chris1234

Anybody ever used these guys for a half day trip to Ostia Antica? Good or bad experience?

jay

I haven't used them but I really don't think that you need to use anyone. Ostia is very easy to get to from Rome and really you only need to spend 3-4 hrs at the most then take the train back to Rome or go on to the town (by train) and have lunch on the water.

mdmomof7

I'd agree about the train to Ostia Antica. But I'd never again take the Metro. (Yes, a member in our group was robbed, even with a security wallet around her waist!) Some of the buses were okay. The train to Ostia Antica lacks AC and any cushioning - metal all the way. But it's not a long trip so you can do it. Just head straight for the snack shack for a cool drink when you get off the platform. The gelatto at the snack shack inside the gates was surprisingly good too.

3-4 hours is more than enough time even if you stop and romp on the ruins, esp. the ampitheater, and read several of the markers. I'd say more like 2-3 hours especially if it's in the summer and it's a hot day.

It was nice to see the water and for a change of pace from the city as well as the port being so well preserved.

ParadiseLost

I've been 3x on my own in the last 9yrs, most recently last year, I really love the place .

But I have booked a trip to Ostia with Scalareale/ContextRome for next month.

The Docent/Guide for my trip will be an archaeologist named Darius Ayra.

Recently he has lead a dig in the Roman Forum and at the Synagogue in Ostia Antia.

I have taken tours with him before. He is very good plus any archaeologist who is allowed to dig in *the* Roman Forum and the famous Synagogue at Ostia has got to be one at the top of his game .

For me, I'm certain I will see and learn many things that I have missed on my other visits. Regards, Walter

ParadiseLost

I took this tour on May 2 with Darius Ayra and highly recommend it.

An archaeologist can really bring this site to life and explain many things not found in guidebooks or point-out little things that would easily be by-passed.

If you take this half-day you might consider staying at the end and exploring on your own (it's very simple to get back to Rome).

The tour ends nearby the museum/restaurant/book&gift shop before you start to double-back out of the site and back to the train, so you could grab a bite to eat, hit the wc/bathroom and visit the museum.

I also noted that they were no longer renting audioguides at the ticket booth. Which is a pity because it was a very nice audioguide tour (they also were not renting them in Mar'05).

So your choice IMO; Is either get a Ostia Antica guidebook in Rome (sold at any historical site or museum's bookstore) also at Ostia's bookstore which is in the middle of the site at the museum.
Or take a tour.
Regards, Walter