CVT06 - Tarquinia ,Tuscania & Etruscan Countryside

After leaving the port of Civitavecchia you will drive northeast for approximately 30 minutes through the countryside to reach Tarquinia. This medieval town has the greatest Etruscan museum in the world, with well-preserved sarcophagi, paintings, tombs, frescoes from the 6th to 1st centuries B.C. and the largest Etruscan necropolis.
The heart of Southern Etruria rises 133m above sea-level on a plateau from which it scenically overlooks the Marta River valley and the Tyrrhenian Sea. Visit the aristocratic Palazzo Vitelleschi, in itself a masterpiece of Gothic-Renaissance architecture, now housing the National Museum. Proceed to 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.
Enjoy lunch in a typical local trattoria then set out for Tuscania another Etruscan town ,which gained much importance due to its strategic position. In the Medieval historical center, the beautiful Roman basilica of San Pietro (VIII-XI-XIII cent.) stands on the old Etruscan acropolis, and boasts a unique architecture and 13th century facade with symbols of the Evangelists. Inside the church you may find elegant decorations and beautiful art works. A second church, Santa Maria Maggiore (VIII-XII cent.), now out of the inhabited area, is also worth seeing. The architecture of this church is Romanesque and there are some fancy images on the façade that you will enjoy. Don't miss the two free standing columns placed at the entrance of the church, the design of which has been copied from the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem.
This tour is not available on Monday.

Highlights:

- Etruscan Necropolis
- Museum of Tarquinia
- lunch in the countryside
- beautiful churches

Notice:

Complete information including our phone numbers, meeting time and place are included in your confirmation voucher.
Please give your voucher to the driver at the end of the tour. We hand select our drivers and tour guides in order to give you the ultimate experience.
We would love to hear from you after your tour is completed. Your feedback is very important to us so please Send email

Important information

- This tour includes a professional informative English-speaking driver. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our drivers cannot walk with you into any site but can answer any question you have from the vehicle. A Professional licensed guide, where needed, can be hired on request at an extra cost.
- Please dress respectfully when visiting religious monuments; local custom requires covering knees and shoulder.
- Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
- The tour sequence may be altered to avoid congestions but always covering mentioned sights.
- Keep an eye on your wallet and purses at all time. Do not wear jewelry or carry large amount of cash.

Inclusions

- Professional informative English-speaking driver
- Private air conditioned vehicle for the day
- Pick up and drop off at the port
- Guaranteed return to the pier on time
- Flexible itinerary

Exclusions

- Lunch
- Admission fees
- Tips to driver and guide ( please read below for more information)

Gratuities

Tips are never included in our quotes.
I think that a tip shouldn't be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax.
Tip only if you really liked the service.
Tips are a personal gesture and are given whenever the client feels it is necessary.
Tips are generally: 10% not bad - 15 % great - 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.

Is this a Private Tour ?

The tour is private, just for your party, however if you prefer to share your tour with other passengers to alleviate costs, please register and sign in on a popular cruise community website called Cruise critic. This is the link:http://boards.cruisecritic.com Once you have joined, look for your cruise ship and the thread talking about your cruise. Place a post requesting if anyone wants to join you for the shore excursion you have chosen. We would be happy to provide a detailed itinerary and assist you with all the questions your fellow cruisers may have.

Is the Driver also a Guide?

Our English speaking drivers are NOT licensed guides. In order to provide you with the best-in-class service, our English speaking driving guides have been trained to offer our clients a nice overview with information regarding the major highlights avoiding the expensive charges of hiring a private guide. Due to strict Italian laws & regulations that protect officially licensed guides, our driving guides can comment and explain the sights only from inside the vehicle, but are not allowed to do so once they are outside the vehicle. They are regularly licensed instead to chauffeur the public. We highly recommend that you never book with any touring company that does not make this clear.

Does the driver go with us inside the monuments?

No, only a licensed guide is authorized to accompany you during the visit of sights. Our driver will drop you off close to the sights but will stay with the vehicle for the duration of your visit.

Does this tour include lunch and admission fees to sites?

Lunch and admission fees are not included in the rate. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

Does it include a guide?

A guide is not included either. Please contact our office for pricing and reservations.

What is the duration of the tour?

The duration of the tour is 9 hours, including pickup and drop off at the ship.

Can we add wine tasting and light lunch?

Yes you may the cost varies between 20 and 25 euro depending on the season

Do you guarantee the return to the ship on time?

In almost 30 years of business, we have never missed the ship that is why we have organized all itineraries to guarantee your return on time.

Is gratuity included in the price?

Tips are never included in our quotes .We think that a tip shouldn't be included in the rate otherwise it would be a tax!!! Once in Italy do not feel as though you have to tip everyone because someone told you to. Tip only if you really liked the service. Tips are generally: 10% not bad 15 % great 20 % best tour in my life. Please report any abuse.

Where do we meet the driver?

The driver pulls up to the ship if you are travelling in a small group.Please read your voucher confirmation for the exact details.