We'll be in Rome for 8 nights in mid-May. I am wondering if it is worth it to go to both Ostia Antica and Pompeii as side trips by train (separate days, of course).

I realize Pompeii is a long day trip but that doesn't bother us - it's vacation after all. Are the two sites very similar, or is there enough difference it is worth doing both?

Thanks!
marigny

Choose one or the other. Each has it's merits. Pompeii is much more crowded and of course its all about its history, the best items are in the museum in Naples but it is something to see. Ostia is less crowded more room to see how life was, houses, lanes, etc. and its a short 30 min train ride from Rome.

Hi M,

I'd visit Ostia Antica and Orvieto.

I would not visit both but would concentrate on sites right in Rome plus one or the other. As JoanneH notes, Ostia Antica is much closer and easier to visit from Rome. Pompeii is the more spectacular site but if you think you will be going back to Italy another time I would plan time to visit Pompeii with Herculaneum and the museum in Naples

I really recommend seeing the Palatine, the baths of caracalla and the Appian way in Rome, and of course there are many, many other options beyond the Forum and Colosseum.

If you go to Ostia Antia stop and see St-Paul-Outside-the-Walls church. It's one of Rome's major basilicas. You can get off the train for an hour using the same ticket. The church is about 5 minutes from the train station.