Private Etruscan History Tour from Civitavecchia: Tarquinia and Tuscania
Description
Tarquinia and Tuscania are two gems of the Tuscia region in central Italy. These historic towns are perfect for an independent exploration, blending Etruscan heritage, medieval architecture, and breathtaking landscapes. Step back in time and discover the rich history of the Etruscans. Etruria was once a thriving region region of Central Italy, located in the area that covered what is now Lazio, Tuscany and Umbria. Most of what people know about Etruscan civilization comes from paintings and artifacts artifacts that have been unearthed after being buried for thousands of years. Etruscans migrated from Asia minor, spoke a language that has yet to be deciphered, and were energetic warriors and seamen. Learn all this and more on this interesting, exciting, fact-filled, private journey. With a driver at your disposal, plan your route in advance to maximize time at each site. Tarquinia and Tuscania are about 20 minutes apart. Both towns are small enough to visit in a day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your assigned driver will be readily identifiable, holding a sign bearing your name
Step into history as we explore Tarquinia, the cradle of Etruscan civilization. Wander through its medieval streets, admire noble palaces, and uncover the secrets of the famous Etruscan Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A journey through time, where ancient art and breathtaking views await.
The Etruscan Necropolis of Monterozzi is located over an upland east of Tarquinia (Viterbo) and counts with approximately 6,000 tombs, most of them spaces digged into the rock and surmounted by tumulus, the oldest of them dating back to the seventh century BC
The splendid Romanesque Church of Saint Mary in the Castle deserves a chapter on its own. The church is situated in the oldest part of Tarquinia, where the Castrum Cargnetum was located, originating the nucleus of ancient Corneto. To reach it, you have to walk along Via di Porta Castello, cross the ancient gate with the Tower of Dante and the Tower of Matilde di Canossa in the background. A few steps to be catapulted 1000 years back! The atmosphere here is simply magical, especially at night when the streets are illuminated only by the light of the street-lamps... the ideal place for a romantic walk in history.
Housed within Palazzo Vitelleschi, the National Etruscan Museum of Tarquinia is beyond doubt among the main attractions of the city. The Palazzo Vitelleschi deserves a visit for itself! Built by Cardinal Giovanni Vitelleschi between 1436 and 1439 with a design by Giovanni Dalmata, thanks to the simultaneous presence of Gothic and Renaissance elements and a true architectural masterpiece.
A nice walk through the narrow streets of the Historical Center of Tarquinia.In Piazza Giacomo Matteotti where you will find the Palazzo Comunale, the monumental eighteenth-century fountain
The Cathedral of Saints Margherita and Martino, built around 1260, is located in the square with the same name a few steps from Palazzo Vitelleschi and it is part of the diocese of Civitavecchia and Tarquinia. Raised to the rank of Cathedral on 5 December 1435, during the fifteenth century the cathedral was enlarged by Bishop Bartolomeo Vitelleschi then it was unfortunately destroyed in 1643 by a terrible fire.
Discover Tuscania, a charming town where history and nature blend in perfect harmony. Stroll through its medieval streets, admire the stunning Basilica of San Pietro, and take in breathtaking views of the Tuscia countryside. An unforgettable journey into the soul of ancient Lazio.
Based in the Franciscan Monastery founded in 1247, adjacent to the Church of s. Maria del Riposo. The first section of the Museum was opened in 1988; consists of 4 rooms on the ground floor where exposes the funerary complex of noble Hellenistic period (IV-II sec.a.C.). Of particular importance are the funerary complex from three rock tombs of Curunas family: next to nenfro sarcophagi with lids restituenti all round the figure of the deceased, faliscan, ceramics are ceretane, vulcenti and/or tarquiniesi, and chiusine. Of particular importance in materials related to bronze or female world banquet. In 1997 were open to the public 2 upstairs rooms, one dedicated to the history of the monastery and the old centre of Tuscania, the other to the oldest testimonies from necropolis (VII century BC). Forthcoming is the opening of new exhibition sections.
Arrive in style at Civitavecchia Port with our expert drivers, ready to make your journey unforgettable.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Cruise Terminal area
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress code is smart casual
- At time of booking, Cruise ship passengers must provide the following information at time of booking: ship name, docking time, disembarkation time, and re-boarding time
- Adult pricing applies to all passengers
Reviews(12)
A great experience in history and archeology. Our great guides, Manuel and Frederico, took us to Tuscania and Tarquinia. Very good narratives about the region and good walking tours in each city. Took in a museum of artifacts, several churches, one excavated, and a necropolis. It was all fascinating. After checking with our preferences for lunch, we had delicious local pizza. Would highly recommend if you’re looking for an alternative to the long bus ride to Rome, or if you’ve been there enough and you’re at the port of Civitavecchia.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed this deep dive into history and archaeology in Tuscania and Tarquinia. It’s great to know that the narratives and explanations provided by our drivers added real value to the experience, helping bring the region, its sites, and its stories to life. Thank you as well for highlighting this tour as a great alternative to Rome for guests arriving at the port of Civitavecchia. We would be delighted to welcome you again for another memorable experience!
