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Ostia Antica Small Group Tour

5.0(8 reviews)
Rome, Italy
Ostia Antica Small Group Tour — cover photo (1 of 6)

Embark on a journey to Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient port. Discover remarkably preserved temples, shops, and mosaic-filled baths. Our expert storytelling brings this bustling commercial hub to life, offering an authentic glimpse into Roman daily life away from the heavy city crowds.

Location
Rome, Italy
Duration
4h
Starting Times
08:30
Languages
EnglishSpanishFrench
Difficulty
Moderate
Categories
Walking Tour, Historical Tour

Next departure tomorrow at 08:30

Starts in 1d 4h

Our Tour Guide

Italiabout Tours — guide profile photo · Ostia Antica Small Group Tour
Provider:Italiabout Tours Local Tour Provider
Ancient Roman port city exploration
Expert guide
Stunning mosaics and Roman theater
Authentic Roman daily life tour

Overview

Meet at the Ostiense Train Station and take the local train to the archaeological park. Today an evocative and well-preserved sprawl of ancient ruins, Ostia Antica was once Rome’s thriving port city and a bustling commercial center. Due to the fall of the Roman Empire, it was eventually abandoned and, as the river changed course, covered in silt and mud, which protected the city until it was later excavated.

One of Ostia Antica’s most striking sights is the grand outdoor theater which hosted plays and even gladiator fights. See the Square of the Guilds, where ship owners and merchants tried to make their fortune. Just down the street are the public bath houses where people would lounge in pools, work out and clean themselves with olive oil. Walk to the House of Diana and see where the ancients laid their heads at night.

Tour Itinerary

The Gateway to Ostia (Necropolis & Porta Romana)

We begin our journey by walking through the ancient Necropolis, the "city of the dead," before entering the city through the majestic Porta Romana, the main gate that connected the port directly to Rome.

Baths of Neptune & The Roman Theater

Admire the stunning black-and-white mosaics of sea monsters in the Baths of Neptune. Then, we’ll visit the grand Theater, where you can climb the steps for a panoramic view of the entire archaeological site.

Ancient Services (Fullonica Laundry & Luxury Domus)

Discover the "Fullonica," an authentic Roman laundry, to learn about their surprising cleaning methods. Contrast this with a visit to a "Domus," a luxurious private villa belonging to the city's wealthy elite.

The Forum Baths (Terme del Foro)

We explore the largest public baths in the city. Here, you will see the impressive remains of the ancient underfloor heating systems and the massive halls where Romans socialized daily.

Daily Life & Hygiene (Public Latrines)

A fascinating stop at the city’s communal toilets. These remarkably well-preserved "Latrinae" offer a unique and surprisingly social glimpse into Roman hygiene and engineering.

The Religious Heart (Capitolium & Forum)

We reach the center of the city to stand before the Capitolium, Ostia’s most imposing temple. This area was the heartbeat of political and religious life, surrounded by the city's most important monuments.

Working Class Ostia (Insulae & Thermopolium)

We conclude by exploring the "Insulae," the famous multi-story brick apartment blocks. Finally, we’ll visit a "Thermopolium," an ancient Roman café/bar, complete with its original marble counter and frescoed walls.

What's Included

  • Train ticket (roundtrip)
  • Skip-the-line tickets to Ostia archaeological park
  • Expert Tour Guide
  • Small group tour

What's Excluded

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Important Information

What to bring
Comfortable shoes Passport or ID card
Not allowed
Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
This tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users
Are there bathrooms and available?
Yes, there are restrooms at the entrance and near the museum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the train tickets and entrance fees included?
Yes! For your convenience, both the round-trip train tickets from Rome and the entrance fees to the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park are fully included in the tour price.
How much walking is involved?
This is a walking tour of approximately 3 hours. Since we will walk on original Roman stones which are very uneven, comfortable walking shoes are mandatory.
Does the tour run if it rains?
Yes, the tour operates rain or shine. We recommend bringing an umbrella or raincoat as most of the site is outdoors.
Can we stay in the park after the tour ends?
Yes! Once the guided tour concludes, you are free to stay and continue exploring the ruins, visit the museum, or have a snack at the cafeteria at your own pace.
Is the site accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?
While some main paths are accessible, many areas have original Roman paving and stairs, which can be difficult for wheels.

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Overall ratings5.0
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Storytelling

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Next departure tomorrow at 08:30

Starts in 1d 4h

From€99.90
per person