Carrara Marble-Day-Tour - enjoy fun, music and food-tasting

(10)
USD 166

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Description

Experience the magic of the Apuan Alps on a captivating tour! Journey into the heart of these stunning mountains, following ancient pathways to a breathtaking spectacle: a massive, cathedral-like quarry. This unforgettable adventure includes live music and convenient pickup, transporting you to a village steeped in mining history and the awe-inspiring presence of quarries dating back over 2000 years.


Embark on an unforgettable adventure through the Apuan Alps, exploring the legendary "white gold" that inspired Michelangelo himself! This journey begins just 20 minutes from La Spezia's cruise terminal (or your pre-arranged pickup location). We'll whisk you away in a comfortable vehicle (often a nimble off-road Fiat Panda), climbing the serpentine roads dusted with the fine powder of Carrara marble. Prepare for a captivating 6.5-7 hour excursion into a world unlike any other. We'll traverse ancient transport routes high into the mountains, passing a sculptor's workshop and through intriguing, historic tunnels. Our exploration culminates at the awe-inspiring "Cathedral of White Marble," a majestic quarry nestled within the mountainside. A guided tour will reveal its grandeur. Next, we'll journey to the charming mountain village of Colonnata, renowned for its *lardo*, a spicy cured bacon matured in marble troughs – a culinary invention dating back to Roman times! This flavorful delicacy fueled the "cavatori," the skilled quarry workers, throughout their arduous labor. Our adventure continues at one of the oldest quarries, an archaeological site offering insights into Roman marble transport methods and breathtaking panoramic views extending to the sea. Throughout the tour, you'll have opportunities to sample regional specialties or enjoy a delightful lunch (availability depending on seasonal opening hours of local establishments). The tour concludes in the vibrant Marina di Carrara, famed for its exquisite ice cream. Here, you can admire the expansive town square, its floor a breathtaking expanse of Carrara marble. We'll then return you to your starting point (route adjustments possible). Your guide, Clemens, is fluent in German, English, and Italian, and speaks conversational French. A musician and composer, and the son of a sculptor, Clemens spent his childhood in Carrara, accompanying his father in the selection of the prized "Marmo Statuario" marble. He'll share his expertise and musical talents throughout the tour. Carrara: nestled just beyond the Tuscan-Ligurian coast, this region boasts a stunning mountain backdrop rising over 1900 meters. Our tour delves into the heart of the marble quarries, exploring their rich 2000-year history. It's a journey into a unique world – a blend of tradition and wonder, where the precious Carrara marble, the material of monumental columns and masterpieces of art, is born. Experience the fusion of history and present, nature and technology, ancient craftsmanship and modern artistry. This tour showcases not only the quarries but the beauty of the region, its people, and its captivating cuisine; a region whose prosperity has always been linked to its "white gold" and whose warmth stems from the hard work of its people.

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