Uncover the captivating history of ancient Ostia, the former harbor city of Rome, on this engaging semi-private tour. Stroll through the remarkably well-preserved ruins and learn about the daily life of the ancient Roman empire. Guided by a local expert, you’ll explore impressive structures and gain insights into the city’s vibrant past. With a small group size and comfortable transportation, this tour promises an enriching archaeological adventure just outside the bustling capital.
Key Points
- Explore the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ostia, also known as "The Better Pompeii," on this half-day tour from Rome.
- Enjoy a guided tour of Ostia’s baths, taverns, homes, marketplaces, and amphitheater, gaining insights into daily life in the ancient empire.
- Travel in an air-conditioned minivan for comfort and benefit from a small group size for a personalized experience.
- Discover the impressive ruins and structures at your own pace, with ample time to wander and a knowledgeable local guide.
- Convenience of free hotel pickup and drop-off within the city center, with entrance tickets to Ancient Ostia included in the tour.
Tour Overview
This half-day tour from Rome to Ancient Ostia, often referred to as "The Better Pompeii," allows visitors to explore the well-preserved ruins of a once-glorious Roman city.
The guided tour takes travelers through baths, taverns, homes, marketplaces, and an amphitheater, providing insights into life in the ancient empire.
The tour is limited to a small group, ensuring a personalized experience.
Travelers will travel in an air-conditioned minivan, ensuring a comfortable journey.
With a professional local guide, visitors can enjoy the rich history and well-preserved ruins of this remarkable ancient site.
Fascinated by the past? Here are other historical experiences we've covered in Rome
What to Expect
Upon arrival at the Ancient Ostia site, visitors can expect to be greeted by the impressive ruins of a once-thriving Roman city.
They’ll explore well-preserved structures like baths, taverns, homes, marketplaces, and an amphitheater, gaining insights into daily life in the ancient empire.
The knowledgeable local guide will bring these ruins to life, sharing historical details and context.
Travelers will have ample time to wander at their own pace and soak in the atmosphere.
With the small group size, the experience offers a personalized, relaxed exploration of this oft-overlooked gem, compared to the crowds at Pompeii.
Inclusions and Logistics
The tour includes entrance tickets to Ancient Ostia, a 3-hour guided tour, and free hotel pickup and drop-off within the city center.
Travelers can rely on an emergency contact available via WhatsApp should any issues arise. Meals and drinks aren’t included, but free cancellation is permitted up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
To ensure a smooth pickup, guests must provide their hotel or accommodation address at reservation and confirm the pickup time one day prior.
They should wait in the lobby or outside their accommodation 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup.
Meeting and Pickup Details
The Ancient Ostia tour offers a free pick-up and drop-off service for hotels, apartments, and B&Bs within the Aurelian Walls.
Guests must provide their accommodation address at reservation and confirm the pickup time a day before the tour. They should wait in the hotel lobby or outside their lodging 15 minutes before the scheduled pickup.
The driver will arrive on time to transport the small group to the ancient site. After the 3-hour guided tour, the driver will return guests to their accommodations within the city center.
This convenient service ensures a seamless start and end to the tour experience.
Tour Experience and Reviews
The Ancient Ostia tour experience has been very well-received by travelers. With a 4.9 rating from 18 reviews, 100% of travelers recommend this tour.
Guides are praised for their professionalism, knowledge, and ability to engage with the group. Travelers highlight the relaxed atmosphere, in-depth historical insights, and fewer crowds compared to Pompeii.
Many appreciate the opportunity to explore the well-preserved ruins at their own pace. The tour is rated highly for providing a personalized, small-group experience in an air-conditioned minivan.
Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Rome
- Rome: Colosseum and Roman Forum Private Tour
- The Award-Winning Private Food Tour of Rome: 6 or 10 Tastings
- Angels and Demons Half-Day Guided Tour With Private Coach
- Rome on a Golf Cart Semi-Private Tour Max 6 With Private Option
- Colosseum Arena Floor & Ancient Rome | Semi Private Max 6 People
- Rome Highlights by Golf Cart Private Tour
Tour Accessibility and Recommendations
Although the Ancient Ostia tour is not wheelchair accessible, it remains accessible to those with strollers and offers infant seats for families. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended, as the tour involves walking over uneven terrain in the ancient ruins. Visitors should dress in smart casual attire and provide their correct accommodation address and phone number with the international country code when booking.
