The most striking aspect of Tarquinia is undoubtedly the legacy left by the Etruscans. The Necropolis of Monterozzi (the highlight of your visit) dates back around 3000 years and has about 200 painted tombs.Visiting the Necropolis of Tarquinia (inserted onto the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, ) is beyond doubt the best way to get to know the magnitude and at the same time the artistic refinement of the Etruscan people. Not less interesting, to learn about the Etruscans, is The Necropoli della Banditaccia, in Cerveteri which has been declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site together with the necropolis in Tarquinia. It covers an area of 400 hectares (990 acres), of which 10 hectares (25 acres) can be visited, encompassing a total of about 1,000 tombs often housed in characteristic mounds. It is the largest ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area.
What's Included
English speaking driver, air-conditioned Mercedese sedan or minivan
beverage, food, gratuities
Departure & Return
Departure Point
Traveler pickup is offered Pick up - drop off at your centrally-located accomodation in Rome. For pick up outside Rome, (oter villages, airport, etc), we charge for tranfser, according the distance from the city.
Departure Time
8:00 AM
What To Expect
Itinerary
Pass By:
Necropoli di Tarquinia
After meeting the english speaking driver at your hotel, you go on board and make the way to Tarquinia: Center of Southern Etruria, symbol of Etruscan art par excellence, and Medieval town of great charm, Tarquinia has much to offer.
With precious monuments and museums, a charming and historic town center and important UNESCO's World Heritage archaeological sites, this beautiful city of Etruscan origins is a real concentration of art. With over 200 depicted tombs, the frescoes of the necropolis of Monterozzi represent the wider existing pictorial collection of Etruscan art and at the same time the most important document of the whole ancient painting before the Roman imperial period.
After Tarquinia, the driver will take you to another unique place: The Etruscan Necropolis at Cerveteri called The Banditaccia, which is a uniquely haunting archaeological site. Built by this prosperous people between the seventh and the third centuries BC, the 'city' is still not fully excavated, but there are a remarkable number of stone tombs lining little streets, and you can easily spend several hours exploring.
The enigmatic Etruscans built cities and ports that have long since disappeared, but the care and industry they put into the homes for their dead has resulted in a lasting monument. The experience of clambering inside these tombs is unmissable... it's also rather eerie and feels faintly invasive.
The Banditaccia Necropolis site, a short distance outside the small town of Cerveteri, is huge and surprisingly bare of visitors. You can wander as you please - and take a torch. The major tombs are signposted, have steps for access and lights for illumination, but the majority of interiors are accessible only to the intrepid. There are distinct types and ages of tomb. The majority contain stone 'beds' with carved pillows, some also provide what seem to be stone chairs. There are round tombs, square tombs, posh tomb development and streets of terraced tombs. For sure, if you like Etruscan history, this is an experience you will remeber for the rest of your life.
You can even enjoy a beautiful lunch before having your visit in the archeological site. After this, you go back to Rome. Drop off at your hotel in center Rome.