Carrara Marble Tours
 

Hubby & I interested in taking a tour of the Carrara Marble quarries when in Italy later this year ... have done some homework and have found 2 companies advertised on the web offering tours - both seem quite similar ... for those who have taken a tour, would you recommend it? Seems like something 'out of the box', so that's peaked my interest. Thanks!

We had a very informative tour of the quarries back in 2010. We arranged it with Sara Paolini [email protected] . She is a teacher and resident in the area and we arranged to meet her and then toured an outdoor museum, sculpture studio with working artisans, the town and the actual quarries. We have been able to relate to both old and new sculptures ever since and found the experience to be a highlight. We also finished on our own with a visit to Colonnata for a chance to sample the local cuisine--highly recommended.

Unusual request and very prompt reply ...?

Who were the other 2 companies?

Will have to contact Sara Paolini as she seems to offer more than a tour to the quarries. The 2 companies I've found on line are 4X4 Wheel Emotions and Umberto Cattani, both of which have gotten good reviews on Trip Advisor. Thanks!

macanimals, off topic, but how was the lardo? I've eaten it in Florence and other spots in Tuscany, and I'm not sure if I love it or not. How about you? I think Colonnata is the place, though.

Debs--you're in for a treat. Carrara has such an interesting history and present with traditions and modern day issues. The artistry in the workshops and studios is impressive.

Tuscan--its funny you should ask about "lardo". And yes, I can see where folks would be unsure if they 'love it or not'. Eaten in situ, like in Colonnata or a rustic eatery on a dark, wintry night (sliced on a crostini) with a hearty red certainly enhances the experience. Its an extravagance for me and my normal eating pattern but given the right situation, I'll go for it again.

I do respect the Colonnata tradition, local marble, a little oil and lardo cured and distributed. Its an adventure getting to Colonnata and knowing the history thru Sara made it a unique experience.