Rome: Private Ostia Antica Tour

Embark on a fascinating voyage back in time on our Ostia Antica tour and explore the magnificently preserved remains of the Roman Empire’s most important port. Just half an hour from the Eternal City by train, the vast ruins of Ostia Antica rival Pompeii for their size and incredible state of preservation - but without the crowds! Spectacularly sited in the Roman countryside surrounded by umbrella pines and swaying cypress trees, learn why the harbour city of Ostia was a vital cog in the massive machinery of the Roman empire. Wandering through buildings still rich with the traces of everyday life and decorated with wonderful mosaics, frescoes and statues, discover what it was really like to live in an ancient Roman town over two millennia ago.

Exploring Ostia’s grid of streets in the company of one of our expert guides, we’ll paint a fascinating portrait of ancient life in all its variety. Visit cramped apartment blocks and luxurious villas, recreating the lives of the people who once lived here and whose memories still echo through these haunting spaces. Unravel political intrigues in the town’s Forum and discover the mysteries of complex pagan rites in Ostia’s countless temples. Visit some of antiquity’s best preserved baths decorated with fabulous mosaics and learn all about the trade networks that sustained the city in its atmospheric marketplace - goods of all kinds arrived here daily from the furthest flung corners of the known world on their way to Rome, from grain to wine, slaves and exotic animals. Climbing the marble bleachers of the city’s spectacular theatre meanwhile, we'll enjoy breathtaking views of the ruins stretching out in all directions.

At Ostia the smallest details of daily life in the ancient world can be recreated with astonishing precision, and you might be amazed to discover how little some things have changed. Wander through an ancient bakery and get a close-up look at the grain mills and ovens that churned out vast quantities of bread for a hungry populace, and admire mosaics that pay homage to the sea’s bounty at a fishmonger’s. Best of all, pop in to the extraordinary thermopolium - the ancient world’s equivalent of a fast-food restaurant - where the menu is advertised in vibrant mosaics on the walls. You can still practically smell the pungent aroma of fishy garum sauce lingering in the air.

A trip to Rome's fascinating ancient port is a unique opportunity to experience the distant age of antiquity in the flesh. The awe-inspiring archaeological park of Ostia Antica is still far from the usual tourist itineraries, but it won’t stay under the radar forever - book your Ostia Antica tour today and discover the ancient world’s best kept secret!

Not suitable for

• Wheelchair users

What to bring

• Comfortable shoes
• Water

Know before you go

• As this is a walking tour through an archaeological park with steps and uneven walkways, comfortable walking shoes and a bottle of water are strongly recommended.
• Please advise during the booking process if there are any travelers with mobility concerns so that we can best accommodate you.