Carrara's Marble Quarries Tour & Light Lunch + Lardo PGI
Active
4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 4
This tour at Carrara Marble Quarries will take you to discover the heart of the marble basins and the village of Colonnata for a tasting of lard and typical local products!
You will depart in an elegant Mercedes minivan and, crossing the road that winds like a snake to the top of the mountain, you will pass the famous Ponti di Vara which, together with the ancient tunnels carved into the rock, formed the “former Marble Railway.”
We will head directly to the heart of the marble basins to visit the interior of a closed quarry. This is a shared guided tour in what is known as the “Marble Cathedral,” where you will learn about the extraction techniques, machinery, and history of this precious material.
Afterwards, we will take a walk through the streets of the village of Colonnata, where we will taste Lardo di Colonnata and other local products.
Available options
Meeting Point in Marina di Massa
Pick up in Marina di Massa<br/>Pickup included
Meeting Point in La Spezia
Meeting Point in La Spezia<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Guided shared tour inside the Quarry
Lardo di Colonnata PGI & other local products Tasting
Fuel
Driver
Insurance
Minivan
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
You will set off on an elegant Mercedes minivan to the Carrara Quarries and, crossing the road that winds like a snake to the top of the mountain, you will cross the famous Bridges of Vara that together with the striking tunnels carved into the rock constituted the “former Marble Railway.” We will head straight into the heart of the marble basins to visit a closed quarry; this is a shared guided tour of just under an hour in what is called the “Cathedral of Marble” where the extraction techniques, machinery and history of this precious material will be explained. Here you will admire a reproduction of Michelangelo's “CREATION OF ADAM” by international artist Ozmo, which towers imposingly with its 160 SQM in the center of our gallery. You will have the opportunity to discover this magical place where Michelangelo found the block that gave birth to the world-famous "Pieta".
2
You will have a stroll through the streets of the village of Colonnata where a tasting of Lardo di Colonnata and other local products is planned. Colonnata is the oldest village in the Carrara marble basins and home to a unique local product, Lardo di Colonnata, which was the typical lunch of the quarrymen. We will immerse you in this gastronomic experience, tasting, in addition to Lardo di Colonnata, other local cured meats and cheeses, accompanied by Sgabei (small pieces of fried bread) and a good local wine.
What's not included
Wine and beverage
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
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Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Tuscany
Tuscany is a region in central Italy known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and historic cities. It's a destination rich in art, culture, and cuisine, offering a blend of Renaissance heritage and rustic charm.
Top Attractions
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)
A masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, the Florence Cathedral is a must-visit for its stunning dome and intricate facade.
Historical/Architecture
2-3 hours
€15-€20
Pisa Tower
The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is famous for its unintended tilt and beautiful architecture.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
€18-€20
Val d'Orcia
A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, and medieval towns.
Nature/Cultural
Full day
Free to explore, wine tastings vary
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
A thick, grilled T-bone steak seasoned with salt and olive oil.
Dinner
Contains beef
Ribollita
A hearty bread and vegetable soup, often made with cannellini beans and kale.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Pappa al Pomodoro
A thick soup made with tomatoes, bread, and garlic.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tuscan countryside
Hot air ballooning over the vineyards
Wine tasting in Chianti
Spa treatments in historic villas
Visiting museums and art galleries
Attending local festivals and events
Swimming in the Mediterranean Sea
Boat tours along the Arno River
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer tourists, making it ideal for exploring the region's attractions.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, German
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural regions
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Tuscany is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty theft and pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- • Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps.
- • Be cautious of distractions and common scams.
Getting there
By air
- Florence Airport • 6 km from city center
- Pisa International Airport • 85 km from Florence
By train
Florence Santa Maria Novella Station
By bus
Florence Bus Station, Pisa Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient and comfortable, with high-speed options for longer distances.
Taxis
Available • Apps: FreeNow, ItTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Florence Historic Center
Siena Historic Center
Day trips
Siena
50 km from Florence • Half day to full day
A medieval city known for its stunning architecture, the Palio horse race, and the Siena Cathedral.
San Gimignano
55 km from Florence • Half day to full day
A medieval hill town known for its towering houses, Vernaccia wine, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Festivals
Palio di Siena • July 2 and August 16
Festa della Rificolona • September 7
Pro tips
- Visit smaller towns and villages for an authentic Tuscan experience.
- Explore the countryside by renting a car or joining a guided tour.
- Try local wines and dishes at family-run trattorias and osterias.
- Book tickets for major attractions in advance to avoid long lines.
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your interaction with locals.
$118
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
