TUSCIA REGION AND ITS GHOST TOWNS: 4 DAYS/ ORVIETO- TARQUINIA- CIVITA DI BAGNOREGGIO

Nestled in the Northern part of Lazio, on the border with the Tuscan Maremma and Umbria, lies Tuscia, a territory still very unexplored and unknown to most but rich in cultural, artistic and naturalistic heritage worthy of an in-depth visit. Tuscia, formerly called Etruria, was the homeland of the Etruscans. This ancient population settled in this area and started its civilization much before the Roman period. Cities such as Cerveteri and Tarquinia are a perfect example of the Etruscan settlements in the area with their famous and well-preserved Etruscan necropolises. Literally "the cities of the dead"they are underground crypts dedicated to the burial and cult of the dead, rich in frescoes in perfect preservation that testify scenes of everyday life of this people. The territory of Tuscia combines the charm of Etruscan antiquity with a strong medieval atmosphere. Dotted with small villages of medieval origin, perched on the tops of the hills or on rocky peaks, this region seems suspended in a magical lost atmosphere. Finally, the territory and its peculiarity: thermal waters and lakes of volcanic origin characterize the geography of this unspoiled and mysterious territory. During your spare time, take time to visit Viterbo and its thermal baths and the medieval “Ghost” villages of Civita di Bagnoreggio, Vitorchiano, Celleno, Castiglione and to take a walk along the Bolsena lake and the surreal Park of the Monsters of Bomarzo. Finally, if you want to go just beyond the Tuscan border, visit the Maremma and its villages of Sorano, Pitigliano and the thermal baths of Saturnia.

4 days/ 3 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Orvieto

Arrival to Orvieto and check in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Orvieto- Duomo

You will dedicate the morning to discovering Orvieto, an Umbrian town on the border with Tuscia, home base of our tour. You will meet your guide between the palace, the tower and the cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. You'll stroll through Orvieto's 14th-century Gothic cathedral and admire the vibrant and colorful frescoes and mosaics inside. Next, you'll head to the historic Pozzo di San Patrizio well to see its two spiral ramps in the shape of a double helix. Your guide will tell you the fascinating story behind this well. Finally, you'll climb to the top of the medieval Torre del Moro where you can take in beautiful views of the city, the cathedral, and the surrounding countryside. After about two and a half hours the tour will end and you can take advantage of the rest of the day to visit the Well on your own or to continue discovering the villages of Tuscia. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Tarquinia- Necropolis

You will start the day with a private visit of Tarquinia: the most important Etruscan city in the seventh century BC particularly famous for the necropolis of Monterozzi (also called Necropolis of Tarquinia), an ancient cemetery from pre-Roman times that houses more than two hundred painted tombs under its green mounds. You will explore the impressive rooms carved into the rock copying the Etruscan houses to admire the bright colors used by the ancient Etruscans to paint landscapes, exotic animals and scenes from everyday life. You will be able to discover the secrets of the most beautiful and fascinating tombs: the tomb of the Leopards, with its banquet scenes that show the incredible freedom of Etruscan women, the tomb of Hunting and Fishing, which represents the typical activities of the aristocracy, the tomb of the Warrior, where funeral rites are represented (including the cruel games that inspired the subsequent gladiator fights). Walking through the charming alleys of Tarquinia, dotted with medieval towers and splendid palaces, you reach Palazzo Vitelleschi, which houses the most precious treasures of the ancient city in the National Etruscan Museum: carved sarcophagi, frescoes, gold and precious stone jewelry, and the famous winged horses. At the end of the tour of about 3 hours you will have the rest of the day free. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4: Civita di Bagnoreggio- Departure

Start the day by visiting the picturesque medieval village of Civita di Bagnoreggio where a guide will be waiting for you for a visit of about 3 hours. Perched on a cliff, Civita maintains a magical atmosphere of yesteryear.  After crossing the 300-meter bridge in this ancient city you can start exploring its old houses, narrow streets and charming squares. Located in Tuscia on the border between Tuscany and Lazio, Civita is called “the dying city” because the land on which it was built is slowly sinking down into the Valle dei Calanchi. Enjoy views of the surrounding valley as you learn about the history of this city from its founding by the Etruscans 2,500 years ago to its perilous present. After this tour of about 3 hours, enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION: Hotel Orvieto or similar