Tour Bracciano and the Etruscan World

Votes:

Bracciano Lake, visit Odescalchi Castle and the Necropolis of Cerveteri

We start with a scenic drive with marvellous views across Lake Bracciano and its countryside. Steeped in history, the beauty of Bracciano is revealed during the exploration of Castle Odescalchi, one of the most beautiful and best preserved residences in Europe, and with a unique view of the entire lake whose origin is volcanic and its size (36 sq. miles) makes it one of the largest lakes in Italy.

On the way back we'll visit the vast Etruscan Necropolises of Cerveteri, a masterpiece of creative genius that reveals aspects of life, death, and religious beliefs of the ancient Etruscans. Declared a UNESCO's World Heritage Site, it covers an area of 400 ha, 1,000 monumental tombs.

Itinerary:

The pretty medieval historical center of Bracciano with its alleys and breathtaking views of the lake.

The impressive large Orsini Odescalchi Castle, built in 1470, a typical example of military architecture, pentagonal in shape, with large cylindrical towers, and still in excellent condition.

See the hall of the Caesars, the Secret Gardens, the Ancient Tower and the Hall of Arms, the frescoes of the Zuccari in the Papal Room, the timber ceiling in Sala III and the marble busts of Paolo Giordano Orsini II and his wife Isabella de Medici, sculpted by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. This location was selected by Hollywood star Tom Cruise as the site for his 2006 wedding.

The Necropolis of Cerveteri which shows, in a funerary context, the same town-planning and architectural schemes used in an ancient city through the most important typologies of tombs from the IX to the II century BC. It's the largest ancient necropolis in the Mediterranean area and is a unique and exceptional testimony to the ancient Etruscans.

Meeting location: Civitavecchia: on your Cruise ship harbour; at your hotel or different location requested;

End location: at departing point

Duration: 6 hours (The duration might be affected by traffic on the weekends, and can also be accomodate according to the docking times of your ship).

Transportation: We will have a private car/minivan with a professional driver included in the rate; I can quote tour without transportation if requested.

What's included:

Private Tour guide for the length of the tour;
Private vehicle with a professional Driver;
Entrance fees to the Etruscan Necrepolis,
Entrance admission to Orsini castle;
Highway tolls, fuel and parking.

What's extra:

Meals and drinks

Estimated local cash needed: 25 Euros - Meals and drinks

Activity level: Minimal

Tour Type: City, Cultural, Shore Excursion, Youth and Family

Kid Friendly: YES

Kid Friendly Information: Castles, Secrets, City of dead people, Medieval villages, Etruscan vs Romans ... perfect ingredients to arouse the curiosity and adventurous spirit of your kids. Discovering and learning through exploration and educational entertainment

Wheelchairs Friendly: YES

Wheelchairs friendly information: Might have to replace the inside of Orsini Castle in Bracciano with an accessible Castle and Village; at the Etruscan Necropolis possibility of renting an eletrical vehicl