This immersive six-night journey uncovers the true foundations of Italy, hidden for thousands of years. Long before Rome cast its imperial shadow across the Mediterranean, a highly sophisticated, wealthy, and enigmatic civilisation dominated the Italian peninsula. The Etruscans built thriving city-states, forged masterworks of bronze, and painted vibrant underworlds—yet their history was largely rewritten by the empire that absorbed them. Even Rome’s ultimate symbol, the Capitoline She-Wolf, was forged by Etruscan hands. Led by renowned Etruscan scholar Professor Simon Stoddart, on this 3-centre tour, explore the landscape, architecture, and urban evolution of a forgotten superpower, with visits to some of the most magnificent sites which illustrate their wealth and sophistication. From coastal trading hubs and dramatic clifftop strongholds to sacred and political sanctuaries and beautifully decorated burial chambers,  uncover the extent and intent of the powerful Etruscan League city-states.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Trace ancient networks of  Etruscan power across the sacred sanctuaries of Orvieto, the subterranean labyrinth of Chiusi, and the mountain fortifications of Cortona.
• Stand inside the spectacular, UNESCO-protected subterranean burial chambers of Tarquinia to admire 2,500-year-old frescoes.
• Decode the sites with one of the world’s leading Etruscans experts on hand to bridge the gap between classical history and cutting-edge bioarchaeological science.

ITINERARY

The full itinerary can be found on the Temple World website.

Decoding the Etruscan World tour