Just 30 minutes from the port of Civitavecchia, we explore the Etruscans, an ancient civilization settles from an unknown prehistoric time prior to the founding of Rome until its assimilation to the Roman Republic.
We first arrive in Tarquinia, in the heart of Southern Etruria, an archaeological site of international fame and an intense cultural life, which rises 133 meters above sea-level on a plateau from which it scenically overlooks the Marta River valley and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Tarquinia is renowned for the greatest Etruscan museum in the world containing well-preserved sarcophagi, paintings, tombs, frescoes from the 6th to 1st centuries B.C. and the largest Etruscan necropolis.
Our visit begins at aristocratic Palazzo Vitelleschi, a masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, now housing the National Museum. We then continue to tour the Etruscan necropolis, just outside the town that includes the most beautiful and well-preserved tombs of the ancient world, which bear witness to the cult of the dead of a fascinating and enigmatic people. They are unique in themselves and only comparable with the Egyptian tombs.
After lunch, we continue our day in the powerful Etruscan town of Tuscania. Near Tuscania, particularly along rivers, there are many Etruscan and Roman necropoli, with Etruscan tombs that display many belongings of Curunas family (4th to 2nd centuries B.C.) now on exhibit inside the Archaeological National Museum of Santa Maria del Riposo (15th century A.D.) We then visit the beautiful Roman basilica of San Pietro (8-11-13th centuries A.D.) in the Medival historical center of the town, which stands on the old Etruscan acropolis, and has a 13th century façade with symbols of the Evangelists. The interior has massive 11th century columns with beautiful capitals and decorative paving.
Our final stop, prior to returning to the pier, is the Basilica Santa Maria Maggiore from the 8th-12th centuries AD.
Duration - 8 hours
Pricing - 785 EUR per person for 2 pax, 264 EUR per person for 7 pax
Includes - driver and car (Mercedes E-class sedan or Minivan), licensed guide, refreshments on board, all entrances/tours mentioned. Lunch is out of pocket.
Languages - English, Italian, Spanish, French, Russian
Tour Code - IT-PZetru