What to do and see in Province of Massa Carrara, Tuscany: The Best Tours

The Lunigiana is an ancient, mystical settlement area, named after the Roman city Luni which was located in Northern Italy, between Liguria and Tuscany. There are about 100 magnificent castles like those in Pontremoli and in Fosdinovo, the Malaspina Castle. Your tour starts from an “agriturismo” in Lunigiana; after a short briefing with your horse riding guide, you’ll make your way into the “Via Francigena”, the ancient route that in medieval times connected Canterbury to Rome, passing through the chestnut forest and oaks and reaching the aristocratic castle of the Malaspina family. The horses are well-trained, fit and a pleasure to ride. After the riding experience you will relax in the typical restaurant of the farmhouse enjoying the specialties of the region. During the summer time, possibility to go for a swim in the pool of the agritourism.

Inclusions: Local taxes, 3-course lunch, Beverages, Tour escort/host, Port pickup and drop-off

Exclusions: Gratuities

Follow the winding roads of the Colonnata Valley and get detailed explanations about the old and modern excavation process of marble. Stop to taste some delicious Lardo di Colonnata IGP. Look inside the vast white wounds that open up on the wild slopes of Carrara, and learn how the quarries have provided marble to towns and cities across Italy for more than 2,000 years. Hear about the sweat of the men who mined the marble used to build the Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Ancient Rome, along with many sculptures of the Renaissance.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, Snacks, Local Expert guide

Exclusions:

Head to the coast for a day in Italy’s Cinque Terre on a private (this is not a shared tour) 10-hour trip from Florence. Listed as a UNESCO site, the region is made up of five charming fishing villages that cling to the cliffs. Visit Manarola, Vernazza, and Corniglia, and travel between them by boat or train. In each village, you’ll have time to wander the streets, browse local shops, eat, and soak up the sea views. The tour itinerary is designed to achieve the most from you day and as much as possible we are ready to customize it to meet your expectations. If you want to visit Pisa on the same trip, upgrade when you book.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off within Florence, Private transport by air-conditioned minivan or car, Tour escort

Exclusions: Boat and train tickets, Gratuities, Food and drinks, For pickup requests outside the city please send a note in special requirements to find the best possible arrangements

Get to know a different and fascinating reality, made up of hard work and genius, ancient sweat and modern technology. Our guided tours allow, in absolute safety, direct contact with places, people, tools, machinery and everyday gestures of ancient wisdom, to understand where modern sculpture was born

Inclusions: Private transportation, "Lardo di Colonnata IGP" tasting

Exclusions:

Excursion in a cave adventure trail, the only one of its kind in Italy. Participants will be able to safely visit the deepest cave route so far only attended by specialized cavers. The route is suitable for all visitors in good mobility and health. Access allowed for persons over 10 years and 140 cm in height, min weight 30 kg. and max 120 kg.

Inclusions: Harness, helmet, lamp with front light, Including the approach with a visit to the tourist section of the caves

Exclusions:

Get ready for an authentic adventure inside the famous marble caves in Carrara. Jump on the jeep and explore the caves with your friendly local guide. Learn the history and the local traditions of the territory. Enjoy a gourmet Lardo di Colonnata tasting. Look inside the vast white wounds that open up on the wild slopes of Carrara, and learn how the quarries have provided marble to towns and cities across Italy for more than 2,000 years. Hear about the sweat of the men who mined the marble used to build the Pantheon and Trajan's Column in Ancient Rome, along with many sculptures of the Renaissance. Get in touch with the people, places, and machinery of an ancient tradition. Drive to different, active quarries of up to 1,000 meters above sea level, and hear how the noble stone is mined. Get detailed explanations about the old and modern excavation process. Take panoramic pictures before visiting an amazing underground quarry. Stop to taste some Lardo di Colonnata IGP on the way back!

Inclusions: 1 licensed guide service, 1 tour by 4x4 vehicles, 1 Lardo of Colonnata IGP tasting, Insurance (by law), Snacks, Marble quarries tour

Exclusions: everything not mentioned in inclusions

Customised shore excursion from the port of Livorno exploring the Carrara marble quarries, the sculpture town of Pietrasanta and a Colli di Luni Vermentino wine tasting for the discerning traveller seeking an authentic Italian experience on a small group tour with only the very best of English speaking driver guides. Discover Italy 'close up' in a Mercedes minivan of up to 7 - 8 people that takes you into the very heart of this incredible artistic area. Get the most of your time ashore to explore the chic resort of Pietrasanta and follow in the footsteps of great artists such as Michelangelo.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Driver/guide, Port pickup and drop-off, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch, Gratuities, 4x4 Marble Tour or Quarry Tour, Wine Tasting, Some art studios may charge a small entry fee

The Great Michelangelo Bonarroti has created marvelous statues making large use of the precious marble of Carrara and his statues seem to possess their own soul. - Private Tour - Departure from an agreed meeting point - Driver and professional guide - Visit of the Carrara marble caves with a SUV 4x4 - Lunch in a local restaurant with a tasting of the famous Lardo di Colonnata - Return to the starting meeting point - About 4 hours tour - Languages: Italian, English + German on request

Inclusions: Driver/guide, Local guide, Professional guide, Lunch

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Gratuities

- Follow in the Master's footsteps as you trace Michelangelo's tracks to the marble quarries of Carrara. Carrara is where he went (250 miles was no small feat then) to hand pick his marble for his Pieta' and from which came the marble for, yes, the David. - Nowhere in the world is like the "Cinque Terre" or "Five Lands", two of which are included in this tour; Vernazza and Manarola. These quaint, colorful seaside towns combine with the blues and greens in nature to create a stunning, scenic palette. Take this all in with both walks around town and a drive down a panoramic road. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Enjoy typical Tuscan cuisine in Colonnata, world renowned home of Lardo di Colonnata, a local delicacy of pork fat aged in marble vats. Contact me to plan your private, customized culinary-sightseeing tour in Tuscany together!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Free Wi-Fi on board, Magazines on board, Driver/guide, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch

- Follow in the Master's footsteps as you trace Michelangelo's tracks to the marble quarries of Carrara. Carrara is where he went (250 miles was no small feat then) to hand pick his marble for his Pieta' and from which came the marble for, yes, the David. - Nowhere in the world is like the "Cinque Terre" or "Five Lands", two of which are included in this tour; Vernazza and Manarola. These quaint, colorful seaside towns combine with the blues and greens in nature to create a stunning, scenic palette. Take this all in with both walks around town and a drive down a panoramic road. The entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. - Enjoy typical Tuscan cuisine in Colonnata, world renowned home of Lardo di Colonnata, a local delicacy of pork fat aged in marble vats. Contact me to plan your private, customized culinary-sightseeing tour in Tuscany together!

Inclusions: Bottled water, Free Wi-Fi on board, Magazines on board, Driver/guide, Private tour, Round-trip private transfer, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Transport by private vehicle

Exclusions: Lunch