Duration : 9 Hours
Starting From:If you’ve been to Rome before and are looking for something different, or if you are interested in Etruscan (pre-Roman) history, our private shore excursion to Tarquinia & Tuscania is an ideal choice from the port of Civitavecchia. Driving times are not long and the countryside is very scenic.
Features of this day trip to Tarquinia & Tuscania:
Our Tarquinia & Tuscania tour begins by driving northeast from Civitavecchia for approximately 30 minutes. We’ll pass through the gently rolling countryside into the heart of Etruria, a plateau rising to more than 400 feet above sea level, overlooking the Marta River valley and the Tyrrhenian Sea.
Tarquinia
Tarquinia presents itself to the visitor as a Medieval town but its roots go back much further than that. Tarquinia was established by the Etruscans in pre-Roman times. A prosperous trade center as early as the 8th Century B.C., it became one of the most important of the Etruscan cities.
The Etruscans
So who were these Etruscans, you ask? The Etruscans were the fascinating and enigmatic people that inhabited central Italy prior to the rise of Rome. Not only did they craft intricate jewelry, sculpture and pottery (similar in design and decoration to that of ancient Greece), but they also carved out elaborate necropoli in the countryside to house their dead and their belongings.
Outside Tarquinia are located some of the most interesting necropoli in all of Italy, where you can see wall paintings to compare with those of ancient Egypt. In town, situated in majestic Palazzo Vitelleschi, is one of the greatest Etruscan museums in the world. The collection of well-preserved sarcophagi, paintings, tombs and frescoes from the 6th to 1st centuries B.C. is not to be missed.
Tuscania
Enjoy lunch in a typical local trattoria, then set out for Tuscania, another important city in the ancient Etruscan federation. The town is a bit of an open-air Etruscan museum, the lounging figures from the covers of sarcophogi decorating the balustrades in a number of delectable lookout points.
In Parco Torre di Lavello you will find a simple Etruscan fountain, with the profile of Tuscania’s most prominent architectural work, the basilica of San Pietro (Saint Peter), rising in the distance. Standing on the site of the old Etruscan acropolis, the church was begun in the 8th Century and renovated a few centuries later, it boasts a unique mix of architecture and splendid 13th-century facade. In the same area a second Romanesque church, Santa Maria Maggiore (Saint Mary Major), is also worth seeing. 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.
Is this tour private?
The tour is private, just for your party, however if you prefer to share your tour with other passengers to alleviate costs, you may find your travel companions to create your small group and divide the costs.
Is the driver also a guide?
Our English speaking drivers have 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.
Is the itinerary flexible?
Our itineraries are completely flexible, and we will be happy to operate any changes to the original itinerary (within reason). Please contact our office with all the requests you may have so that we can better organize your day.
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.
There will be a full charge for booking cancelled with less than 72-hour notice for any service required. In this case, full charge will be made on your credit card. If you miss your flight or if your airline decides to cancel the flight due to bad weather or if your flight is directed to another airport on arrival, please advise us on time (as soon as you know) or a full charge will be made.
Please give us enough time so we can accept other reservations and allocate them to our chauffeurs. If the ship does not make it to the pier for bad weather, you will not be considered responsible so NO CHARGE will be made to your credit card. Full charge will be made for no show-up.
Only pre-purchased skip the line tickets (if requested) are not refundable any under circumstance and will be charged to your card.
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