore the ruins of Ancient Ostia, a harbor town founded in the 4th century BC and known for its exceptional preservation, often compared to Pompeii.
Visitors will explore the ruins of Ancient Ostia, a harbor town founded in the 4th century BC and known for its exceptional preservation, often compared to Pompeii.
They’ll walk along the Decumanus Maximus with a professional local guide for 3 hours, learning fascinating historical stories.
The tour includes seeing Roman statues and the Baths of Neptune, featuring an intact mosaic of the Sea God.
Visitors can also discover the remains of taverns, baths, apartments, groceries, and theatres, providing a unique glimpse into the daily life of ancient Romans.
Inclusions

This tour includes a 3-hour guided exploration of the ancient ruins with a professional guide.
Visitors will explore the well-preserved remains of Ostia Antica, including taverns, baths, apartments, groceries, and theaters.
The guided walk along the Decumanus Maximus promises fascinating historical insights.
Admission to the site is included, as is round-trip transportation in an air-conditioned minivan with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Gratuities are also covered, making this a hassle-free experience.
Comfortable shoes and a camera are recommended to make the most of this immersive archaeological adventure in the Roman harbor town.
Important Information

Although free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, this tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
This tour may not be suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users despite the free cancellation policy.
Certain recommendations for guests include:
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Wearing comfortable shoes for navigating the ancient ruins.
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Bringing sunglasses and a camera to capture the well-preserved Ostia Antica site.
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Considering the reserve now & pay later option for flexibility.
Guests should be aware of the tour’s physical demands and plan accordingly to ensure an enjoyable experience exploring the rich history and archaeology of Ancient Ostia.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews

The Ancient Ostia tour has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from past participants.
With an impressive 5/5 overall rating based on 3 reviews, customers have praised the exceptional preservation of the archaeological site, often drawing comparisons to the famous Pompeii.
Reviewers have highlighted the tour guide’s expertise in bringing the historical stories to life during the 3-hour exploration of the ruins.
Visitors have marveled at the well-preserved Roman structures, including taverns, baths, and theatres, providing a unique window into the daily life of an ancient harbor town.
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Exploring Ancient Ostia

Founded in the 4th century BC, Ancient Ostia was once a thriving harbor town that served as the commercial hub for the city of Rome.
Today, visitors can explore the remarkably well-preserved ruins, including:
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Bustling taverns, baths, and theaters that provide a glimpse into daily Roman life.
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The Decumanus Maximus, the main street where a professional guide offers fascinating historical insights.
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The Baths of Neptune, featuring an intact mosaic of the Sea God.
Wandering through these ancient ruins, travelers can enjoy the rich history and archaeology of this once-vibrant port city, often compared to the famous Pompeii.
Preserved Ruins and Structures

Ostia’s ruins and structures have remarkably withstood the test of time, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into ancient Roman life. As you wander through the archaeological site, you’ll encounter well-preserved taverns, baths, apartments, and even a grand theater. The Baths of Neptune, in particular, feature an intact mosaic depicting the Sea God himself. To highlight the exceptional preservation, consider this table:
| Structure | Condition | Significance |
| — | — | — |
| Taverns | Remarkably intact | Provided food, drink, and lodging |
| Apartments | Largely preserved | Showcased daily Roman living |
| Theaters | Extensive remains | Hosted cultural performances |
| Baths | Mosaic floors intact | Served as social hubs |
Exploring these ruins transports you back to Ostia’s vibrant past as a thriving harbor town.
Guided Tour of Decumanus Maximus

As you wander along the Decumanus Maximus, the main east-west thoroughfare of Ostia, your professional local guide brings the ancient city to life with fascinating historical stories.
They’ll share insights about:
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The well-preserved taverns, baths, apartments, and groceries that line the street, offering a glimpse into daily Roman life.
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The impressive Roman statues and the iconic Baths of Neptune, featuring an intact mosaic of the Sea God.
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The significance of Ostia as a harbor town founded in the 4th century BC, known for its exceptional preservation, often compared to Pompeii.
Questions About Your Stay

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility issues, so it’s likely not suitable for pets either. Participants are recommended to wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses and a camera.
Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
The tour may not be ideal for families with young children. It involves extensive walking and exploring ancient ruins, which could be challenging for little ones. However, private tours or customizations may be available to accommodate families’ needs.
Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?
The tour has a set 4-hour duration, but travelers can’t extend it. However, they may opt for a private or small group tour to have more flexibility in the itinerary. This allows them to spend more time at specific sites if needed.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Included Transportation?
The tour does not mention any dietary restrictions for the included transportation. The minivan service is likely to accommodate standard needs, but travelers with specific dietary requirements should contact the tour provider to confirm accommodations prior to booking.
Are There Any COVID-19 Safety Protocols in Place for the Tour?
The tour operator hasn’t specified any COVID-19 safety protocols. However, it’s recommended to follow local guidelines and requirements at the time of travel. Travelers should check with the operator for the latest updates on safety measures in place.
Final Verdict On This Stay
Explore the rich history and archaeological wonders of Ancient Ostia on this captivating half-day tour. Witness stunning Roman ruins, discover the daily lives of ancient Romans, and gain unique insights with a professional guide. Convenient hotel pickup and air-conditioned transportation ensure a hassle-free experience, making this tour a must-see for history enthusiasts visiting Rome.
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