Seasonal note: the scenic drive through the marble quarry area runs year-round. Entering the quarries themselves is possible April–October only, as the quarry entrances are closed from November to March.
Out of the Box Florence offers a private day tour from Florence to Carrara and Colonnata, home of the famous white marble quarries and Lardo di Colonnata IGP, a protected cured pork fat aged in Carrara marble basins. Guests visit a family producer for a tasting of cured meats, cheeses and a glass of wine, explore the medieval village of Colonnata, and enjoy a year-round scenic drive through the marble quarry area (entering the quarries themselves is possible April to October only). The tour is led by an expert guide, runs privately for up to 8 guests, and is suitable for children aged 8 and over.
Private tour pricing
Carrara Marble & Lardo Tour — Prices per Person
Group size
Price per person
1–2 guests
€450
3–4 guests
€315
5–8 guests
€280
What's included
Round-trip luxury transportation from Florence
Expert guide for the day
Visit to a family producer of Lardo di Colonnata IGP
Tasting of cured meats, cheeses, and a glass of wine
Visit to the village of Colonnata
Scenic drive through the marble quarry area (year-round)
Optional add-ons
4x4 marble quarry adventure
Stop in Carrara
Stop in Pisa
Traditional Tuscan lunch
How the day unfolds
Carrara Marble & Lardo Tour Itinerary
1
Pick-up in Florence
Collected directly from your hotel or B&B. If you're staying in a pedestrian-only area, we will suggest a nearby meeting point.
2
Scenic drive through the marble quarry area
Included year-round. Entering the quarries themselves is possible April to October, while the entrances are open to visitors.
3
Lardo di Colonnata tasting
Visit a family producer for a tasting of Lardo di Colonnata IGP, cured meats, cheeses, and a glass of wine.
4
Colonnata village
Free time to explore the medieval marble-workers' village.
5
Return to Florence
Scenic drive back, drop-off at your accommodation.
Is this tour for you
Who This Tour Is For
Food lovers curious about Lardo di Colonnata IGP and Tuscan cured meats
Travelers interested in the marble industry behind Michelangelo's sculptures
Families with children 8+ looking for an off-the-beaten-path day trip
Couples and small groups wanting a private, unhurried day outside Florence
Guests who want to combine landscape, craftsmanship, and food in one day
Anyone who prefers a fully private vehicle over a shared group tour
Frequently asked questions
Carrara Marble & Lardo Tour — FAQ
What is included in the Carrara Marble & Lardo di Colonnata tour?
Round-trip luxury transportation from Florence, an expert guide for the day, a visit to a family producer of Lardo di Colonnata IGP, a tasting of cured meats, cheeses and a glass of wine, a visit to the village of Colonnata, and a scenic drive through the marble quarry area. The drive runs year-round; entering the quarries themselves is possible April to October only.
Can I visit the marble quarries all year round?
The scenic drive through the marble quarry area runs year-round and is included on every tour. Entering the quarries themselves is possible April to October only, as the quarry entrances are closed the rest of the year.
How long is the tour and how many guests can join?
The tour lasts 7 hours including pick-up and drop-off in Florence. It is a private tour for up to 8 guests; for larger groups, contact us directly.
Where does pick-up take place?
We pick up directly from your hotel or B&B in Florence. If your accommodation is inside a pedestrian-only area, we will suggest a nearby alternative meeting point.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, this private tour is suitable for children aged 8 and over.
Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included by default — the tour includes a tasting of cured meats, cheeses and a glass of wine in Colonnata. A traditional Tuscan lunch can be added as an optional extra.
What optional add-ons are available?
Guests can add a 4x4 marble quarry adventure, a stop in Carrara, a stop in Pisa, or a traditional Tuscan lunch to this tour.
How much does the private Carrara Marble & Lardo tour cost?
Pricing is per person and decreases with group size: €450 for 1-2 guests, €315 each for 3-4 guests, and €280 each for 5-8 guests.
Accessibility
Not wheelchair accessible;
Prices
Starting from 450€ each
Groups from 3 to 4 guests 315€ each
Groups from 5 to 8 guests 280€ each
Included
Luxury transportation from/to Florence
Expert guide for the day
Visiting a lardo di colonnata family producer
Tasting of delicious handmade cured meats and cheeses
Visit of Colonnata town
Exploring a Carrara marble quarry (April-October)
Exciting drives
Not Included
Anything not mentioned above
4x4 tour (possible to add on demand)
Stop in Pisa (possible to add on demand)
Start your
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Your Experience
Join us on this exclusive adventure through the heart of Tuscany with our Carrara Marble Quarries & Lardo di Colonnata Experience, designed for those who seek to discover the authentic, lesser-known treasures of this iconic region.
Your journey begins with a scenic drive through the Carrara marble quarries, where the landscape is marked by striking white marble veins running through the mountains. As you wind through the dramatic terrain, passing through ancient tunnels carved into the mountainsides, you’ll gain insight into the marble industry that has defined the region for centuries. The quarries’ sheer scale and natural splendor are a testament to Tuscany’s timeless connection to artistry and craftsmanship.
Next, you will be welcomed into a family-run Lardo di Colonnata producer, where you will learn about the production of one of Italy’s most extraordinary and unique delicacies: Lardo di Colonnata DOP. Often misunderstood in its simpler form as “lard,” Lardo di Colonnata is so much more. This luxurious cured pork fat is the result of a centuries-old tradition that involves marinating the fatback in marble basins with a careful blend of local herbs, salt, and spices. The marble’s cooling properties play a vital role in the curing process, giving the Lardo its characteristic smooth texture and rich, delicate flavor.
This DOP (Denominazione di Origine Protetta) product, protected by European law for its historical and geographical significance, has earned its place as a true gastronomic treasure. It is not just “pork fat”—it’s a carefully crafted delicacy, aged to perfection, with a silky texture that melts in the mouth and a savory, aromatic depth that captures the essence of the region.
You’ll have the opportunity to taste this exceptional product, paired with a selection of handmade cured meats, local cheeses, and other delicacies that embody the flavors of Tuscany. Each item will be accompanied by wines that complement the rich, savory notes of the cured meats, elevating your tasting experience to an unforgettable culinary journey.
For those seeking an even more immersive experience, the tour can be extended with an exhilarating 4×4 adventure into the quarries, providing a closer look at the marble extraction process. If available, you may even step into one of the quarries themselves, where the scale and artistry of the operations will leave you in awe.
While the cured meats and cheeses tasting is already a fulfilling culinary experience, guests also have the option to add an extra stop for a traditional Tuscan lunch, further immersing themselves in the local flavors. Enjoy a delicious meal at a handpicked restaurant, where the dishes are made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, and paired with excellent local wines.
We take you where we would love to be taken if we were on your side.
This tour is designed for pioneers of exploration—those who want to uncover the authentic side of Tuscany, free from the typical tourist crowds. You won’t just visit the places where locals go; you’ll immerse yourself in the deep-rooted traditions that have shaped this region, from marble to Lardo, all in one incredible day.