I am planning on going on the Rick Steves Rome in 7days tour between December 27-January 2nd. I would like to go to the opera on Dec. 31st at 7:00 PM. On the itinerary it says we go to Ostia Antica that day. For those of you that have been on this tour can you tell me what time you got back to Rome. It says dinner and the evening are on your own but I don't know the time period that would include. Thanks for your help.
Linda
I am guessing -- but OA is an outside site about an hour south of Rome. At that time of year it will get dark before 5, so I would assume you would be on your way back a couple hours prior to that.
Call the RS Tour department and ask.....they would know better than anyone.
I was on the RS Rome tour in 2007. On the day we went to Ostia Antica we followed that up with a drive into the modern town of OA and spent an hour or so near the beach having lunch and walking around. I think we were back at our hotel sometime in the afternoon. The tours are changed every year, so I agree that it is best to check with the tour people at ETBD.
Like Swan, I went at the end of 2007. We got on the tour bus early-ish in the morning, around perhaps 8am or so? We stayed at Ostia through lunch, then drove around for a bit and also visited the catacombs. As I recall, we made it back to the city around 5pm. Once we got off the bus, we were free to do whatever we wanted the rest of the evening. If you are willing to eat a quick bite instead of a real dinner, and it doesn't take you too long to change (you will want to wear "outdoorsy" clothes for OA and the catacombs), then I think you will be OK.
However, things do change so calling the RS office is good advice. Even then, things can change unexpectedly--such as our Florence tour flipping things around due to a strike at one of the museums.
Thanks everyone. I appreciate your help and comments
Linda
I took this tour last Xmas (2008). We went to the catacombs after a quick stop by the sea in modern OA. I still think we were back by late afternoon. If you tell the guide of your plans at the beginning of the tour(s)he may be able to ensure everyone gets back in time, because the part after tour OA which ended before lunch is optional with each guide.
