BestPrivateTours.com - Carrara Marble Quarries-Shore Excursion

OVERVIEW

The quarries of Carrara in the Apuan Alps at the extreme north of Tuscany, have been producing marble since Ancient Roman times. This marble has long been prized for its high quality. More recently, these quarries had their “15 seconds of fame” in the opening scenes of the James Bond film, Quantum of Solace.

This private shore excursion, takes you to visit these awe-inspiring quarries set high in the mountains near Carrara. You’ll have the full-time assistance of a personal English-speaking driver, who’ll meet you at the port, and a local driver-guide with 4X4 vehicle for your visit to the quarries.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

From La Spezia you’ll head inland to the marble quarries outside of Carrara which are famous the world over. Marble from this area was used in the construction of the Pantheon in Rome as well as for Michelangelo’s famed masterpiece, The David. It can be found in architecture and works of art throughout the world.

You’ll climb high up the mountain in a special 4X4 vehicle for spectacular views over the countryside and to see, firsthand, these massive, gleaming white quarries. You’ll learn how man has wrested this precious material from the mountain both in the past and today.

You’ll have the opportunity to taste a local specialty: “lardo di Colonnata” before visiting an underground quarry and a sculptor’s studio.