Carrara Marble Quarry

Follow the winding roads of the Colonnata Valley and get detailed explanations about the old and modern excavation process of marble. Look inside the vast white wounds that open up on the wild slopes of Carrara, and learn how the quarries have provided marble to towns and cities across Italy for more than 2,000 years. Hear about the sweat of the men who mined the marble used to build the Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Ancient Rome, along with many sculptures of the Renaissance. On your way back home, you are invited to go by your own means to taste a sample of the famous Lardo di Colonnata IGP, guide will give you the indication of the place to go.

Get ready for an authentic adventure inside the famous marble caves in Carrara. Jump on the Land Rover and explore the caves with your friendly local guide. Look inside the vast white wounds that open up on the wild slopes of Carrara, and learn how the quarries have provided marble to towns and cities across Italy for more than 2,000 years. Hear about the sweat of the men who mined the marble used to build the Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Ancient Rome, along with many sculptures of the Renaissance. Get in touch with the people, places, and machinery of an ancient tradition. Drive to different active quarries, up to 1,000 meters above sea level and hear how the noble stone is mined. Get detailed explanations about the old and modern excavation process. On our way back to Carrara, to taste a sample of the famous Lardo di Colonnata IGP.

We will spend the first part of the tour in the Carrara mountains, where you will touch with your own hands different marble blocks and understand what makes our stone so special, later we will visit a unique museum to learn everything about the history and excavation methods of the past, comparing them to the modern techniques, finally we will visit the village of Colonnata, home of the quarry men for over 2000 years, to taste the unique lardo, a special type of cold cut cured in a marble basin.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS : 4 This tour to discover the Carrara Marble Quarries will take you to the heart of the marble basins and the village of Colonnata for a tasting of lard and typical local products! You will leave in an elegant Mercedes minivan towards the Carrara quarries and, crossing the road that winds like a snake to the top of the mountain, you will cross the famous Vara Bridges which together with the suggestive tunnels dug into the rock constituted the “ex Ferrovia Marmifera”. We will head directly into the heart of the marble basins to visit the inside of an indoor quarry; shared guided tour of just under an hour in what is called the "Marble Cathedral" where the extraction techniques, machinery and history of this precious material will be illustrated. Then we will take a walk through the streets of the village of Colonnata where there is a tasting of Lardo di Colonnata and other local products.

Get to know a different and fascinating reality, made up of hard work and genius, ancient sweat and modern technology. Our guided tours allow, in absolute safety, direct contact with places, people, tools, machinery and everyday gestures of ancient wisdom, to understand where modern sculpture was born

Head to the coast for a day in Italy’s Cinque Terre on a private (this is not a shared tour) 10-hour trip from Florence. Listed as a UNESCO site, the region is made up of five charming fishing villages that cling to the cliffs. Visit Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia, and travel between them by boat or train. In each village, you’ll have time to wander the streets, browse local shops, eat, and soak up the sea views. The tour itinerary is designed to achieve the most from you day and as much as possible we are ready to customize it to meet your expectations. If you want to visit Pisa on the same trip, upgrade when you book.

Private tour for up to 8 people with guided tour of the Carrara Marble quarries and subsequent Tasting of typical local products. the activity is made unique by tasting the Colonnata product par excellence ''Il Lardo''.

After meeting the driver departing to Carrara, famous in the world for the pure white marble quality, we reach Fanti Scritti where passengers start the visit at the open air marble life museum. After an amusing visit (free entrance) passengers could take a seat on the local Jeep tour company (duration approximately 70 minutes, cost € 10,00 p.p.) they will visit the largest and unique scenery of the white marble quarries where Michelangelo got the white marble blocks for his masterpieces. Then drive to Lucca and visit of the old walls ring with possibility for lunch in one of the famous trattorie. 4pm drive back to the port

The world of marble is not just about extraction and craftsmanship—it is the story of a land and its people, whose identity has long been intertwined with this ancient stone. Carrara marble, known to the Romans as Luna marble or marmor lunense, is a prized white or blue-grey marble used for centuries in sculpture and architectural decoration. It has been quarried since Roman times in the rugged mountains above Carrara, in the province of Massa and Carrara. The quarries are vast, open-air scars on the mountainside—monumental white wounds carved into steep, wild slopes, where tiny human figures move enormous blocks of stone. For over 2,000 years, nature and human ingenuity have clashed and cooperated here, producing the raw material for masterpieces found in palaces, piazzas, and private homes around the world. This is not just a tour—it’s an exclusive, private experience for those seeking something truly special.

– Follow in the Master's footsteps as you trace Michelangelo's tracks to the marble quarries of Carrara. Carrara is where he went (250 miles was no small feat then) to hand pick his marble for his Pieta' and from which came the marble for, yes, the David. – Nowhere in the world is like the "Cinque Terre" or "Five Lands". These quaint, colorful seaside towns combine with the blues and greens in nature to create a stunning, scenic palette. Take a self guided tour through the towns. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Take an optional stop in Colonnata, world renowned home of Lardo di Colonnata, a local delicacy of pork fat aged in marble vats.

