About this tour
Venture into Carrara's working marble quarries on a five-hour van tour departing from Lucca or Pisa. You'll be driven up the mountain, then transferred into a 4×4 to descend into an active extraction cave where a guide walks you through quarrying techniques, the region's marble heritage, and how to spot authentic stone. The route concludes in Colonnata, a hilltop hamlet where you can sample or purchase lardo di Colonnata, the local cured pork delicacy.
Highlights
- Drive inside a functioning marble cave by Jeep
- Learn extraction methods from professional guide
- Understand Carrara marble authentication and history
- Visit tiny village of Colonnata off main roads
- Taste or buy lardo di Colonnata cured meat
- Safety equipment and air-conditioned transport included
What to expect
After collection from your hotel near Lucca or Pisa, you'll ascend into Carrara's quarry landscape in a climate-controlled van. At the cave entrance, you'll don a hard hat and switch to a Jeep for the descent into the workings. Your guide will detail extraction processes, the stone's properties, and how genuine Carrara differs from imitations. The return journey includes a stop in Colonnata's narrow streets, where you can visit a specialist shop stocking lardo or arrange a table at a neighbourhood trattoria for a tasting. The terrain and cave environment are navigable for most fitness levels.
Good to know
Wear sturdy shoes and layers—caves stay cool year-round. Lunch isn't included but the driver will reserve restaurant tables if requested. Prams and specialised infant seats are available; service animals welcome. Allow time to browse Colonnata's food shop or enjoy a proper meal before departure.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original Global Hobo summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.