Volterra walking tours

Volterra is a city that comes alive with the right guide. Volterra Walking Tour runs lunchtime and early evening tours linked to Volterra’s amazing heritage, including its Etruscan, Roman and medieval history. The tours are run by an American with an art history background and deep local knowledge. For walking tours in languages other than English, book through the local tourist office. Alternatively, you can book a private tour with Tuscan Tour, including a wine tour around Volterra with an Italian sommelier.

For something quirky, lovers of the Twilight saga (books and films) can investigate the spooky side of the city. Ever since Stephanie Meyer set her best-selling vampire novel in Volterra, droves of `vampire-ologists’ have been visiting. The Twilight saga has sold over 50 million copies worldwide and New Moon, the second in the series, is the fictional home of the Volturi, a coven of vampires. Meyer dreamed of Volterra, “the city the vampires have secretly held for 3000 years, since the time of the Etruscans.” Even if neighbouring Montepulciano was chosen for the filming (it has a larger, sterner main square), Volterra was the inspiration for the melodrama.

Address: Volterra tourist office (for tours in various languages):
Piazza San Giovanni, Volterra
Web: www.volterratur.it