Ancient Ostia & Cerveteri History Tour by Discovery Guided Tours
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
9 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should be comfortable walking several miles on uneven terrain over multiple hours. Moderate stamina is required.
Overview
Step back into two distinct chapters of ancient Italy with Discovery Guided Tours. As you walk Ostia Antica’s streets and Cerveteri’s vast necropolis, history unfolds in vivid detail over this private 9-hour journey.
Ancient Ostia and Cerveteri
For all ages • 9 Hours • Price per group • Shore excursions with personal tour driver!
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About This Adventure
Embark on a private 9-hour journey through history as you explore the ancient wonders of Ostia Antica and Cerveteri. Walk the preserved streets of Rome's ancient seaport and discover the UNESCO-listed Necropoli della Banditaccia, a captivating “city of the dead” filled with remarkable tombs. Enjoy a unique glimpse into ancient civilizations.
Enjoy this private historical excursion, admiring the magnificent archeological wonders of Ostia Antica and Cerveteri.
Duration
9 Hours
Description
For this Ostia Antica and Cerveteri excursion, you will discover the greatness of Ancient civilizations.
Your English-speaking tour driver will meet you at the dock beside your ship. Explore Ostia Antica, on a walk through history, in the beautifully preserved excavations of the site, one of the most important examples of an authentic ancient “Roman City.”
Ostia Antica, Rome’s ancient seaport, in the meadows between the Tiber River and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
A flourishing commercial hub populated by over 100,000 people, whose apartment buildings, taverns, and grocery shops are still intact. You will retrace the paths of Ancient Romans, which used this street for their horse carriages and carts, where they conducted a very busy and social lifestyle
After the tour in Ostia we will drive to Cerveteri where your tour driver will be happy to suggest some typical Roman “trattorias” for a quick lunch.
Cerveteri is the largest, ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area. After lunch you will visit the amazing “Necropoli della Banditaccia” in Cerveteri, which has been declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site, because it is very well preserved and it covers an area of 400 ha (988 acres) only 10 of which can be visited, covering a total of 1,000 tombs, often housed in characteristic mounds.
You will visit the necropolis where you’ll find some of the most important types of tombs from the IX to the II century BC. You can wander in the streets of this “city of the dead”, and enter its houses and take a trip back in time.
Finally, we will drive you back to Civitavecchia in order to get back in perfect time to board your cruise ship.
What's included
- Cruising dock pick-up/drop off
- A/C & bottled water on board
- Luxury vehicle and private tour driver
- Vehicle Expenses (fuel, toll, city pass etc.)
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- An appropriate attire is recommend to enter the religious sites
- Pets are not allowed (If you have pets, please contact us before booking)
- Baby seats available upon request
Adventure Tips
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Expect extensive walking on uneven, ancient stone roads and rugged excavation sites.
Bring a Hat and Sunscreen
Open areas provide little shade, especially in summer months, so sun protection is crucial.
Dress Respectfully
Modest attire is recommended for religious or sacred sections of the necropolis.
Stay Hydrated
Bottled water is provided, but carry extra if traveling independently before or after the tour.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Local migratory birds along the Tiber River basin near Ostia.
- Small reptiles and insects native to the Mediterranean scrubland around Cerveteri.
History
Cerveteri was once the capital of the Etruscan civilization, predating Rome’s dominance, its necropolis reveals early funerary architecture that influenced Roman practices.
Conservation
Efforts are underway to protect the fragile frescoes and tomb structures from erosion and visitor impact, maintaining the integrity of these ancient sites.
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Adventure Hotspots in Rome
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy Walking Shoes
Essential for navigating uneven and ancient pavements comfortably.
Sun Hat
Protects your face and neck from strong sun during open site visits.
summer specific
Lightweight Backpack
Handy for carrying water, snacks, and any extra layers.
Camera with Extra Battery
Capture sharp, detailed shots of ancient ruins and expansive landscapes.