It's a pleasant hour's drive through Tuscan hills to the ancient town of Volterra. Volterra sits on a high plateau offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding hills and boasting over 3,500 years of history. It was one of the most important Etruscan cities from 4-6 century BC and is rich in archaeological remains, both Etruscan and Roman. The Etruscans built a 7km ring of walls around the city and as you enter the original Etruscan gate, the Porta all'Arco, you will feel you are stepping back in time as you wander the narrow medieval streets and piazzas. Volterra has always exploited its strategic location as well as its numerous natural resources in the land such as salt, alabaster and copper and today it is still an important centre for the production of alabaster. Volterra has 3 museums of considerable artistic and historical value with the Guarnacci Museum holding one of the most important displays of Etruscan antiquities in existence.