Volendam 2026, Civitavecchia, Italy...

Today we arrived in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome, in the early morning hours before sunrise. Our friend Susanna picked us up at the Port shuttle stop and we had a quick reunion with Susanna and her husband Rudolf before heading off to the Etruscan Necropolis of Tarquinia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is world-renowned for its underground tombs, many of which feature vivid, colorful frescoes dating back over 2,500 years. The painted walls offer a rare, fascinating glimpse into the daily life and beliefs of a civilization that deeply influenced the Roman Empire. The painted scenes found in the underground tombs are of a quality virtually unrivalled elsewhere in the Etruscan world and give a valuable insight into the secretive world of the Etruscans which is rarely documented. Next, we went to Old Town Tarquinia…Our first stop in the old town was for some gelato and coffee before we visited the National Etruscan Museum, housed in the beautiful Vitelleschi Palace. This museum holds an incredible collection of ancient artifacts, the iconic Winged Horses and masterfully preserved sarcophagi…We usually do not visit museums but this was an exception and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The building was the former Cardinal’s Palace complete with chapel was a 15th-century blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. Susanna dropped us at Piazza Giacomo Matteotti, the historic heart of Tarquinia. Next, we the visited the Town Hall, an elegant medieval building featuring wonderful frescoes in the council chambers that reflect its important civic role throughout the centuries…this building came as a complete surprise and was a hidden gem. From here, we walked through the charming streets to see the historic medieval walls of Tarquinia, impressive fortifications that once protected the ancient settlement. Walking along this defensive structures also gave us a unique panoramic view over the historic center and the surrounding countryside. Leaving old town Tarquinia we made our way down through an ancient gateway with very tight corners. This town offered historic buildings and charming views that made every step through Tarquinia a journey into the past. Our last stop today was Tuscania, nestled on a hill along the Marta River, truly a journey through history... Today, Tuscania stands as a captivating medieval town, enclosed by notched walls, towers, gates, and Romanesque churches. We entered the old town gates and stopped at Lavello Tower overlooking the walls and the green Tuscan hills. We walked back into town to Piazza Bastianini with the Maggiore Fountain and San Giacomo Cathedral. We stopped at the Bread and Wine Cafe and had delicious bruschetta for lunch. On our way out of Tuscania, Susanna stopped at St. Peter’s Basilica built atop St. Peter's Hill, the site of the ancient Etruscan acropolis famous for the frescoes, crypt and ornate window. We had another excellent day touring with Susanna; she gave us more than we could ask…more hidden gems…loved our day. Off to Naples tomorrow!