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Tuscia indicates Viterbo and Upper Lazio in general.
The term derives from the Latin Tuscia (pronounced tuskia), the territory inhabited by the Tusci, or by the Etruscans, plural of the Latin tuscus, contraction of etruscus. From Tuscia, synonymous with Etruria, derive the name of the Tuscany region and the name of the municipality of Tuscania in the province of Viterbo. In medieval times, and until the end of the nineteenth century, Tuscia was used as a synonym, as well as of Etruria, also of Tuscany. In contemporary use the name Tuscia is also used to indicate the territories of Upper Lazio and the neighboring areas of Tuscany and Umbria, a splendid area for nature and gastronomy that has its center in Acquapendente, the city that owes its name to the fact that it is located near numerous small waterfalls that flow into the river Paglia.
Travel highlights: we will visit the places, monuments, companies, streets and gastronomy that define the 5 excellences of the territory.
Departure point Acquapendente, with transfer included from Orvieto station, outward and return.
Arrival and accommodation in farmhouse or hotel.
The original village of Acquapendente was formed around the Pieve di Santa Vittoria between the ninth and tenth centuries where the Via Cassia and the Via Francigena become one, in an itinerary that accompanied the faithful from Northern Europe to Rome.
It is a place of enchanted woods, of clear waters flowing, of other itineraries to discover a rich biodiversity and surprising landscapes, it is the place where stands the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, which according to a legendary tradition was founded by Queen Matilda of Westphalia, directed to Rome with a caravan of mules loaded with gold to build a sanctuary dedicated to the Holy Sepulchre. This is why it is considered the Green Jerusalem
In the early afternoon with our guide we begin our journey by visiting the medieval art jewels of the medieval village. Starting from Piazza Fabrizio, the main square of the city, overlooked by splendid palaces of the sixteenth century, while the Town Hall is from the end of the 800.
We cross the beautiful square of the Fonte del Rigombo to visit the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre. Along the Via Francigena the Basilica is a pilgrimage destination having inside a crypt resting on 24 columns and which preserves the oldest copy of the World of the Holy Sepulchre.
We will continue with a visit to the Torre del Barbarossa, part of the ancient castle of Barbarossa, and then the Church of San Francesco before ending the day with a tasting of wines and local products in the town square. Overnight stay.
Immediately after breakfast, backpack (light) on your shoulders and departure towards the Bosco del Sasseto and Torre Alfina. We will travel partly along the provincial road 50 and partly internal roads, always accompanied by wonderful landscapes.
Torre Alfina is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, which stands out against a panorama that embraces three regions, Umbria, Tuscany and Lazio.
Leaving our minivan we walk along the narrow streets of the village dominated by a spectacular castle that is also the gateway to the magical Bosco del Sasseto, a fascinating place with gigantic trees and a unique biodiversity preserved for centuries thanks to the passion of Count Cahen who rests here in a mausoleum in the middle of the woods.
After the walk we move to reach the northern part of the Monte Rufeno Nature Reserve to have lunch in a beautiful farmhouse where we will taste the products of the region.
After lunch (free) our guide will lead you through the paths of the Reserve, almost 3 thousand hectares on the border between Umbria and Tuscany, an immense natural wealth rich in peasant traditions, an oasis of beauty that can not be told.
In the late afternoon return to Acquapendente and overnight stay.
A special and slow day, a day dedicated to the thousand flavors of the Lazio region that merges with Umbria and Tuscany. We will go in search of typical products, visiting the farms and agritourism, a day to know, taste, breathe, experience an atmosphere that will amaze you, let yourself be guided.
Acquapendente is crossed by the Via Cassia, the most important communication route between Rome and Tuscany that in that place merges and overlaps with the Via Francigena. On this road have passed armies of conquering peoples, pilgrims heading to Rome and the Holy Land, cultures and traditions that have influenced local food and wine products enriching their taste. From the farro del Pungolo, to the Pici all'aglione, from white and red wines, to extra virgin olive oil, to cold cuts, to the wonderful cow and sheep cheese, not to mention the desserts, but above all the companies, sometimes very small, sometimes large but all linked by a bond of passion with the land.
