Day trip Rome: Tarquinia and Cerveteri Etruscan tombs
Thousands of Etruscan tombs sit underground in two necropolises an hour from Rome.
A day trip from Rome to the Etruscan necropolises of Cerveteri and Tarquinia, with private transport, a driver who shares historical context, and optional lunch. You spend roughly two hours at the Necropolis of Banditaccia in Cerveteri (one of the largest Etruscan burial sites, dating to the 9th century BCE), then travel to Tarquinia to explore the Necropolis of Monterozzi, famous for its frescoed tombs, and the National Archaeological Museum.
Step-by-step itinerary
Explore Etruscan sites in Cerveteri and Tarquinia
- Visit Necropolis of Banditaccia in Cerveteri
- Enter Museo di Cerveteri with same ticket
- Visit Necropolis of Monterozzi in Tarquinia
- Explore National Archaeological Museum in Tarquinia
- Optional: Have lunch in Tarquinia
- Drive back to Rome
- Cerveteri 3h
- Tarquinia 2h
What’s included
- Private transportation in a van for the full day.
- WiFi hotspot on board.
- bottled water, cola and chocolate.
- hotel pickup and dropoff for groups of four or more (smaller groups depart from Cinecittà Metro Station).
- driver commentary on Etruscan history and culture throughout the route.
- Tuesday to Sunday 08:00 09:00
Information
Six to nine hours from Rome to two Etruscan necropolises with thousands of ancient tombs and frescoes. Private transport, WiFi and refreshments included.
Compare the 12 alternatives
Traveler reviews
The experience
The tour runs six to nine hours depending on how long you linger at each site. Pickup happens at your hotel for groups of four or more. Smaller groups meet at Cinecittà Metro Station. An early start at 8am is available if you ask. The drive to Cerveteri takes roughly an hour, and you'll have the van and driver for the full day: WiFi, bottled water, cola and chocolate included on board.
At Cerveteri, the Necropolis of Banditaccia holds thousands of tombs carved into the earth, some dating back nearly three thousand years. The same ticket admits you to the Museo di Cerveteri, which houses Etruscan artifacts found in the area. About two hours is typical for this stop. Tarquinia's Necropolis of Monterozzi is smaller but famous for its painted tombs. The frescoes inside reveal daily life, feasts and religious scenes from the Etruscan world. After the necropolis, you'll visit the National Archaeological Museum to see larger pieces (sculptures, pottery, bronze work), that give shape to what the tombs suggest. Lunch is optional in Tarquinia. The driver can point you toward a local spot or you can bring your own.
Entry tickets to both necropolises cost 10 euros each and are bought at the site, not in advance. The driver provides historical detail and context throughout the day but does not lead a formal guided tour. Return to Rome happens around 4 or 5pm. Customizations are possible (different start times, different routes), so contact the operator with what you need.
Top questions
What languages is the tour guided in?
Live guide in English, Spanish, French and Italian.
Can children come?
Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 17 years); Infant (under 5).
How long do I spend at each necropolis?
The Necropolis of Banditaccia in Cerveteri typically takes about two hours. Tarquinia's Necropolis of Monterozzi and the National Archaeological Museum together fill the rest of the afternoon, with time for an optional lunch.
What are the Etruscan tombs like inside?
The tombs at Monterozzi in Tarquinia are painted with frescoes showing Etruscan life: banquets, dancing, hunting and religious rituals. At Cerveteri, the Necropolis of Banditaccia consists of thousands of underground chambers carved into the rock, some with multiple rooms and stone furnishings inside.
Does the price include entry to the necropolises?
Entry tickets are not included. You buy them at each site for 10 euros per necropolis. The price covers transport, the driver, WiFi and refreshments.
Can I start earlier than the standard time?
Yes, an 8am departure is available if you request it when booking. Customizations are possible, so contact the operator with your preferred start time and hotel location to confirm.
What's included in the transport?
Private transportation in a van, WiFi hotspot for the entire day, bottled water, cola and chocolate are all included. Hotel pickup and dropoff are included for groups of four or more. Smaller groups meet at Cinecittà Metro Station, though hotel pickup can be arranged for an extra fee.
Operated by Scoot Around Rome. Explorevia does not run this tour: we compare it with similar options, and you book it with our booking partner.
Prices and times updated 2 days ago
Day trip Rome: Tarquinia and Cerveteri Etruscan tombs
6h–9h · EN · ES · FR · IT
from € 120 per person
≈ US$ 135 in your currency
Next, you choose your date and number of travelers and see the final price.