Introduction:

Situated amongst the cypress and Mediterranean pine trees, the ruins of the port of ancient Rome

reveals more than any other monument in the capital, what everyday life must have been like in

ancient times.

Leaving Rome and following the sea road, it takes about 30 minutes to reach Ostia, the Roman city of the Imperial age, situated at the mouth of the Tiber river.

Ostia was founded around the 4th century BC by King Anco Marzio and became the harbor of Rome, around which a flourishing trade and business center developed throughout the following centuries.

Until after the Barbarian invasions, when the port was abandoned and silted up heralding the decline of Ostia.

The archaeological excavations undertaken at the beginning of the XIX century have brought the

ancient city back to life.

 

Highlights:

- ‘Via delle Tombe’ which leads you to the ‘Porta Romana’, one of the city’s three gates. This is the beginning of the ‘Decumanus Maximus’, the main thoroughfare that crosses the city from north east to south west.

- ‘Terme di Nettuno’ where you can admire the beautiful black and white mosaics representing

Neptune and Amphitrite.

- the principle public buildings: ‘Il Capitolium’, the temple of Rome and Augustus, the Basilica and

the large thermal baths.

- the House of Diana and the ‘Thermopolium’, an ancient Roman bar with a marble counter and a

fresco depicting the fruit and foodstuffs that were sold there.

- the Museo Ostiense which displays some of the ancient sculptures.

 

Departure Point: Your central Rome hotel

Return Details: Tour concludes at your central Rome hotel

Total time: 4 1/2 hours

Prices per car (NOT per person)

The above prices include: private car, english speaking driver, VAT, taxes, tolls, parking.

The above prices do not include: meals and entrance fees.

Optional service:

private licensed english speaking guide at Ancient Ostia (3 hours): surcharge Euro 260

You are not forced to book a guide, of course.

Anyway, your english speaking driver will take you to Ancient Ostia but he cannot escort and explain you INSIDE the ruins because standing to the italian law only the LICENSED guides are allowed to do this.

In case you do not book a guide you will explore the ruins on your own, while the driver will be waiting for you outside near the car.