Any suggestions for a one day side trip from Rome? I saw some information on Tivoli and on Ostia Antica and wondered which might be more interesting and what the difference in travel time would be? How difiicult is it to rent a car in Rome or would it be possible to rent a driverwith car? Any idea as to the expense of each option (renting a car or renting a car with driver?) Thanks in advance for any information.

You can do Ostia Antica on public transportation, and I'd recommend doing so. It's a fabulous site.

Tivoli is lovely, too. You can go there on a half day bus tour very easily. They will pick you up at your hotel.

Thanks so much for the info. How much time would you suggest spending in Ostia Antica? Thanks again.

I think Ostia Antica is more interesting than Hadrian's Villa but Tivoli has the added attraction of Villa d'Este and the surrounding town. <BR> <BR>You can visit both via public transportation and I would recommend that over trying to drive in Rome. Ostia can be reached by metro then train and Tivoli by metro then bus. <BR> <BR>If you're heading to Tivoli, take the Metro (line B) to Rebibbia station, then catch the bus to Tivoli which leaves right outside the station. Stop first at Villa d'Este and then take another bus out to Hadrian's Villa. There may also be another way to get out there but that was the way we used. <BR> <BR>You don't say where else you are going in Italy but you might also consider Florence (1 hour 35 minutes by train) or heading down to Naples to visit Pompeii ( about 2 hours to Naples, can't remember how long from Naples to Pompeii).

Joy: <BR> <BR>You asked how much time to spend in Ostia Antica. It is quite a large site with a well preserved theater and lots of mosaics. There is also a museum on the grounds. So several hours to half a day would not be unreasonable. <BR> <BR>We took the metro to Pyramide Station, walked to a station next door where we caught the train. The train goes all the way to the beach, which we had intended to do after visiting Ostia but time didn't allow. (Ostia was an important port city in its day.) The site is a short walk from the station. We stopped in a cafe and had lunch on the way. <BR> <BR>It's been about 6-7 years since we went to Tivoli. I remember liking the town very much. Villa D'Este and the gardens were spectacular at the time, but I have heard recently the gardens, fountains, etc. have gone into disrepair. Don't know if this is true or not. I would like to return to Hadrian's Villa as it was one of the first Roman sites we visited. Since we have been to many since, I think we would understand and enjoy it more now. <BR> <BR>Whichever you choose, it will be a day well spent. Joanne