Carrara Marble Quarries Private Tour from Cinque Terre
Carrara Marble Quarries & Sculpture Workshops
Private Tour from Cinque Terre with Driver & Local Guide
Enjoy a private day tour from the Cinque Terre to the world-famous Carrara Marble Quarries, traveling comfortably with a personal English-speaking driver and an expert local guide.
This experience is designed for travelers who want to explore Carrara in depth, combining spectacular landscapes, history, craftsmanship and culture. The itinerary below is a sample and can be fully customized to match your interests and pace.
Morning: Journey from Cinque Terre to Carrara
Meet your private driver in La Spezia or directly in the Cinque Terre villages and depart toward Carrara, crossing the foothills of the Apuan Alps.
As you approach the marble valleys, the landscape changes dramatically, revealing towering white mountains shaped by centuries of quarrying activity.
Carrara Marble Quarries – History & Living Industry
Explore the Carrara marble quarries, the largest marble basins in the world, active since Roman times.
Your guide will explain how:
the ancient Romans began extracting marble over 2,000 years ago
masters such as Michelangelo, Donatello, Bernini and Canova selected Carrara marble for their masterpieces
modern quarrymen still work these steep slopes using advanced techniques
Travel inside the quarry areas by 4×4 vehicle, stopping at panoramic viewpoints and, on working days, observing quarry activity.
Sculpture Workshops & Artisan Craftsmanship
Continue to a local sculpture workshop to witness how raw marble blocks are transformed into finished artworks.
Meet skilled artisans and learn about:
traditional carving techniques
modern tools and processes
the long journey from quarry to sculpture
This visit offers a deeper understanding of Carrara as both an industrial and artistic center.
Colonnata & Lunch Options
Around lunchtime, reach Colonnata, the historic village of the quarrymen.
Here you may:
enjoy a light lunch or tasting of local specialties
explore small village shops
Alternatively, lunch can be arranged at:
a countryside winery
a seaside town along the Ligurian coast
Return to Cinque Terre
In the afternoon, relax during the scenic drive back toward La Spezia and the Cinque Terre, concluding your private tour at your accommodation.
Tour Highlights
Private tour from Cinque Terre with driver & local guide
4×4 exploration of Carrara marble quarries
Panoramic viewpoints in the Apuan Alps
Visit to sculpture workshops
Flexible lunch options
Fully customizable itinerary
Ideal For
Art and architecture lovers
Families and couples
Small private groups
Travelers seeking a deeper cultural experience beyond standard tours
Ready to explore the Carrara marble quarries?
Request your private Carrara marble tour