Accessibility | Recommendations | Tips |
---|---|---|
Stroller accessible | Moderate physical fitness level | Smart casual dress |
Infant seats available | Correct accommodation details | Free hotel pickup/drop-off |
Not wheelchair accessible | – | – |
Tour Pricing and Booking
The Ancient Ostia tour starts at $265.19 per person, with the price varying based on the group size.
Travelers can book the tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. The tour includes entrance tickets, a 3-hour guided experience, and complimentary pick-up and drop-off within the Aurelian Walls of Rome.
Guests must provide their accommodation address and contact information at the time of booking and confirm their pickup time one day prior. Confirmation is received immediately after booking.
Travelers are advised to dress in smart casual attire and have a moderate fitness level for this semi-private tour.
Common Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
No, food and drinks are not included in the tour. Travelers must purchase their own food and drinks during the experience. The tour price covers only the entrance tickets, guided tour, and transportation to and from the site.
What Language Is the Tour Conducted In?
The tour is conducted in English by a professional local guide. As the tour size is limited to a small group, the guide can provide personalized attention and engage with travelers throughout the experience.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
No special equipment is needed for this tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as the tour involves exploring well-preserved ancient ruins. The tour provides a relaxed, small-group experience with a professional guide to provide insights into life in the Roman empire.
Can I Get a Discount for Booking With a Group?
Yes, you can get a discount for booking this tour in a group. The tour price starts at $265.19 per person, but it varies depending on the group size, allowing for potential savings when booking with others.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
The tour has a smart casual dress code. Travelers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking around the well-preserved ruins of the ancient Roman city of Ostia.
The Sum Up
The captivating half-day semi-private tour from Rome to Ancient Ostia offers a unique opportunity to explore the well-preserved ruins of this ancient Roman city. Guided by a knowledgeable local expert, visitors can enjoy the daily life of the empire, while enjoying a personalized and comfortable journey in a small group setting. This enriching historical adventure is a must-do for anyone interested in uncovering the secrets of Rome’s past.
More Cycling Tours in Rome
- Rome: Appian Way E-bike Tour, Catacombs, Aqueducts & Transfer
- Best of Rome Electric Bike Tour
- Rome E-Bike Small Group Tour of the Appian Way with Private Option
- Private Rome City Bike Tour with quality Cannondale EBike
- Rome City Bike & E-Bike Daily Rental
- Rome Small-Group e-Bike Tour: Villa Borghese, Villa Ada & Coppedè
More Tours in Rome
- Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights
- Best of Rome: Private Tour with Hotel Pick Up
- Best of Rome Vespa Tour with Francesco (Official Licensed Guide)
- Florence & Tuscany Day Tour from Rome with Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Semi Private Art Tour: Michelangelo, Bernini & Borromini
- Rome: Early Bird Vatican Museums Small Group Tour (MAX 6 People)
More Tour Reviews in Rome
Still browsing? Here are more Rome experiences we've covered recently
- Best of the Vatican Tour: Fast Track Highlights
- Best of Rome: Private Tour with Hotel Pick Up
- Best of Rome
- Best of Rome Vespa Tour with Francesco (Official Licensed Guide)
- Florence & Tuscany Day Tour from Rome with Wine Tasting & Lunch
- Semi Private Art Tour: Michelangelo, Bernini & Borromini
- Rome: Early Bird Vatican Museums Small Group Tour (MAX 6 People)
- Bar hopping in Rome
- Rome with Professional Photographer
- Rome: Photo Shoot in Rome with Professional Photographer
- Arena Floor Access Experience for Colosseum & Roman Forum
- Rome: Appian Way E-bike Tour, Catacombs, Aqueducts & Transfer