Ostia Antica was the river port of ancient Rome — the city that supplied the capital with grain, oil, marble and goods from across the Empire. Founded in the 4th century BC, inhabited for over 700 years, abandoned in the Middle Ages and buried by sand. The result is one of the best-preserved Roman archaeological sites in the world, with buildings still standing three metres high, coloured mosaics still on the floors, and frescoes still on the walls.
Unlike Pompeii — 2.5 hours from Civitavecchia — Ostia Antica is less than an hour from port. Unlike the Roman Forum — crowded with tourists — Ostia Antica is quiet, walkable at a leisurely pace, without queues. It is often called "the Pompeii of Rome", but it has something Pompeii cannot offer: silence.
| Condition | Journey time | |---|---| | Normal | 50min – 1h 05min | | GRA morning traffic | 1h 10min – 1h 25min | | High season, weekend | up to 1h 35min |
Distance: approximately 70 km.
It is the closest classic excursion destination from Civitavecchia — closer even than central Rome — making it ideal for shorter port calls or later morning departures.
The Decumanus Maximus and the Forum
The main street of Ostia is still paved with original Roman basalt stones. Along both sides: tabernae (shops), baths, warehouses and dwellings. The Forum opens midway, dominated by the Capitolium — the temple dedicated to the Capitoline triad of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva — still standing with its columns and monumental staircase.
The Theatre
Built by Agrippa in 12 BC and enlarged under Septimius Severus, the Roman theatre can hold up to 3,000 spectators and is still used for summer performances. The seating tiers are accessible: climbing to the top gives a panoramic view of the entire Forum area.
The Neptune Baths
The mosaics of the Neptune Baths are among the finest and best-preserved in the Roman world. Neptune at the centre, surrounded by sea creatures, their colours still vivid after 1,800 years. Viewed from an elevated walkway that reveals the full composition from above.
The Insulae and Domus
Ostia had a population density comparable to modern Rome. The insulae — multi-storey Roman apartment blocks — are still standing and give a precise sense of how the middle class of the Empire lived. The patrician domus retain frescoes and mosaic floors in situ.
The Mithraeum of the Seven Spheres
Hidden among the insulae, this temple to the god Mithras is one of the best-preserved in antiquity. The mosaic floor with its planetary symbols is intact.
Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes with a sturdy sole. The site is on uneven ground. Bring water and a hat — shade is limited. Entry ticket: approx. €12 adults; free for EU under-18s.
Combined itinerary:
- Morning: Ostia Antica (3–4 hours)
- Afternoon: Rome (2–3 hours — Colosseum exterior, Roman Forum, Trastevere or Mouth of Truth)
- Evening: return to Civitavecchia port
This combination works for port calls of at least 10 hours. The combined service (driver + waiting times + all transfers) starts from €320 saloon for up to 4 people.
For a full Rome-only excursion guide, see the Civitavecchia to Rome day excursion with private driver.
| Time | Stage | |---|---| | 09:00 | Depart from Civitavecchia port | | 10:00 | Arrive at Ostia Antica | | 10:00–14:00 | Site visit (4 hours) | | 14:00–14:30 | Lunch near the entrance or in Ostia town | | 14:30 | Return to Civitavecchia | | 15:30–15:45 | Arrive at port |
Ostia Antica + Rome (longer port call)
| Time | Stage | |---|---| | 08:30 | Depart from Civitavecchia port | | 09:30 | Arrive at Ostia Antica | | 09:30–13:00 | Site visit (3.5 hours) | | 13:30 | Transfer to Rome (35 min) | | 14:00–17:00 | Rome: Colosseum exterior, Roman Forum, Trastevere | | 17:00 | Depart from Rome towards Civitavecchia | | 18:15 | Arrive at port (45+ min before all-aboard) |
| Service | Vehicle | Fixed price | |---|---|---| | Ostia Antica excursion — site only | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €240 | | Ostia Antica excursion — site only | Luxury van (up to 7 pax) | from €320 | | Combination Ostia Antica + Rome | Luxury saloon (up to 4 pax) | from €320 | | Combination Ostia Antica + Rome | Luxury van (up to 7 pax) | from €420 |
Included: dedicated driver in uniform, pick-up at Civitavecchia cruise terminal, all transfers via GRA and Via del Mare, driver waiting throughout, time management and guaranteed port return, water on board.
Not included: Ostia Antica entry ticket (~€12/adult), lunch, Rome tickets (Colosseum ~€16–18), optional gratuities.
Book Civitavecchia–Ostia Antica Excursion →
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