Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy Gourmet Tour - Quarrying Carrara Marble Excursion

Gourmet Tour - Quarrying Carrara Marble

DETAILS

5^1/4
hrs Estimate Duration
Meal

Enjoy a comprehensive tour of the quarries in the Apuan Alps that have supplied Carrara marble since Roman times. The mountains contain a staggering amount of marble that was prized even before Michelangelo selected some of it to sculpt his Pietà and David. While traveling through the alps, you will pause to view Ponti di Vara, a centuries-old bridge used to transport marble, and Fantiscritti, an outdoor quarry museum of sorts that will clearly show the challenges of excavating, transporting and processing Carrara white marble. The quarry is a fascinating sight, especially considering that the mountains have yielded an endless supply of marble for more than 2,000 years. Some of it is used to make chests for aging lardo – or seasoned pure pork fat. Quarrymen have long eaten the high-energy delicacy, and you have the opportunity to sample this melt-in-your-mouth treat while enjoying other Italian dishes for lunch.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Travel into the Apuan Alps, where Carrara marble has been quarried for 2,000 years.
• View an unusual outdoor museum that shows how the marble is quarried, step by step.
• Enjoy a lunch of Italian specialties, including a high-energy snack that quarrymen eat.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Need to Know:

Note: This tour includes approximately 1.5 hours of walking over both even and uneven surfaces, sandy and gravel terrain. The sights are not wheelchair accessible and therefore it is not available for guests who utilize a wheelchair. Those guests with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of ability and stamina. Guests must wear closed toe, flat heeled shoes to participate. In the event of adverse weather conditions or weather warnings, the road to reach the quarries, may be closed to traffic for safety reasons by the local authorities. If the local authorities issue an advance bulletin, the cancellation of the tour will be communicated in advance, otherwise the tour could be canceled on the same day. The operator is relieved of any responsibility for unforeseen cancellations beyond his control.

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ACTIVITY ATTRIBUTES

Excursion Type:

Local Food-Wine Tasting

Activity Level:

1

Easy
2

Moderate
3

Challenging

Tours with this activity level involve a considerable amount of physical activity such as substantial walking over cobblestone streets, uneven or steep terrain, climbing stairs, or extended periods of standing. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are recommended.

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Shore Excursion Details

Gourmet Tour - Quarrying Carrara Marble