Carrara Marble Quarries & Cinque Terre Private Tour from Florence

Summary

Explore Carrara Marble Quarries and Cinque Terre Villages by Private Tour

If you want a real taste of Tuscany beyond Florence, this private tour takes you straight to Carrara’s legendary marble quarries and lets you wander Cinque Terre’s colorful villages at your own pace. You’ll see where Michelangelo found his stone, try local treats in Colonnata, and soak up seaside life—all with a friendly guide and no crowds.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed as we drove up into the Apuan Alps was the way the light bounced off those white marble cliffs—almost too bright to look at straight on. Our guide, Marco, pointed out a dusty track winding up toward the quarry. He said Michelangelo himself once walked here, picking out blocks for his sculptures. You can still see deep grooves from old carts in the stone. If you’re a movie buff, you might recognize the spot from that wild chase scene in Quantum of Solace—yeah, that’s really here.

We had the option to switch to a 4WD for a closer look inside the quarry. It’s loud—machines grinding, trucks rumbling past—and there’s a faint tang of stone dust in the air. The workers waved as we passed; one guy even stopped to show us a chunk of raw marble streaked with gray veins. It’s a bit surreal thinking this is where David’s marble came from.

On the way down, we made a quick stop in Colonnata. The whole village smells faintly of herbs and pork fat—sounds odd, but it’s actually kind of inviting. There’s a tiny shop right on the square selling Lardo di Colonnata sliced paper-thin on warm bread. I’d never tasted anything quite like it before; creamy, salty, almost sweet.

By midday, we reached Cinque Terre. The colors hit you first: houses stacked like toy blocks in pinks and yellows against green hillsides. We wandered through Vernazza’s narrow lanes—kids playing soccer near the harbor, laundry flapping overhead. No cars here; just footsteps echoing on old stones and the sound of waves slapping against fishing boats. Grab a gelato at Gelateria Vernazza if you need a break—it melts fast in the sun but it’s worth it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Carrara and Cinque Terre Tour

• Visit Carrara marble quarries
• Optional visit to Lardo di Colonnata town
• Self-guided tour of Cinque Terre villages
• Continue self-guided Cinque Terre tour
• Self-guided tour of village

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

This tour isn’t recommended for those with reduced mobility due to uneven terrain and steps in both the quarries and Cinque Terre villages.

Can I choose between minivan or 4WD at Carrara?

Yes, depending on availability and weather conditions, you can opt for either a minivan or 4WD vehicle for the quarry visit.

Is lunch included?

No meals are included but there are plenty of local spots in Colonnata or Cinque Terre where you can grab something tasty.

What should I wear?

Dress comfortably with sturdy shoes—there’s some walking on uneven ground—and bring layers since weather can change quickly near the mountains and sea.

What’s included

Your private day trip covers round-trip transport from Florence by air-conditioned minivan or private vehicle, bottled water to keep you refreshed, free Wi-Fi onboard for sharing photos instantly, plus a friendly driver-guide who knows all the best local stories. Specialized infant seats are available if needed.