Ostia Antica is a stunningly preserved ancient Roman city—one of the best in Italy. During our time together, We will bring the ancient city to life as we pick our way through 2000-year-old apartment complexes, visit a bygone restaurant, and learn about bizarre religious cults.
Why Ostia Antica instead of Pompeii? There are three reasons, 1) Ostia it's much closer and easier to visit (25-minute train ride); 2) Ostia is a better example of a real, working class town than Pompeii; 3) visiting Ostia has a lower carbon footprint than visiting Pompeii, and given the crowds at the latter and general “undiscovered” feeling of the former, it's a more enjoyable, enriching experience.
We begin our Ostia Antica Tour in Rome, at Piramide Metro B station, with a short 25 minutes train ride towards the Mediterranean sea. Along the way, We will discuss the regional geography of the area, Ostia's role as Rome's port, and the historic background leading up to the town's rise in the Imperial era. On site, we will spend over 2,5 hours combing through the ruins, which include some of the best examples of baths, a fantastic amphitheatre, and several Mithraic temples, not to mention a forum with temples. If you choose you are welcome to remain at the end to continue exploring the site on your own. Bring something to picnic, eat at the on site Caffe or take the train a few more stops out to the beach for a swim and lots of shops and restaurants.