During the day we will visit beautiful farmhouses, we will have lunch and taste the products of ancient wineries, oil mills and historic dairies, in the afternoon we will have the opportunity to participate in a coking class in a splendid medieval castle that is also a restaurant, B & B and wine bar. Dinner will follow. Return to Acquapendente and overnight stay.
In the Tuscia viterbese, that part of the territory of ancient Etruria now located in the province of Viterbo, the art of ceramics and crafts represents a peculiarity of craftsmanship with ancient origins. The tradition, in fact, dates back to the Etruscans, who lived in the Tuscia Viterbo and were true masters in the creation of ceramic and terracotta objects. Today, that same artisan tradition is carried on with wisdom in the many artisan shops, some of which will be our destinations.
We start by following in the footsteps of the Etruscans to reach the Tyrrhenian Sea in Tarquinia, famous for its beaches and the spectacular Monterozzi necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A relaxing walk in the shade of the high medieval towers of the historic center, with its ancient stone churches, its well-kept and narrow streets by the mass of extraordinary noble palaces and feast your eyes with the many panoramic views of the sea and the surrounding countryside before visiting the Museum of Ceramics which is located in the prestigious Palazzo dei Priori.
Immediately after we will visit the most beautiful painted tombs among the more than 6000 present in a few square kilometers, most built over 2500 years ago, surrounded by a region of rare beauty with large valleys and round hills that characterize the landscape.
We continue our day with a lunch (free) and then visit the other Etruscan capital, Tuscania, a town with a beautiful historic center half medieval and half Renaissance, a center interrupted from time to time by parks and views that suddenly sprout on the surrounding valleys.
In the afternoon return to Acquapendente to visit an artisan workshop and end sitting in the town square tasting local products.Overnight stay
From acquapendente, from the church of the Holy Sepulchre we leave for stage 38 of the Via Francigena, a stage that takes us in a continuous ups and downs between olive groves, meadows and woods, on the shores of Lake Bolsena in the homonymous city to visit the splendid basilica of Santa Cristina patron saint of the city, where the famous stones bathed in blood and the stone with the footprints of the saint are preserved, according to tradition, supported it instead of bringing it to the bottom of the lake. In fact, Cristina, persecuted like all Christians at the time of Diocletian, suffered violent torture because she did not want to abandon the Christian faith.
We will visit the Crypt with the altar of the miracle and the Catacombs.
Free time for a walk along the narrow streets of the center before lunch (free).
We continue our journey in Tuscia leaving for a moment the view of the lake to follow the road of the Miracle that leads us to Orvieto, a village that once visited is never forgotten. Orvieto, the other city of the Popes that we will reach in half an hour and then climb the fortress with a cable car sweeping our gaze on the border between Lazio and Umbria. We will have free time to wander through the beautiful streets of the center overlooked by bars, restaurants and craft shops, before starting our visit of the city.
Orvieto is a great little magic perched on an impregnable cliff, as beautiful outside as mysterious and fascinating below. We will visit the Pozzo di San Patrizio, an extraordinary work of civil engineering of the sixteenth century and the spectacular and majestic Duomo. Free time to get lost in the narrow streets full of artisan shops and in the evening return to Acquapendente, or Orvieto and Overnight stay with breakfast.
End of services
Price per person in standard double room starting from 1.150,00 €
Single room supplement 350,00 €
What's included:
5 nights in hotel or farmhouse
Transport by private minivan for the entire period
Transfer from Orvieto train station, round trip
Local guide where provided
The planned tastings
The entrances and tickets provided in the program
Tourist taxes
2 lunches and one dinner
1 coking class
Medical and luggage insurance
Tour leader throughout the day.
What is not included:
Personal expenses
Lunches and dinners not explicitly included in the program
Travel cancellation policy, on request
Anything not explicitly included in the program
To customize the tour or ask for different dates contact us.
To customize the tour or ask for different dates contact us.
The proposed itineraries can be purchased individually taking into account that the departure of each tour is available from 8:00 am at Orvieto Station and at 8:30 am from the Piazza del Comune di Acquapendente. The cost of each transfer from Orvieto to Acquapendente is € 30.00 per person, round trip, apart from the first and last day where the transfer is included.
