Recently Viewed
Carrara Marble Quarries: Discover the Ancient Process of Marble Excavation
4.5
43 Ratings
Carrara
Experience the ancient process of marble excavation in the Carrara Marble Quarries. Discover the history behind the marble used in iconic structures like the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column. Plus, indulge in a taste of the famous Lardo di Colonnata IGP.
Duration:
2 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
-
Stadio dei Marmi - Meeting point in the Stadio dei Marmi area in Carrara, meeting with the guide, and start of the tour.
From here we begin the ascent among the vineyards of the green Candia Hills (famous for giving birth to a fine and original tasting Wine) along a route between the sea and the imposing Apuan Alps that is truly spectacular.
We continue along an up-and-down dirt section until we find the asphalt road again, which leads directly into the heart of the Carrara Marble Quarries. -
Carrara - Explore the most precious of Carrara’s treasures: the white marble quarries.
Aboard comfortable and powerful 4×4 jeeps, our guide will take you over the peaks of the Apuan Alps. Up to the marble basins at an altitude of 1,000 meters, to discover the magical place where Michelangelo found the block that gave birth to his world-famous Pieta. - Lardo di Colonnata - Taste a sample of the famous Lardo di colonnata
What's Included
- Local Expert guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Additional Information
Journey along the twisting paths of the Colonnata Valley, gaining a deep understanding of both ancient and contemporary marble mining processes. Peer into the vast white chasms carved into the untamed Carrara slopes, which have supplied marble to various Italian locations for over 2 millennia. Learn about the labours of the workers who excavated the marble used in constructing the Pantheon and Trajan’s Column during ancient Roman times, as well as numerous Renaissance sculptures. On your return trip, you’re encouraged to sample the renowned Lardo di Colonnata IGP at your own leisure, with your guide providing the location details.
- Not recommended for travelers with acrophobia
Location
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 8
Piazza Vittorio Veneto
Stadio dei Marmi - 4 Olimpionici Azzurri
Piazza Vittorio Veneto, 8, 54033 Carrara MS, Italy
Near the marble obelisk in front of the stadium and the bus stop. Search a Defender with an orange sign.
From Carrara Avenza Train Station station
Bus L51-L52-L53-L54-L70 Direction - Carrara Ospedale
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(43 Ratings)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
H666gqninah
Jul 22, 2024
Great! - The view was amazing! Fight fun experience - not least driving the jeep! This tour can be recommended to everyone! Memory for life!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thomashc4133vk
Jul 21, 2024
You just have to!!! - We who live in Norway are used to winding roads and steep mountains. But this was something else. Great experience with a good driver/guide "Pablo" you are going holidays in the area so this is what you have to afford to. Only negative a little tricky to get to the "pick up point" Thank you for the experience.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Patricia_b
Jun 27, 2024
Stunning views! - This tour was so much fun, incredibly informative and the guides went above and beyond for us, even making sure we got back to our hotel safely! My daughter and I learned so much I would recommend this to anyone. Our best day yet on our trip to Massa! Thank you!
Review provided by Viator
Michael_p
Jun 11, 2024
Out of this world - The trip to the marble quarries showed us a unique, gleaming white landscape. The descripfion of quarrying methods and transportation was interesting and informative. Not to be missed!
Review provided by Viator
Robert_b
Jun 8, 2024
Wonderful tour - The trip was both exciting and informative. Our guide was interesting and knowledgeable. We had very nice experience
Review provided by Viator
676wolfgangk
Jun 7, 2024
great experience - Impressive - great experience
The guide explained a lot during the trip and you could also ask questions which were answered promptly
Review provided by Tripadvisor
5weltenbummler
May 7, 2024
Impressive tour through the marble mountains of Carrara. - Impressive drive with Luca in the Land Rover. Fabulous view from the top of the various marble quarries. The highlight was driving into the mountain where the massive marble blocks are cut out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gail_m
Nov 23, 2023
Mountains of marble - The experience was informative from beginning to end. The sheer majesty of the Apua Alps, the huge pieces of marble the process of cutting and removing down to the port is awe inspiring.
The underground mining of marble was impressive.
The drive up and down the mountain hair raising.
The visit to the mountain food spot was welcome.
Review provided by Viator
Tami
Aug 27, 2023
Exploration of marble quarries - My husband and I did the tour with our 7-year-old son. The journey on the steep paths in the Defender on the flatbed was very adventurous at first. At the various stages, a guide explained the quarries to us in great detail. Very interesting. The view from the top is fantastic. It was really worth it. However, there was no tasting as promised, so points were deducted.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
207jodit
Dec 10, 2023
No Show Tour Operator - We arrived at the appointed place on time. No tour operator showed up and I never received a phone call or email. I tried the number for the company but it was out of order. I emailed about a refund and have not received a response. It's very disappointing because we will not be in the Carrara region again, having traveled from the United States.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
