The Etruscan Explorer

The Etruscan civilization, which flourished from the eighth until the fifth century BC in what is now called Tuscany, is one of the most fascinating and mysterious places in Italy. This is why Spanish Steps has “stepped” into this part of the Mediterranian region, to lead you on a journey that explores seldom-visited villages steeped in centuries of history.

Before the Romans, there were the Etruscan people who lived on the western side of Italy. The remains of their Via Cave, an extraordinary network of roads and complex burial sites represent much of their culture and daily practices of times long gone.

Meet in Orvieto and head west to the town of Civita di Bagnoregio, also known as the island in the sky and take in the dramatic views of the Tiber river valley. Wander along the vie cave di Vitozza, once a cave-dwelling settlement until the 1800s but now completely abandoned. Stay in the hilltop village of Pitigliano, a melting pot of history and culture: Etruscans, Romans, Tuscans, and from the 17th century a thriving Jewish community.

Slide into the natural thermal pools of Saturnia after a long walk and soak up the benefits of the sulfurous waters with curative and relaxing properties. It’s a real treat after a long day on the trail. 800 liters of water, chock full of rich mineral content, gush from the slopes of Monte Amiata, some 30-kilometers away.  Even the Italian poet Dante enjoyed a dip or two proclaiming that the quality of the water was good for the skin and joints.

This walking trip concludes in the small city of Tarquinia, 5-kilometers inland from the Mediterrane sea. Visiting the Tarquinia Necropolis of Monterozzi, a UNESCO Heritage Site, sums up the history of the Etruscan civilization in one vast archaeological dig. Here we can see several of the 6,000 excavated graves, dating as far back as the 7th century BC. Some 200 of the tombs are decorated with frescos.

Worth seeing in Tarquinia itself is the Tarquina National Museum.  This you can easily visit on your own after the tour. Artifacts such as sarcophagi, Greek pottery, gold jewelry, decorated tombs, and the magnificent Winged Horses are here on display.