Etruscan Tombs Hike in Sovana: 6km Trek to Hidden Necropolis

Walk into man-made canyons carved by the Etruscans, then hunt for tombs the crowds have missed.

A 6km hiking trek departing from Sovana, the most important Etruscan city in the area, to discover late Etruscan tombs and the Via Cava—canyons carved by human hands over centuries. A licensed local guide leads the route through less crowded terrain, and you'll cross a small creek (waterproof shoes recommended). The hike takes 2 to 3 hours; wine tasting from local winemakers is available at the end for an additional cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Trek and explore Etruscan tombs

• Hike around Sovana necropolis
• Discover hidden Etruscan tombs
• Experience Via Cava canyon
• Optional wine tasting at local winery

The Experience

The trek starts in Sovana and follows a 6km route designed to uncover tombs most visitors never find. These Etruscan burial sites once formed entire cities—necropolis complexes so extensive they required networks of passages and chambers. Your guide knows where they are hidden and what to look for as you move through the landscape, pointing out the archaeological details that make each site distinct.

The real draw is the Via Cava—a canyon carved entirely by human hands, worn down over centuries as Etruscans moved through it. Walking into one means stepping into a passage that is sometimes narrow enough that the walls tower overhead, a physical reminder of the labor that went into creating these routes. You'll cross a small creek along the way, which is why waterproof shoes matter; otherwise, the terrain is manageable for anyone with moderate fitness. The whole experience runs 2 to 3 hours, so the pace stays steady without becoming punishing.

When you return, local winemakers offer a tasting of at least four wines produced in the area. This is optional and costs 15 euros per person if you choose it; it's not bundled into the trek price, so you decide on the spot whether to stay or head back. The guide speaks English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian depending on the group.

What’s included

Licensed local hiking guide who speaks your language; the 6km trek route through Sovana's Etruscan sites and Via Cava canyons.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by The Red Road

Is this one for you?This trek works best for small groups or solo travelers who want a guide who knows the hidden sites—the tombs are scattered and unmarked, so going alone means missing most of them. If you're fit enough for a steady 2- to 3-hour walk and comfortable with a creek crossing, the route opens up a part of Sovana that most visitors skip.

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Top questions

What exactly is a Via Cava and why is it worth walking through?

A Via Cava is a canyon carved by the Etruscans themselves—a sunken pathway worn down by centuries of foot traffic and deliberate excavation. Walking through one lets you experience the scale of the effort the Etruscan people invested in creating these passages, and you'll see the walls rising on both sides, a physical sense of their engineering that photographs don't capture.

How difficult is the 6km hike, and what kind of fitness do I need?

The trek requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness; it's not a casual stroll, but it's not a mountaineering expedition either. The route covers 6km over 2 to 3 hours, and the terrain includes a small creek crossing. Waterproof shoes are recommended, and the pace is steady without being punishing.

Are the Etruscan tombs easy to spot, or do I need the guide to find them?

The tombs are hidden and unknown to most visitors—that's the whole point of the trek. A licensed local guide leads the route and knows exactly where they are; without one, you'd likely walk past them. The guide also explains what you're looking at once you find each site, adding context to what might otherwise look like unmarked hillside.

What languages does the guide speak?

The guide is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese or Italian, depending on which language your group needs.

Is the wine tasting included in the price, and do I have to do it?

The wine tasting is optional and not included in the trek price. If you want to taste wines from local winemakers at the end of the hike, it costs 15 euros per person and includes at least four different wines. You decide after the trek whether to participate.