Half-Day Ostia Antica Small Group Tour from Rome

In the company of an expert guide, discover the magnificent ruins of Rome's ancient port city

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4.9 / 5 See All 15 Reviews

· 4.00h · Rome, Italy

The ancient Roman city of Ostia Antica is one of the most underrated day trips from Rome, likely because its large size makes it hard to truly appreciate its long history without an expert leading the way. That’s why we've crafted this half-day tour, including train transport, entry tickets, and a knowledgeable guide, so you can explore its wonders without logistical worries. From the Baths of Neptune to the Amphitheatre, experiencing Ostia Antica's grandeur is a must.

Half-Day Ostia Antica Small Group Tour from Rome

Guide pointing to the ruins of Ostia Antica with a group.

Meet your guide at Cafè Piramide
Ostia Antica
Baths of Neptune
Decumanus Maximus
Ostia’s Amphitheatre

Forum of the Corporations
The Collegiate Temple
The laundry shop and public bath
End in Ostia Antica

Your half-day adventure kicks off in the morning at Cafe Piramide, conveniently located next to Roma Porta S. Paolo station, where you’ll meet your guide and a small group of fellow travelers. After a 30-minute train ride, arrive at the doorstep of the ancient port city of Ostia Antica, which thrived from the 4th century BC through to its gradual decline starting in the 3rd century AD.

Over the following three hours, you’ll delve into the history and daily life of ancient Romans through well-preserved ruins, captivating stories, and detailed explanations. Admire stunning mosaics in the Baths of Neptune, walk along the once-bustling Decumanus Maximus, and stand before the impressive Amphitheatre. Afterward, return to your original meeting point with your group, or explore at your leisure before returning to Rome with an open-ended train ticket.

Half-Day Ostia Antica Tour from Rome Description

Your 4-hour tour includes:

Friendly and knowledgeable guide
Return train ticket from Rome
Ostia Antica entrance ticket
Explore the Baths of Neptune, Ostia’s Amphitheatre, Decumanus Maximus, and more
Free time for independent exploration
Small group size with a maximum of 12 guests

Meet your Guide at Cafe Piramide

Start your half-day adventure at 9:15 am sharp at Cafe Piramide, an espresso bar that tempts you with the aroma of fresh coffee right next to Roma Porta S. Paolo station. Arrive a bit early to indulge in a creamy cappuccino, because before you know it, your guide will whisk you and your fellow explorers onto a train heading for Ostia Antica. As the train winds through quaint villages and the picturesque Italian countryside, your guide will enchant you with tales of this ancient port city.

Welcome to Ostia Antica

Upon your arrival, you’ll quickly see why Ostia Antica is a hidden gem of Roman history. This once-thriving port city, founded in the 4th century BC, was essential for supplying Rome with grain and goods until its gradual abandonment began in the 3rd century AD. Its ruins now stand as a testament to its former grandeur, and as you explore, you’ll happen upon everything from well-preserved streets, extensive remains of warehouses, and detailed mosaics that adorn the floors of ancient buildings. Paired with your guide’s extensive knowledge, you’ll be treated to a rare glimpse into the day-to-day life during the Roman Empire.

Guided Tour of Ostia Antica

Now that you’re familiar with the history of Ostia Antica, it’s time to embark on a guided tour. First, visit the Baths of Neptune to marvel at the mosaics depicting Neptune and his seahorses, a symbol of the Roman’s sophisticated bath culture. Next, stroll along Decumanus Maximus, the city’s main thoroughfare, which was once bustling with merchants and citizens. Ostia’s Amphitheatre is another must-see, with its impressive systems of corridors, stairways, and underground chambers.

Continue to the Forum of the Corporations, the commercial heart of Ostia, where traders from across the empire once gathered. Nearby, the Collegiate Temple, with its stately ruins, provides a glimpse into the religious practices that were central to Roman life. Lastly, the laundry shop and public bath offer an intimate look at the everyday activities that defined the rhythm of this ancient city. Throughout the tour, your guide will share intriguing tales that further bring to life these ruins.

Explore Independently

With the guided portion of the tour complete, you’ll now have free time to explore Ostia Antica at your own pace. Wander through the lesser-known areas of the site, perhaps discovering the ancient warehouses where goods from across the empire were stored. You might also stumble upon the remnants of private homes, each with unique mosaics and frescoes that tell their own stories.

With your open-ended train ticket, you have the flexibility to return to Rome whenever you wish. Spend as much time as you like absorbing the tranquil ambiance and imagining life as it once was in this thriving Roman hub. When you’re ready, simply make your way back to the station for a comfortable journey back to the bustling capital, filled with memories of ancient Rome’s hidden gem. Thanks for joining!

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What you get with this tour

Roundtrip transportation by train
Friendly, English-speaking guide
Ostia Antica tickets
Baths of Neptune, Decumanus Maximus, Ostia’s Amphitheatre and more
Free time in Ostia after the tour
Group size of 12
Guide gratuities
Lunch

See what people are saying

15 total reviews

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4.9/5 (based on 15 reviews)

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1 stars

05 October 2025

Reviewed by
Henry Mlynarski

Narelle

11 September 2025

Reviewed by
Narelle Maeder

Highly recommend this tour! Cat was a fantastic tour guide - very knowledgeable about the site and Roman history in general, easy to listen to, great sense of humour and extremely fluent in English. Ostia Antica was a fabulous site and the were no queues or crowds which we found remarkable considering the size and scope of the site!

Roger Thorson

22 August 2025

Reviewed by
Roger Thorson

Our guide was hands down the best guide we have ever had… period. Beyond knowledgeable he brought the ruins to life. He is a treasure.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour.

What to bring?

It's always smart to wear comfortable shoes since you'll be on your feet for most of the tour.

What if I have concerns about my mobility on this tour?

If you have any doubts about your mobility, please let us know beforehand. This tour includes walking on uneven terrain and navigating steep staircases and unfortunately we are unable to accommodate guests with wheelchair or mobility impairments.

What happens if it rains?

We run our Half-Day Ostia Antica Tour from Rome rain or shine. If the weather is extremely bad and we cannot proceed with the tour, we'll let you know as soon as possible.

Is there any chance my tour might be canceled?

On the rare occasions the tour is canceled, we'll inform you as soon as possible. In case of unforeseen problems with public transportation system, a minibus will be provided for roundtrip transportation. The meeting point won’t change.

Is there a dress code to join this Half-Day Ostia Antica Tour from Rome?

While there is not a specific dress code, you will be expected to be wearing appropriate clothing to enter establishments. We also recommend wearing clothing you'll be comfortable walking in.

Do the ruins of Ostia Antica ever experience sudden closures?

During adverse weather events or due to maintenance or safety reasons, the ruins of Ostia Antica may be closed unexpectedly and without much notice. If this occurs, we will inform you as soon as possible.

Is lunch or dinner included in the price of the tour?

Food is not included in the price of this tour. We recommend enjoying a filling breakfast before joining. However, if you do get hungry, there is a cafeteria within Ostia Antica where you can purchase food and drinks.

Are drinks included in the price of the tour?

Drinks are not included in the price of this tour. We recommend bringing a water bottle with you. Alternatively, you can purchase drinks at the cafeteria within Ostia Antica.

Can I bring my kids, and do I have to pay for them?

Yes, everyone is welcome on our Half-Day Ostia Antica Tour from Rome. Infants (0 to 3 years old) are free and we charge a discounted rate for children (4 to 18). Please choose accordingly when booking and don’t forget your children’s ID card. We regret that we are unable to accommodate pushchairs or strollers on this tour.