Explore the white marble quarries of Carrara, famous for its beauty and used in many works of art, including those by Michelangelo. You will have the opportunity to see how the marble is extracted and enjoy a light lunch on a panoramic terrace within the quarry, offering breathtaking views and a unique dining experience. Discover the famous Piazza dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with the Leaning Tower, the Duomo, the Baptistery and the Camposanto. Marvel at the world-famous Leaning Tower and capture unforgettable photos. Step inside the Cathedral to admire the exquisite Pisan Romanesque architecture and stunning artworks. Stroll through the historic streets of Lucca, visit the Piazza dell'Anfiteatro, and the Guinigi Tower from the outside. You will have free time to do some shopping, enjoy a good Tuscan aperitif or walk along the 4 km of walls!

Embark on a day “one step from the sky” exploring the breathtaking Carrara Marble Quarries and savoring exquisite wines at the Luni farm winery. Our local expert driver will pick you up directly at your address, and we’ll journey to the heart of the Apuan Alps. At the Fantiscritti quarries, a Jeep will take us inside an active marble quarry, where a knowledgeable local guide will unveil the secrets of Carrara’s world-famous marble. Witness the art of marble cutting and explore the fascinating museum hall carved into the quarry itself. Next, we’ll visit the picturesque village of Colonnata, renowned for its "lardo di Colonnata." Stroll through its charming streets and marvel at spectacular views of the Apuan mountains. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Luni farmhouse for a delightful light lunch paired with an exceptional wine-tasting experience. Enjoy five fine local wines accompanied by delicious regional products. This tour is recommended in spring and summer for the best experience!

Customised shore excursion from the port of Livorno exploring the Carrara marble quarries, the sculpture town of Pietrasanta and a Colli di Luni Vermentino wine tasting for the discerning traveller seeking an authentic Italian experience on a small group tour with only the very best of English speaking driver guides. Discover Italy 'close up' in a Mercedes minivan of up to 7 – 8 people that takes you into the very heart of this incredible artistic area. Get the most of your time ashore to explore the chic resort of Pietrasanta and follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Michelangelo.

This is a 9-hour guided shore excursion from the port of La Spezia exploring the Carrara Marble Quarries, the sculpture town of Pietrasanta and a Colli di Luni Vermentino wine tasting for the discerning traveler seeking an authentic Italian experience on a small-group tour with only the very best of English speaking driver/guides. Discover Italy close-up in a Mercedes minivan of up to 7 – 8 people, taking you into the very heart of this incredible artistic area. Get the most of your time ashore to explore the chic resort and follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Michelangelo.

From the port of Carrara, travel in our private vehicle to the Carrara Quarries on an exclusive private tour. Begin with an exhilarating 4×4 Land Rover excursion to the peaks of the Apuan Alps, where your local guide reveals the three most renowned marble quarries in the world: Colonnata, Miseglia, and Torano. Visit the very spot where Michelangelo discovered the block that brought his famous Pietà to life. Then, soak in the timeless charm of Lucca, a city that feels like stepping into a living Renaissance painting. Stroll along its perfectly preserved walls to enjoy breathtaking views, lose yourself in cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops, and admire iconic landmarks that captivate you at every turn.

– Follow in the Master's footsteps as you trace Michelangelo's tracks to the marble quarries of Carrara. Carrara is where he went (250 miles was no small feat then) to hand pick his marble for his Pieta' and from which came the marble for, yes, the David. – Nowhere in the world is like the "Cinque Terre" or "Five Lands". These quaint, colorful seaside towns combine with the blues and greens in nature to create a stunning, scenic palette. Take a self guided tour through the towns. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. – Optional is a stop in Colonnata, world renowned home of Lardo di Colonnata, a local delicacy of pork fat aged in marble vats.

With the Carrara Marble Tour you will have a great view of the Apuan Alps and discover the history of the production and manufactoring of the white flawless marble. We will visit one of the most ancient marble quarries. Here, you will have the chance to discover the different tools involved in the cutting of this precious material, and see a detailed reproduction of a house used by the workers of the marble quarries. Then, a special visit to the village of Colonnata, renowned all over the world for its exquisite “lardo”, seasoned with a local spice and originally conserved in marble blocks. This tour is suitable for everyone because it involves only a gentle stroll and allows you the opportunity to explore.

A personalised private tour from Lucca exploring the Carrara marble quarries, the sculpture town of Pietrasanta for the discerning traveller seeking an authentic Italian experience on a small group tour with only the very best of English speaking driver guides. You will tour in comfort and style in a top of the range Mercedes minivan or sedan discovering Italy 'close up' as you travel into the heart of this incredible artistic area. Explore the open-air museum of Pietrasanta, follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Michelangelo, and delve into a sumptuous quarryman's lunch in the little village of Colonnata!

Explore the stunning Carrara mountains, renowned for their exquisite marble quarries on a private tour. Discover the fascinating history and artistry behind marble excavation while touching real marble blocks. Afterward, relax in the charming village of Colonnata, where quarrymen have lived for over 2000 years. Enjoy a delightful aperitivo featuring cold cuts and wine, all while taking in breathtaking views of the quarries at sunset.

By renting mountain bike e-bikes in the Equi Terme bike center it is possible to go on half or full day excursions by pedaling effortlessly. You can reach highly evocative natural and historical locations such as parish churches, castles, canyons and parks. Along the itineraries you can find farmhouses to taste and buy typical products of the area.