In the Tuscan town of Volterra, there is a unique tour that would not have existed decades ago. Owing to the extreme popularity of the fictional “Twilight” book series, which has sold millions of copies, the Volterra Twilight tour has been created for fans of the saga as well as anyone interested in the history of this town with ancient Etruscan origins. Certainly, Volterra is well worth a visit and offers a totally different perspective of Tuscany than Florence and other large cosmopolitan cities.
The guided tours and transfers in Tuscany offered by Tuscan Travellers are always unique, since they are based on the individual interests of each client. However, the Volterra Twilight Tour is especially unusual because of its focus on attractive and wealthy vampires. In the Twilight books by Stephanie Meyers, the Volturi vampires call Volterra their home. In particular, the second part of the series, New Moon, is set in Volterra. The Twilight tours in Volterra combine modern and classical aspects of the town’s significance: while references are made to the contemporary vampire story, you can enjoy a sip of local red wine, perhaps served in a vial to resemble blood!
The movie version of the story was shot in nearby Montepulciano, but for those familiar with the Twilight series, there are sights within Volterra that are referenced in the book. Volterra’s clock tower is just one example. The sprawling stony mansion that the Volturi coven call home meets the description of the Volterra’s Viti Mansion’s entrance. When you take a tour of Volterra at the twilight hour, it is easy to imagine Bella and Edward lingering nearby!
Previously known as Velathin, Volterra has been a rich resource for Etruscan artifacts. One object in particular, the bronze Ombra della Serra sculpture, dates back nearly 2,300 years. The English translation of ombre della serra is “evening shadow”, a name likely bestowed on the statue by Italian poet Gabriele D’Annunzio. Only 57 centimeters tall and weighing just over one kilogram, the sculpture has a powerful effect for such a small object. Featuring a boy with a small face and unnaturally elongated body, it must have reminded the poet of the long, thin shadows cast during the evening hours. And what better place to find an ancient evening shadow than in the town now also famous for vampires?
Transfers from Florence to Volterra will take you from city to city without the stress of coordinating bus or train schedules. Our experienced and knowledgeable drivers accommodate the needs and interests of individuals and groups. Certainly, when it comes to Tuscany guided tours, Tuscan Travellers is your one-stop shop for a variety of fascinating ventures beyond urban Florence. Whether you plan far in advance or contact us on short notice for what to do with a free day in your schedule, we are here to ensure that you make the most of your Tuscan holiday.