Private tour in Rome Simona M

Ostia, the harbour city of ancient Rome

5.0

(5) reviews

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Simona M.

4.9

Guide rating

259

Reviews

Tours delivered

3 hrs

Avg. response time

Hi there! I'm Simona, I was born in Rome and I also graduated in Rome in Archaeology. Since a was a child I thought I could be an archaeologist and so I did. I always enjoyed this job I had for 30 years, also because in Rome really there are plenty opportunities to find new impressing witnesses of the ancient time. Since 2017 I decided to share my knowledge with other people who come from abroad and are interested to learn more about this amazing Eternal City. Rome is like a "lasagna", layers above layers and they are still there, ready to be discovered! Outside of archaeology and being a tour guide, my other passions are cooking and gardening. My grandmother was french, my mother is an incredible italian cook and so I inherited from them love for being in the kitchen all time I can. I lived twenty years in the country, close to Rome, where I had a huge garden I was taking care of every week end. Now I'm living in Rome in a cottage where I also have two small gardens and a big terrace full of plants and flowers. Even if I have and I always had passion for research and excavations, I began this new job after I had the licence for doing it. With big surprise I understood I love also this new job because I am able to passionately share my knowledge with other people, which I really like. Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill have been my favorite area for long time because I have been doing archaeological digs in that area for many years. Over time I discovered it's a pleasure for me to guide turists also in other places, all around this incredible city, full of history and art. Because I like studying and I'm very curious I learnt quickly to love all aspects of this new profession. Life for me has to be lived intensely and with passion and this is also the only way I know to work. In most of feedbacks I had from turists it's said my passion for Rome is contagious and enthralling. Also they say I'm enthusiastic and my explanations are very easy and clear for everybody, adults and children. All that is giving to me every day new energies because if people are satisfied also I am and I also like feeling usefull for other people. Rome is a fantastic and unique city with almost 3000 years of history: legend says that Rome was founded in 753 b. C. and archaeology proved this is true! I like to offer custom services, according with your expectations. Just let me know. . . . . I hope to see you soon! Ciao! Simona Graduated in Archaeology in Rome, Sapienza University PhD in Roman Pottery, Rome, Sapienza University; Official licenced guide for Rome and Vatican City; Official licenced guide for all Italy. I'm not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or I can arrange for a separate car and driver. I can take tours only in English and Italian.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Simona M.

Overview of your Rome tour

Ostia was Rome's first colony. According to the legend Ostia was founded around 620 a. C. by the fourth king of Rome, Ancus Marcius but what we will visit it will be mostly the imperial phase (starting from 2000 years ago). Ostia has a look very similar to Pompei. But not many foreigners know how special this place is. Ostia is Latin for "mouth", the mouth of the Tiber because the ancient roman city of Ostia was in antiquity situated at the mouth of the river Tiber, some 30 kilometres to the west of Rome. Ostia was Rome's seaport, but due to silting the site now lies 3 kilometres (2 miles) from the sea. The site is noted for the excellent preservation of its ancient buildings, magnificent frescoes and impressive mosaics. This tour you permit you to have a full idea of how a romans city looked like.

Recent Reviews

Mike and Stacia P.United States
October 2025

Touring Ostia was incredible! This is the only Roman city that has been excavated other than Pompeii. Simona was an excellent tour guide and brought the city to life for us! We would recommend Simona to anyone looking for an experienced guide with an archeologist background.

Holly F.United States
October 2025

In September, I spent a full day with Simone Mariotti visiting Ostia. We visited the harbor area, the museum of Roman ships, the Necropolis, and spent the entire afternoon walking through the Roman ruins of the town. Simone was an excellent guide giving us the history of the area and describing the specific buildings and places we visited. Ostia is an interesting day trip from Rome and is a quieter environment that helps you understand the extent of the ancient Roman empire on a more personal level. I would highly recommend spending a day with Simone.

Joe F.United States
April 2024

Ostia is Pompeii without the ashes and three hour bus trip (one way.) 45 minutes from the Forum. It really shows how Roman society was organized 2000 years ago. It has a lot to see, including a lot of mosaics. Our guide, Simona, did a great job of taking us through the site, and pointing out the highlights, and the details. She provided a great deal of information, and was personable and worked well with all of our group (including the teenage boys.) Highly recommend her.

Ruth F.United Kingdom
May 2023

We would thoroughly recommend this tour to anyone who is interested in the history of Rome. We had visited Rome several times but never previously been to Ostia, which is an amazing place. Simona is clearly very knowledgable, and was an excellent and entertaining companion for our excursion.

Susan P.United States
November 2022

We absolutely & unequivocally ADORE Simona! Pre-trip, she very quickly answered my many questions & came up w/ the best schedule for us. In addition to being VERY knowledgable/professional, etc.(please read her impressive bio), she is lovely to be w/. We went on 4 of her tours & left feeling like we have a friend in Rome. Not only were her tours fun & informative but she also helped us by making multiple dinner reservations for us in Rome & beyond-all were amazing. THANK YOU for everything Simona!!!!

Your Rome tour itinerary

•Necropolis of via Ostiense •Fire brigade barrack •The Theatre •The square of the Corporations •Neptune's thermal baths with black and white mosaics •Theatre • Ancient dry cleaner •Forum (most important square) •A mill bakery •House of Diana (example of a roman apartment) •Thermopolium (example of a inn with a wine bar) •Forica (public bathrooms) • Tabernae (shops) • Tabernae of fishmongers • Streets and much more! It's not possible to book this tour on monday and on first sunday of month.

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

Walking tour. The normal transportation to reach Ostia Antica is by train from Rome (with the Metro B you can reach the Station called "Piramide". From there you will get the train toward Ostia Antica). If you want I can organize a customized tour with a driver. Just let me know.....

What's included
Other: -Skip the line entrance tickets This archaeological area is closed on monday.
Private Guide
Tickets: Tickets
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses.
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

25-30 Via Tor de' Conti, Roma, Lazio, 00184, Italy

The driver will pick you up at your hotel, Hotel Forum

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
History
Architecture
Tour reference number
808297
Languages
English
Italian
Activity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Wheelchair Accessible

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Rome best suited for?

This private tour in Rome is perfect for history enthusiasts and travellers who want to explore the ancient Roman town of Ostia, which is remarkably well-preserved and similar to Pompeii. It's also ideal for those looking to connect with a local guide like Simona M. for deeper insights into Roman history.

What should I bring or wear?

Can this private tour in Rome be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 4 hours
Walking
Private tour for 1-8 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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