 |
|
Car pick-up will be at the hotel, followed by a transfer to Cerveteri,
where you'll meet our local guide.
This area is considered to be one of the focal points where the Etruscan
civilization flourished in this beautiful region of Italy. It is bounded
by the Rivers Arno and Tiber, and to the west by the
Mediterranean Sea. Profoundly affected by Greek culture, the Etruscans
in turn, had a powerful influence on the neighboring early Republic
of Rome.
Many Latin writers mention this fact. However, the sole knowledge
we have is provided by the tombs of Cerveteri and Tarquinia. After
a relaxing and scenic drive on the A11, our first exit will be at
Cerveteri. Along the access road, you will see many unique small mounds
that appear to be covered with tombs. The extent and splendor of the
remains of this monumental necropolis testifies to the importance
of the city and the Etruscan mastery of funerary architecture. Although
the area is not fully excavated, you will see tombs that are round,
square and terraced, earthenware sarcophaguses, as well as remains
of vases and amphora.
Within a pleasant backdrop of cypress, brooms and pines, the necropolis
is presented in the form of a city, with a street of tombs indicated.
Among these, some consist of underground funerary chambers accessible
by a door. It is simply
decorated with mouldings that have a simple and sober layout.
Other tombs are known as tumuli and date from the 7th century BC.
They are formed by conical mounds resting upon circular bases. We'll
then continue to drive towards Tarquinia, the necropolis that extends
5 km in length and 1 km wide.
It includes thousands of tombs dating from the 6th century BC through
the 1st century BC. Although there are no architectural features,
there is an extraordinary assemblage of paintings that
decorate the walls. Within the underground funerary rooms, there are
artistic renderings of scenes of everyday life. These include banqueting
and dancing, hunting and fishing, horse racing, games and spectacles,
as well as visions of the afterlife. There are divinities, funerary
rites and religious symbols.
The main attraction of the town is one of the most interesting museums
of central Italy, Museo Nazionale Tarquinese. It is devoted mainly
to Etruscan exhibits and sarcophaguses that were excavated from the
necropolis a few miles away.
Lunch will be in a typical local restaurant upon request.
Sightseeing will continue on the way back to your hotel.
All the tours can be modified and adapted to every demand! |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Participants information
tour category:
Van and English speaking driver
tour availability : everyday
tour duration : 7 hours
pick up time: 9.00am
participants meeting place: hotel lobby
tour cost: per party of up to 6 people - Euros 560
licensed guide: Highly recommended (Euros 130 - 2
hrs)
lunch time: available upon request
entrance tickets: Cerveteri and Tarquinia necropolies
|
|
|
|
|
