How to Plan Your Private Tour of Ostia Antica Rome’s Ancient Harbor City

If you’re looking for a unique and history-rich experience in Rome, then you must plan a visit to Ostia Antica. This ancient city was the main port of Rome during the Roman Empire, and it still retains much of its ancient architecture and artifacts. To get the most out of your visit, we recommend a private tour, giving you a relaxed pace and an opportunity to ask your guide questions every step of the way. Here’s how to plan your private tour of Ostia Antica.

Step 1: Choose Your Tour

The first step in planning a private tour of Ostia Antica is by choosing the right tour. The Private Tour of Ostia Antica Rome’s Ancient Harbor City offered by Viator is an excellent option. It includes pre-booked entry tickets to avoid lines, a knowledgeable local guide, and gratuities. You can book the tour online through Viator’s website, which is easy to use and offers many other tours in Rome as well.

Step 2: Plan Your Transportation

Getting to the site of Ostia Antica is easy, but you should plan your transportation. The site is located about 30 minutes from Rome’s city center, and you can get there by train or bus. If you don’t want to bother with transportation, you can also hire a private car to take you directly to the site. Just make sure to coordinate the pickup and dropoff point with Viator beforehand.

Step 3: Dress Appropriately

When visiting Ostia Antica, you should dress appropriately. It’s a site full of ancient ruins, and you’ll be walking on uneven terrain, so wear comfortable shoes. Make sure to dress for the weather too since most of the tour will be outdoors. You should also bring sunscreen, a hat, and a refillable water bottle.

Step 4: Meet Your Guide at the Right Place and Time

Your tour will start at the main entrance ticket office of the Scavi of Ostia Antica, Viale dei Romagnoli 717. Make sure to arrive early to check-in and meet your guide. If you’re not sure how to get there, you can ask Viator for directions or arrange for transportation to pick you up from your hotel.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Private Tour of Ostia Antica

Once you meet your guide, it’s time to enjoy your private tour of Ostia Antica. Your guide will take you on a journey through time, showing you the remains of shops, homes, temples, and more. They will also provide you with commentary on life during the Roman Empire and the rise and fall of the city. You’ll walk along paved roads once bustling with residents and merchants and be amazed by this well-preserved ancient Roman city.

Step 6: End Your Tour

After you’ve taken in all there is to see at Ostia Antica, your tour will end back at the main entrance ticket office, where it started. You can then continue exploring Rome or head back to your hotel. Don’t forget to thank your guide and leave a review for Viator.

Conclusion

A private tour of Ostia Antica is a unique and amazing experience that will take you back in time. By following these steps, you’ll have a smooth and hassle-free tour that you’ll never forget. So don’t wait, book your tour today and discover the wonders of Ostia Antica. Book your tour here.

Insider’s Guide: Planning a Private Tour of Ostia Antica, Rome’s Ancient Harbor City

Ostia Antica is an ancient harbor city situated on the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea, just a short drive from the bustling capital city of Rome. This important historical site offers visitors a rare glimpse into the past, with well-preserved ruins from the Roman Empire, including impressive mosaics, frescoes, and buildings.

If you’re planning a private tour of Ostia Antica, there are several things to consider to make the most out of your experience. Here’s a detailed insider’s guide to help you plan your trip.

Local Attractions

Start your tour at the Ostia Antica Archaeological Park, where you can explore this vast archaeological site with an experienced guide who can provide in-depth knowledge about the history of the city. Tour the amphitheater, the sacred streets, the Forum, the temples, and the ancient Baths of Neptune. While exploring, you’ll see colorful mosaics, frescoes, statues, and ruins of houses and shops. For a unique perspective, take a guided tour with a local expert who can point out the highlights and explain the wonders of ancient Ostia Antica in more detail.

Once you’ve explored the city, take a walk to the Necropolis of Porto, the ancient city’s harbor, which has many tombs and mausoleums, including the Tomb of the Athlete, the best-preserved tomb in the area.

Dining

While there are not many eating places within the archaeological site itself, there is a nearby town of Ostia that has plenty of dining options offering delicious local cuisine. The town is home to numerous family-run restaurants that serve classic Italian dishes like homemade pasta, seafood, and pizza. It is a perfect opportunity to dive into the local culture and enjoy authentic recipes while supporting small local businesses. Just hit up one of the many bars that line the town’s pedestrian streets to grab a shot of espresso or a gelato while people-watching.

Cultural Experiences

Ostia Antica is the best place to experience ancient Roman culture up close. As you walk through the streets paved with ancient cobblestones, you can imagine hearing the merchants call out the prices of their wares and the hustle and bustle of the everyday life of people who lived centuries ago. You can truly immerse yourself in the rich history of Rome by visiting the site’s museum to learn about everyday life in ancient Rome and other historical artifacts.

Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the virtual reality experience area. You can take a virtual tour of the city and see it reconstructed on a computer, providing an accurate image of the city’s former glory.

Local History

Ostia Antica played an important role in ancient Rome, serving as one of the main ports for the region. The Romans used the port to transport goods from all over the world, making it a bustling commercial center. You can still see the ancient roads and stones today and try to envisage the empire’s greatness when it was at its peak.

Off The Beaten Path

For a peaceful escape from the crowds, take a stroll around the nearby Pinewood Forest, which is home to native Umbrella Pine trees that provide a shady respite from the heat. Or you can visit the nearby beach of Ostia and enjoy some relaxation in the sun after all the exploring.

You can also visit the Castle of Julius II, a quiet, elegant medieval fortification with a beautiful garden that gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Renaissance nobility.

Conclusion

Ostia Antica offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history of Rome and the everyday life of ancient Romans. From the well-preserved ruins, mosaics, and frescoes to the many cultural experiences, dining, and off-the-beaten-path options, there’s something here for everyone. Whether you’re a history buff or just want a break from the crowded piazzas of Rome, a private tour of Ostia Antica will be unforgettable. So start planning your trip to Rome and be sure to include this ancient city on your itinerary.