Tour of Carrara Marble: Quarry, Museum and Food Tasting

Pisa , Italy

Tour of Carrara Marble: Quarry, Museum and Food Tasting

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About this experience

We will spend the first part of the tour in the Carrara mountains, where you will touch with your own hands different marble blocks and understand what makes our stone so special, later we will visit a unique museum to learn everything about the history and excavation methods of the past, comparing them to the modern techniques, finally we will visit the village of Colonnata, home of the quarry men for over 2000 years, to taste the unique lardo, a special type of cold cut cured in a marble basin.

Available options

Tour of Carrara Marble: Quarry, Museum and Food Tasting

What's included

Geologist and stone expert guide

Tasting of lardo

Entrance to the marble quarry museum

Detailed itinerary

We will spend the first part of the tour in the Carrara mountains, taking a few stops in front of different marble quarries, where you’ll learn everything about the history and methods of the excavation processes and understand how the experts transform a rock into a beautiful artwork or piece of furniture.

We will then make our way to the small village of Colonnata, home of the quarry men, where you'll be able to taste the famous Lardo di Colonnata, a special type of cold cut aged in a marble basin with its own special recipe.

Available languages

Guide guide

EN IT

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

52 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

About Pisa

Pisa is a city in the Tuscany region of Italy, renowned for its iconic Leaning Tower. This historic city offers a blend of medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and rich cultural heritage. Pisa's compact size makes it easy to explore, with many attractions within walking distance.

Top Attractions

Leaning Tower of Pisa

The iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa is a freestanding bell tower known for its unintended tilt. It is part of the Pisa Cathedral complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours €18-€20

Pisa Cathedral

The Pisa Cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and a key part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex. It is known for its intricate marble facade and stunning interior.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours €5-€7

Baptistery of St. John

The Baptistery of St. John is the largest baptistery in Italy and is known for its stunning acoustics and beautiful architecture. It is also part of the Piazza dei Miracoli complex.

Historical/Religious 30-45 minutes €5-€7

Pisa Botanic Garden

The Pisa Botanic Garden is a beautiful green space with a variety of plant species, including exotic and medicinal plants. It is a great place for a relaxing stroll.

Nature 1-2 hours €5-€7

Knights Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri)

Knights Square is a historic square in Pisa, known for its medieval buildings and the iconic Palazzo della Carovana. It was once the center of the Knights of St. Stephen.

Historical 30-45 minutes Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cecina

A savory chickpea flour pancake, similar to a thin pizza, often served as a street food.

Snack Vegetarian, gluten-free option available

Ribollita

A hearty bread and vegetable soup, often made with cannellini beans and kale.

Dinner Vegetarian, can be made vegan

Bistecca alla Fiorentina

A large, thick-cut T-bone steak, typically from the Chianina cattle breed, grilled and seasoned simply with salt and olive oil.

Dinner Contains meat, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans

Tiramisu

A classic Italian dessert made with layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cheese.

Dessert Contains dairy and coffee

Popular Activities

Biking on Lucca's city walls Hiking in the nearby Tuscan countryside Strolling through Pisa's historic neighborhoods Enjoying gelato at a local gelateria Visiting museums and historic sites Attending local festivals and events Boating on the Arno River Visiting Christmas markets in December

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Pisa for warm weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with tourists and events.

20°C to 32°C 68°F to 90°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Italian
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Pisa is generally safe for tourists, but common precautions should be taken to avoid pickpocketing and scams.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Use licensed taxis and agree on the fare before starting the journey.
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with offers or requests.

Getting there

By air

Pisa International Airport • 1 km from city center

By train

Pisa Centrale

By bus

Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Pisa. The system is efficient and covers most of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps:

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Piazza dei Miracoli Santa Maria San Martino

Day trips

Lucca

20 km • Half day

Lucca is a charming medieval city known for its well-preserved Renaissance walls, beautiful churches, and historic buildings. It offers a glimpse into Italy's rich history and culture.

Florence

80 km • Full day

Florence, the capital of Tuscany, is a city renowned for its art, architecture, and history. It is home to iconic landmarks like the Duomo, Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio.

San Gimignano

60 km • Full day

San Gimignano is a medieval hilltop town known for its towering houses, vineyards, and stunning views of the Tuscan countryside. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique glimpse into Italy's past.

Festivals

Luminara di San Ranieri • September 16 Pisa Jazz Festival • July

Pro tips

Visit the Leaning Tower early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Explore the city on foot to discover hidden gems and local neighborhoods.
Try local specialties like Cecina and Ribollita at traditional osterias.
Use the Pisa Card for discounted entry to major attractions and unlimited public transport.
Take a day trip to Lucca or Florence for a deeper dive into Tuscany's history and culture.