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3-day itinerary

Extended Augusta Raurica Experience

3-day immersive exploration of Roman ruins

Length
3 days · 13 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
CHF 150 per person
Based in
Augusta Raurica

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Immersive Roman History & Architecture

    Dedicate the first day to the core archaeological sites, focusing on the grand public buildings and the impressive amphitheatre. This day involves moderate walking across the open-air museum grounds.

    • 09:00

      Bronze Town Model Overview

      Start with the 13 m² bronze model to understand the urban layout of Augusta Raurica before exploring the actual ruins. This provides essential context for the day.

      About 60 min

    • 10:00

      Forum and Temple Ruins

      Explore the political heart of the Roman colony, including the temple ruins honoring the emperor and state affairs.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 11:30

      Basilica of Augusta Raurica

      Visit the ancient Roman ruins featuring a well-preserved basilica, offering insight into Roman legal and administrative life.

      About 60 min

    • 12:30

      Lunch at On-Site Café

      Enjoy a light lunch at the museum's café or bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas.

      About 60 min

    • 13:30

      Amphitheatre of Augusta Raurica

      Walk through the largest Roman amphitheatre in Switzerland, designed for gladiatorial contests and hunts. The scale is impressive.

      About 2 hours

    • 15:30

      Defensive Wall of Augusta Raurica

      Examine the ruins of the Roman defensive walls that once protected the city.

      About 60 min

    • 16:30

      Roman Theatre of Augusta Raurica

      Visit the largest Roman theatre in Switzerland's oldest colony. The acoustics and structure are remarkably preserved.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Augusta Raurica On-Site Café
    Where to stay:
    Stay in Augst or nearby Rheinfelden for easy access to the site. Consider hotels in Basel for more dining options, just a short train ride away.
    Getting around:
    Walking is the primary mode of transport within the archaeological park. If staying in Basel, take the S2 train from Basel SBB to Augst (approx. 20 mins).

  2. Day 2: Daily Life, Baths, and Museum Treasures

    Focus on the domestic and private aspects of Roman life, including housing, bathing facilities, and the museum's significant silver collection.

    • 09:00

      Fully Furnished Roman House (Villa)

      Step into a reconstructed Roman villa to see how the elite lived, with fully furnished rooms and artifacts.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 10:30

      Hypocaust System

      Learn about the ancient Roman underfloor heating system that kept the baths and villas warm.

      About 60 min

    • 11:30

      Baths of Augusta Raurica

      Explore the extensive bath complex, a central part of Roman social life. Note: Some areas may be under restoration, but the layout is visible.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 12:30

      Lunch in Augst Village

      Walk to the nearby village of Augst for a traditional Swiss lunch at a local bistro.

      About 60 min

    • 13:30

      Museum: Silver Collection

      Visit the museum to see the collection of 270 antique Roman silver pieces, a highlight of the site's artifacts.

      About 2 hours

    • 15:30

      Funerary Monument

      View the Roman elite cremation monument with arches, providing insight into Roman burial practices.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Local Bistro in Augst
    Where to stay:
    Continue staying in Augst or Basel. Evening leisure can be enjoyed in Augst's charming old town.
    Getting around:
    Walking within the site. If exploring Augst village, it is within walking distance from the museum entrance.

  3. Day 3: Nature, Wildlife, and Guided Insights

    Conclude the experience with a focus on biodiversity, animal husbandry in Roman times, and a guided tour for deeper historical context.

    • 09:00

      Animal Park & Biodiversity Area

      Explore the area dedicated to Roman-era animal breeds and biodiversity conservation. See animals that would have been present in Roman times.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:00

      Review Bronze Town Model

      Revisit the bronze model to connect the natural and animal areas with the broader city plan.

      About 60 min

    • 12:00

      Lunch at Museum Café

      Final lunch at the museum facilities or a nearby spot in Augst.

      About 60 min

    • 13:00

      Guided Walking Tour with Night Watchman

      Book the 'Walking Tour with the Night Watchman' for a unique, storytelling perspective on the site's history and legends. (Note: Check schedule for availability).

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Souvenir Shopping & Final Walk

      Browse the gift shop for replicas and books, then take a final leisurely walk through the grounds.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Augusta Raurica Café
    Where to stay:
    Departure day. If time permits, visit Basel's Old Town before leaving.
    Getting around:
    Walking within the park. Take the S2 train from Augst to Basel SBB for departure.

Practical information

Augusta Raurica, located in Augst near Basel, is an excellent base for a focused archaeological and historical experience. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May through September). During these months, the weather is generally mild, allowing for comfortable exploration of the extensive outdoor ruins. Summer can be warm, so visiting early in the morning or late afternoon helps avoid peak heat and crowds. Winter visits are possible but less ideal for the open-air sections, as the site can be muddy or cold, though the on-site museum remains accessible year-round. Getting to Augusta Raurica is straightforward via public transportation. From Basel SBB station, take a S-Bahn train (S2 or S6) to Augst station, which is a short walk from the entrance. Alternatively, you can drive from Zurich, which takes approximately one hour via the A2 and A3 highways, with ample parking available on-site. Once in Augst, the village is compact and easily navigated on foot. For a three-day itinerary, staying in Basel is the most practical choice. Basel offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, and provides excellent connectivity to Augst via frequent train services. Staying in Basel allows you to easily combine your archaeological visits with the city’s renowned museums and cultural scene. Budget considerations should account for the entry fee to Augusta Raurica, which includes access to the museum and the ruins. While the site offers various tours, such as the "Night Watchman" walking tour, these may incur additional costs. The Swiss Travel Pass does not cover entry fees to archaeological sites, though it may offer discounts on certain tours or public transport. Pack comfortable walking shoes, as the terrain includes uneven ancient stones and gravel paths. Bring weather-appropriate clothing, including layers for changing conditions, and a reusable water bottle. Essential items also include a camera for the impressive Roman structures and a guidebook or downloaded app for historical context. Important tips for travelers include booking tickets online in advance during peak tourist seasons to guarantee entry. Check the official website for special events or guided tour schedules, as these can significantly enhance the experience. Respect the archaeological site by staying on marked paths and not touching fragile artifacts. Finally, consider combining your visit with a trip to nearby Basel to maximize the cultural value of your three-day stay in the region.

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