This tour has been especially designed for anyone
with an interest in ancient civilisations. The Etruscans pre-dated the Romans
and when you look at the art, jewellery and pottery that they produced, you
will see how much the Romans absorbed their culture. They were the original
inhabitants of Tuscany and the area north of Rome and indeed, provided three of
Rome’s early kings. The Circus Maximus, dating from 600BC was built by an
Etruscan, Tarquinio Prisco. The visit will start with the Bandicaccia
Necropolis, the biggest Etruscan cemetery in the area, covering a site of over
300 acres. Much like the ancient Egyptians, the Etruscans set much store by the
afterlife and therefore decorated their tombs to mimic their homes and these
are incredibly well preserved. Next onto Caeri, originally an Etruscan
settlement, nowadays a medieval fortress for lunch (not included) in an
exceedingly good local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will visit the
excellent Etruscan Museum in Cerveteri, where you will see the more precious
items excavated from the local tombs; exquisite jewellery, pottery and
sculptures. By the end of the day, you will be in no doubt as to what an
advanced civilisation this was.
