Why choose this tour?
Ideal for lovers of ancient history, this tour takes you to the land once inhabited by the Etruscans, “Etruria”. Enjoy the opportunity to discover treasures, archaeological finds and burial sites left behind by this glorious people on a journey that will take you back in time.
DAY 1: Arrival
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Depending on the arrival time, it is also possible to arrange a quick visit to the neighboring villages before the overnight accommodation.
DAY 2: Tarquinia and Tuscania
Breakfast and departure for a guided tour of Tarquinia. This day is dedicated to the Etruscans and begins with a guided tour of the Necropolis. In the 9th and 8th centuries BC, it was the home of three households. However, settlements were slowly abandoned and the hill became the main burial site of the city. Today, almost 3000 years later, it is possible to visit up to fourteen tombs rich in frescoes. The visit continues in the historical center of Tarquinia, in the Vitelleschi Palace. The Vitelleschi Palace houses the Museo Archeologico Nazionale Etrusco, which is famous throughout the world for the richness and variety of artifacts unique for their forms and figurative decorations.
At the end of the visit, free time for lunch based on typical products in a restaurant of your choice.
In the afternoon, guided visit of the charming village of Tuscania and its Belvedere. The population of this town dates back to the Bronze Age. Here each era has left its mark, “as the brush stroke of an artist in a painting”. Among the churches, remarkable is that of St. Peter’s, chosen by Zeffirelli in his “Romeo and Juliet.”
At the end of the visit, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 3: Archeological site of Roselle, lunch in a local winery and Grosseto
Breakfast and departure to the archeological site of Roselle for a guided visit, one of the most important cities of the Etruria region. Campaigns of excavation brought the remains of the city to light: walls, houses, cisterns and so on. A walk through Roselle has more than an educational purpose: this archeological site is surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Tuscan Maremma.
After the visit, lunch in a local winery to taste the delicious wine produced in this area and to discover why it played an important role for the Etruscans: it was used not only as a beverage, but also for pagan rituals, feasts and as a trade product.
In the afternoon, transfer to Grosseto and free time. This small and livable town is enclosed by ancient walls from the XVI century, which still maintain their original appearance. Grosseto gradually grew in importance, as a result of the decline of Roselle and the nearby city of Vetulonia, until it was one of the principal Tuscan cities.
In the evening, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
DAY 4: Vulci and Saturnia
In the morning, a walk with our guide in the Archeological Naturalistic Park of Vulci, located between the Tuscan and Lazial Maremma, in a land scarcely inhabited, where marsh birds and other animals find shelter. The park, which is surrounded by impressive city walls, includes monumental tombs carved into the rocks, ruins of houses, thermal baths and so on. Visitors can listen to the history of this Etruscan site surrounded by excavations and natural beauties.
Free time for lunch.
At the end of the lunch, transfer to Saturnia to enjoy a free afternoon. Saturnia is one of the oldest Italian cities: the Etruscan called it Aurinia. Nowadays, this small town is worldwide known for its famous hot springs called “Cascate del Mulino”: 800 liters of silky blue water surface every second, at a temperature of 37°C. The beneficial effects of this sulphurous water were well-known by the Etruscans and they also believed that this water was a gift from the Gods.
In the late afternoon, return to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay,
We don’t want our guests to leave without a tasty souvenir of this trip: that is why a gastronomic lottery of typical Italian cold cuts will be offered during the last dinner together, as well as a parting gift: a bottle of high quality local extra virgin olive oil.
DAY 5: Departure
Departure and return to home. Depending on the departure time, it is also possible to arrange another visit before returning home