My family will be staying at a villa in Umbria (Orvieto) and then having a day and a half in Rome. The 11 and 14 year olds want to see Ostia Antica (there is no time to get to Pompei). Is it better to try to schedule a day trip from Orvieto to Ostia or to go from Rome (there is only an afternoon free in Rome). I suspect the answer is the day trip from Orvieto but wanted other points of view.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I don't believe there's any train to Ostia Antica except the one from Roma Pyramide Metro/Porto San Paolo train station (45 minutes each way), so you'd be going through Rome if you left from Orvieto (another 1 hour+ each way).
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
It's one hundred miles and two hours each way from Orvieto to Ostia Antica and you do have to go through Rome if you're taking the train. More info here: Orvieto to Ostia Antica
If your itinerary is not yet set in stone, I would suggest more time in Rome and less in Orvieto.
Posted by
Tampa, FL, USA
1054 posts
Go on your free afternoon in Rome. It's easier to get to from Rome. I vistied Ostia from 2pm - 6pm this past september and loved it.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
34349 posts
it seems to me to be a real stretch to do Ostia from Orvieto. It really isn't convenient.
What about taking the kids to the Forum and Colosseum and maybe Trajan's Market? Just as old, much closer.
Posted by
San Diego, CA
344 posts
My husband and my 13-year-old twins and I spent one night in Orvietto, then took the train to Rome for a one-week vacation. I think it would be a long journey from Orvieto straight through Rome (1 hour) to Ostia Antica (30/45 min) but with your limited time that may be your best option. If you go directly from Orvieto to Ostia Antica what will you do with your luggage?
My kids loved Ostia antica. They loved being outdoors, and being able to climb up on rocks and buildings, loved being able to go at their own pace. I was able to allow them to walk on their own, as long as they still were within sight of either my husband or myself and I think they appreciated the independence. Note:
As described above, it is not difficult to get to from Rome although at first I was nervous about the trip. But it was very easy, only perhaps 30 minutes or so on a train, and then once off the train very easy walk to the site.
There is very little shade, and lots of sun so, no kidding, bring a hat, sunscreen, and bottled water.
There are very few signs describing what you are looking at. You are in a tremendously large area of open land with ruins all around you. Rick has a good audio guide but it is somewhat of a free-for-all, so be prepared to be laid-back and explore on your own.
Be sure you take note of the time of the return train and make sure there is a return train fits into your itinerary.
There is not much in the way of tourist information or infrastructure here. There is an on-site cafeteria hidden in the back of the acreage. Not ideal food but there are some OK options and clean restrooms. I did not see any restaurants between the train station and Ostia antics, however someone more knowledgeable than myself may know of an option because the cafeteria can be crowded and not so great but was more convenient then bringing a lunch.
Feel free to email me if you want more information. Enjoy!