Emanuele was an excellent guide. He scared us at first saying he was just a driver, but he was an excellent teacher and very pleasant person. He customized our stops for what we were interested in and brought us to a very nice local restaurant for some warm soup, acquacotte on a cold day. The sites, churches and tombs were amazing and a welcome change from Rome, which we have covered pretty well in the past.
Thank you very much for your kind review! We’re glad you enjoyed the experience and appreciated the flexibility of the tour. While the tour does not officially include a tour guide, we always select drivers who know the area well and are happy to share tips, local insights, and interesting facts along the way. We’re also happy to hear that you enjoyed the stops, the sites, and the local restaurant—it’s always our goal to offer a memorable experience that feels authentic and a bit different from the usual itineraries. Thank you again for choosing us, and we hope to welcome you back in the future!
There were two of us sharing this tour, so it was a little expensive, but it was worth it. We were on a cruise, and had already spent five days in Rome. Communication with Giorgia prior to the tour was very good. Emannuele met us at the dock with an iPad with our name. The van was parked right there and, since there were only two of us, there was no jockeying for seats. As we drove to Toscania, Emannuele explained agriculture and industry and answered our questions. As we approached Toscania, he had Google explain, in English, the major sites. In Toscania, he walked us through the walled town, stopping when we wanted to shop (lavender is grown locally) to the public gardens, where there was a functioning sun dial and an exceptional view. Other stops were the Fountain of Seven Spouts and St. Peter’s Church (don’t miss the crypt). In Tarquinia we elected to visit the museum and the Monterozzi necropolis (€8, not included in the tour price, but that was stated up front). These are edifying sites, and the stars of the tour. Between the museum and the necropolis, Emannuele directed us to Il Boccone del Prete for lunch on our own. It was an excellent choice. After a gentle ride (Emannuele is a very safe driver), we returned to our ship. I would recommend this tour to anyone, and if you have more people in your party it becomes more economical. It was a treat after the big buses.
Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a detailed and thoughtful review! We’re so glad to hear that you enjoyed your day exploring Tuscania and Tarquinia, and that the tour provided a comfortable and personalized experience after your days in Rome. It’s wonderful to know that the itinerary, communication, and pace of the day all met your expectations. We truly appreciate your kind words and your recommendation — it means a lot to us. We hope to welcome you back on another tour in the future for more discoveries across Italy!
We were on a stop with our cruise ship in Civitavecchia port and were not up for the traffic and crowds in Rome so we booked this private tour. We are so glad we did! The countryside and ancient towns were beautiful and the Etruscan tombs were so interesting. Emmanuel was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. We enjoyed spending the day with him and appreciated how accommodating and flexible he was. We highly recommend this tour.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We’re so happy to hear that you enjoyed your day exploring the countryside and ancient towns. Thank you for recommending the tour — it truly means a lot to us! Warmest regards from all of us, The Cruising Rome Team
Very nice and relaxed tour. Flexible and personable driver/guide. Beautiful area with panoramic views.
Thank you so much for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the tour and appreciated the relaxed atmosphere, the flexibility, and the beautiful views. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you again soon for another unforgettable experience!
Since we had already been to Rome, we wanted to see a different side of Italy. I’m so thankful we did! Emmanuel met us at the port and explained the day to us. We drove to see a different side of the country and got to see several historic churches and museums of the Etruscan people. It was unbelievable! He went with us to each venue and took the time to explain everything. He was so incredibly nice and knowledgeable! I highly recommend this tour company and Emmanuel!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're truly glad to hear that you enjoyed discovering a different side of Italy with us. Emmanuel will be thrilled to know that his knowledge, kindness, and passion for history helped make your day so memorable. Exploring the Etruscan heritage is a unique experience, and we're happy we could share it with you. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back again for another adventure in Italy!
Very nice day in which we could go at our own pace. Enjoyed visiting the Etruscan tombs and churches. Also had a wonderful lunch before heading back to the port.
Tarquinia and Tuscania are very interesting, but the tour provided very little information. The driver was great and very polite, as a driver - but we were expecting more of a tour with local information, etc. Driver didn't even have a lunch recommendation in Tarquinia or places to visit. We ended up having to scramble with Google to make our own "tour"
We loved the history and lack of crowds. The guides were very helpful and there was much to see. Great alternative to visiting Rome.
Michael, Thanks for your nice feedback. The Etruscan history is really interesting and is in no way inferior to the Roman History. It is also linked at the origin. thanks again
We were told a luxury sedan would pick us up. Instead it was an old mini van that picked us up and then drove us to parking lot to get into another old minivan. Hub caps missing. Our driver knew nothing.
Hello Patricia, We are vey sorry, that you didn't enjoy our service. As we know the drive told us that you decided to get back earlier from Tarquinia and ou didn't visited Tuscania, that is another important site of the excursion. Davide, your driver is one of the most experienced local driver of the City. The day of your trip we had an issue on the other veichle that's why in order to guarantee the service we picked yo up in port, and you changed veichle. Kind regards,
