Day trip in the Rome area

Ostia Antica is a nice day trip. Nice quiet contrast to the hustle and bustle of Rome. Search for "Ostia Antica" in the RS search window (upper right corner)

Orvieto, an Umbrian hill town about 1 hour north of Rome by train, would be a great choice. If you're looking for a different type of Italian experience than that, there are other good options within 1 to 2 hours travel of Rome. Just let us know what interests you.

Thank you for your reply. Are there any companies in Rome that you might recommend?

I prefer exploring on my own, so can't help you with any specific suggestions for tour companies. Your hotel will likely know a few companies that provide day trip tours. Ask when you check in. Note that both Orvieto and Ostia Antica are easy to reach by public transportation and can be enjoyed without a tour. Some other day trip destinations (e.g. Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa) are more challenging to reach and a tour is worth considering.

I'd also throw my vote for Ostia Antica - a cheap and quick subway ride away from Rome. It was one of the most memorable parts of our trip to Rome. We spent a full morning there. You won't need a guided tour at all, there's good information available. They also have a decent cafeteria there with a pleasant patio.

Thank you both for your input. I believe we will go for Ostia Antica.

Amy, do you recall either the name of the cafeteria and/or its location?

Thank you Liz and Michael,
How can I locate some information about AO so we will know some background of what we are looking at.
Thanks again, Jerry

Google it. Seriously. "Ostia Antica" I can't remember if RS has a walking tour in his Rome book.

I'm not Amy, but the cafeteria is at the Ostia Antica site and it's the only one. I don't remember its name/if it has a name, but it's pretty easy to spot. You head about midway through the ruins and you'll see a pinkish building that doesn't fit it. There's an inside museum (mostly with statue remains) there, and the cafeteria, restrooms, and gift shop are around the corner. You really won't have trouble finding it.

I also definitely suggest Ostia Antica. One of my favorite spots! I loved Orvieto too, but as a daytrip, I'd go for OA instead.

It's the only cafeteria on the Ostia Antica grounds. One of the added attractions at any of these sites is the groups of Italian (and sometimes French) kids on a field trip. Can you imagine how cool to be able to learn about Ancient Rome by visiting the actual sites??!!

If you do Ostia, do follow the tip that someone else posted. Upon entering, walk immediately all the way to the far end without stopping (but do look around as you go) and then work your way back. That didn't occur to us so we ended up getting distracted by the first ruins we saw, not knowing that there were much more impressive sites ahead. And then we didn't have enough time to look at those once we got to them.

Yes, Rick's Rome guidebook has a very good walking tour of Ostia Antica. Would highly recommend taking it with you for reference.

Alternatively, Google is a great source of information. The key thing to remember is that OA used to be the ancient Roman seaport. That means the buildings that you see were all regular features of a Roman town: baths, cemetary, tavern/inn/restaurant, apartments, etc.

My son and I were in Rome in January and on the advice of my brother went to Civita di Bagnoregio. You will not be disappointed! It involves a train ride (1hr.?) then a bus ride 45 min. It is north of Rome. See Rick Steve's description. Start early in the day so you have enough time to enjoy Orvieto where the train arrives. If you decide on this destination I can supply more details if necessary.
Carol

Ostia Antica is our favorite - close, convenient and full of history. With your metro ticket it's also a cheap ride! CLICK HERE for pictures and more info on Ostia Antica

By the way; the cafe' at Osita Antica is buffet style, pretty nice, and really cheap compared to most of Rome.

Don't bother looking up the boat trip to go there.
The boat trip is different, but it is also disturbing:
Use the Metro Tram.

Thank you all again for your responses. :)

Quick question on an unrelated subject. We plan on taking the train form the airport to downtown. My wife and I will have two bag each. Will that be a problem on the train?

Thanks, Jerry

Sort of, if the escalators are still broken or turned off. Lota stairs when the escalators are down.

I guess I want to make sure that they will let us on the train with our bags...2 each

Absolutely, they will let you on. There is no enforced restriction on the Tram to Rome as to Luggage. If you brought it on the plane, ya can take it on the train.

Just say'en, theres a whole lotta stairs if the escalators and the elevators aren't working. Last time in Rome 2007, I can't recall a single escalator that was working at any subway or the airport. Maybe it was a strike or something....it turned in to kind of a deal after a 14 hour flight and 90+ degrees air temp. The Wife was not happy with my frugal ways on this day.

Funny, I know RS talks about packing light:
We were in an elevator with all our stuff at a train station and a very elderly Italian couple were in the elevator with us.
I can't speak Italian very well, but I can hear it.
The old gentleman said to his wife, "Look at them. They carry more than we own." And they both laughed.

It was a neat moment. And a reason to pack lighter next time.