Ostia Antica Archeological Park With Italian Gelato

We really enjoyed our tour of Ostia Antica. It was a relaxing walk through with detailed explanations of each section we went to. There was no rush and any questions we had were answered thoroughly. It was lovely to have an apertive afterwards while still discussing things we’d seen.

As the Concierge at the Beverly Hilton for over 30 years, I have worked with many tour companies. My wife and I took the Monks and Knights tour with Chiara and Federico, and we were thoroughly impressed with their Roman knowledge and interesting presentation. It was a very unique and enjoyable experience. Rome requires the obligatory visits to the Vatican, Colosseum etc., but those visits leave you hot, tired and sick of crowds. Book “Ideas 4 Travelers” for a relaxing alternative . You will experience a side of Rome that leaves you informed, relaxed and very pleased with your Rome visit. They are open to questions, so feel free to partake in engaging conversation. They love Rome and it shows. Another perk… you will have made 2 new friends.

Our family of six recently embarked on a tour of Ostia Antica and we couldn't have asked for a more incredible experience. From start to finish, our tour guides Chiara and Federico went above and beyond to ensure that we had an unforgettable time. The three-hour walking tour took us through the fascinating Ostia Antica archaeological site, where we were able to immerse ourselves in the rich history and culture of ancient Rome. Chiara and Federico's extensive knowledge and passion for the subject truly brought the ruins to life, making the experience both educational and entertaining. But the tour didn't stop there. We also had the opportunity to visit the Borghetto, a stunning castle and courtyard nestled within a medieval citadel. The small group size created an intimate atmosphere where we could ask questions and engage in meaningful conversations. We finished the tour with an Italian Aperitivo. We enjoyed our drinks accompanied by a delectable variety of cheeses and cold cuts, while chatting and sharing stories about Italy and its captivating way of life. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the ambiance of this remarkable place. What truly set this tour apart was the genuine care and attention provided by Chiara and Federico. They ensured that every detail was taken care of, including arranging transportation to and from Rome. Their local expertise and love for Ostia Antica added an extra layer of authenticity and enthusiasm to the entire experience. We left the tour with a profound appreciation for Ostia Antica and a new understanding of its historical significance. If you're seeking an unforgettable Italian adventure, I highly recommend booking this tour. Grazie mille, Chiara and Federico - till next time!

My mother and I loved the tour by Chiara and Federico. They are lovely, knowledgeable, and patient people, always ready to point out a cat hiding in the ruins or answer a question. We went on a rainy day when the park was pretty much empty, but it did nothing to ruin anybody’s mood. Federico has an abundance of historical information to share about every single feature, however innocuous. I was amazed at the excellent condition of many mosaics and even buildings (like the inn bar!). For an apertivo afterwards, we went to the nearby medieval town (I wish I could remember the name) and sat among the colourful buildings and potted plants. The food was amazing, and the company even better - I would highly recommend taking this tour!

Chiara and Federico who live nearby in Ostia Lido met us at the Ostia Antica train station and walked us to the site gate where we picked up official site audio guides which were excellent. Ostia reminds one very much of Pompeii, but while it is almost as large, it is a great deal more convenient to visit, and much, much less crowded. It was the port for the city of Rome from around 80 BCE through the early 100s CE when due to siltation problems a new port was built nearby, after which Ostia was gradually abandoned and figuratively and literally sank into obscurity. Like Pompeii, the city includes a theatre, a forum, temples, baths, tenements and mansions, a much larger site than we have the energy to explore completely at our age. Our hosts very tactfully guided us through the process of prioritizing our time and energies. After a comfortable, yet informative time in the ruins, we moved on to excellent lunch in the shadow of a castle built by Pope Julius II (think Rex Harrison in Agony and the Ecstasy). Lunch included great local food and a surprisingly lively conversation about things to love and things to hate about living in Italy.”