Be stunned by the incredibly well-preserved ruins of Ancient Ostia dating back to the 4th century BC. Ostia was once one of the main Roman cities thanks to its position and the presence its harbor.
Ostia was a port of republican Rome and a commercial centre under the empire. The Romans considered Ostia their first colony and attributed its founding (for the purpose of salt production) to their fourth king. At the height of Ostia’s prosperity in the early 2nd century ce, its population was approximately 50,000. The growing population was accommodated by means of tall brick apartment buildings of three, four, and five stories. During the Ancient Ostia Private Tour you will discover the floors paved with mosaic, and the walls elaborately painted and you will walk down the main street, the Decumanus Maximus, you will see ancient houses, taverns, baths, grocers and apartments. Marvel at still-intact mosaics and enjoy the view of the amphitheater.
Meet your English Speaking driver at the lobby of your hotel or just outside your AirBnb or appartment
Meeting in front of the ticket office at the entrance of the Scavi. The guide will hold a board with your name on it
You will meet your official tour guide at the entrance of the archeological park, you will go inside with your skip the line tickets and you will see the most important and fascinating places inside the archeological area as the Necropoli, the Porta Romana, the Neptun's public bath, the ancient theater, the Forum, the Thermopolium, the Diana's house and the Forum's public bath plus more hidden gems along the way.
Spectacularly set in the Roman countryside surrounded by umbrella pines and swaying cypresses, discover why the port city of Ostia was a vital cog in the massive machine of the Roman Empire. Walking among buildings still full of traces of daily life and decorated with wonderful mosaics, frescoes and statues, discover what it was like to live in an ancient Roman city over two millennia ago.
Exploring the network of streets of Ostia in the company of one of our expert guides, we will paint a fascinating portrait of ancient life in all its variety. Visit cramped apartment blocks and luxurious mansions, recreating the lives of the people who once lived here and whose memories still echo through these haunting spaces. Unravel the political intrigues in the city Forum and discover the mysteries of the complex pagan rites in the countless temples of Ostia. Visit some of the best preserved ancient baths decorated with fabulous mosaics and learn all about the commercial networks that supported the city in its evocative market: goods of all kinds arrived here every day from the most remote corners of the known world on their way to Rome, from wheat to wine, slaves and exotic animals. Meanwhile, climbing the marble steps of the city's spectacular theatre, we will enjoy breathtaking views of the ruins stretching in all directions.
In Ostia the smallest details of daily life in the ancient world can be recreated with astonishing precision and you may be amazed to discover how little some things have changed. Stroll through an ancient bakery and see up close the mills and ovens that produced huge quantities of bread for a starving population, and admire the mosaics that pay homage to the bounty of the sea at a fishmonger. Your best bet is to enter 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 fish garum sauce lingering in the air.
A trip to the fascinating ancient port of Rome is a unique opportunity to experience the distant age of antiquity in the flesh. The majestic archaeological park of Ostia Antica is still far from the usual tourist itineraries, but it will not remain hidden forever: book your Ostia Antica tour today
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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