I will be traveling to Rome in Sept. I have a free day that I would like to use to see either Ostia Antica or Pompeii. I know Pompeii is an all day trip. But taking away the travel time, what is your opinion on which one to see. Also anyone been to Herculaneum and is that worth a stop while in the Pompeii area?
Thanks!
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23626 posts
It is not quite an equal comparison. A one day trip to Pompeii is long and tiring with train changes and everything. OA is interesting and much easier to get. Both have a similar look and feel. OA is smaller and has shade trees. Personally I would do OA and save Pompeii for a longer and better visit at another time.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
565 posts
I have been to Rome almost every year for the past several years but still only manage to make it to Ostia. I adore that place. If you are sure you will be back, why not save Pompeii for a "south of Rome" trip? I'll make it one day too (haven't been yet). Ostia is so interesting for me, but I'm in the architecture/engineering business and I like the "plebeian" basics in their design. I understand Pompeii provides more of a wow factor and is impressive to everyone. The all day trip to Pompeii from Rome is a turn-off for me but I am not you and wouldn't assume it's aweful for those that manage it. Maybe just play it by ear. If you feel like you have seen enough of Rome, go for it. If you just want a nice quiet break and then an early dinner on Piazza Navona, then do Ostia.
Posted by
Seminole
82 posts
I loved, loved Pompeii, but I agree it's probably best to see in on a South Italy trip. That's what we did (the 13 day Best of South Italy tour). I really got a lot out of it because of our tour guide, Gaetano. He was fabulous. On the tour, we also got to see the museum in Naples which is where most of the artifacts and art from Pompeii are now. This two day combination was great, and I would highly recommend doing both. I'm glad to hear the comments about Ostia Antica because we're going to be in Rome in May, and I was thinking about taking the time to do that. Does anyone know if it makes sense to do that in the morning and then see the Colosseum in the afternoon or vice versa? Is that too much in one day? I'm debating whether to do a guided tour of the Colosseum or be on our own, so that information would be helpful in my planning.
Posted by
Atlanta, Georgia
565 posts
Barbara,
I would see the Colosseum first then head over to the Colosseo metro stop and take it to Ostia. That way you avoid the crowds. I would also skip the guide if it is one you pick up in front of the Colosseum. If it's a local reputable guide and you don't know that much about the history, then go for the guide. It's always a cool way to get in a history lesson. If you are familiar with the history, I haven't heard anything that I haven't heard several times before. I have also seen small groups with guides at Ostia too. Again, if it's all new to you, it might be worth it and listening in, they had a couple of stories I haven't heard before.