Around Tuscany: Carrara Marbles, Pisa & Lucca

Exploring Tuscany’s Hidden Gems: Carrara Marbles, Pisa & Lucca

If you’re looking for a way to experience the heart of Tuscany beyond Florence’s masterpieces, this tour offers a compelling mix of marble quarry exploration, iconic sights, and local flavors. It’s quite an approach—taking you from the enormous Carrara quarries to the leaning tower of Pisa, then onto the beautifully preserved walls of Lucca—all within a single day.

What we particularly like about this tour is how it combines off-the-beaten-path adventures like visiting towering marble mines with more familiar landmarks like Pisa and Lucca. Plus, the small group size ensures a more personal experience, and the included lunch on the quarry’s terrace with local wines is a thoughtful touch that makes the day feel special. On the flip side, the tour’s packed schedule might be too tight for those who prefer a more relaxed pace or want to linger longer at each spot.

This experience suits travelers who love a blend of nature, art, and history—and who don’t mind a full day on the move. It’s especially ideal if you’re eager to see a different side of Tuscany, one that includes impressive craftsmanship and scenic vistas, all narrated by knowledgeable guides.

Key Points

• Unique access to Carrara’s marble quarries with a guided exploration of the giant-scale mining process.
• Comfortable transportation in a 4×4 vehicle, ideal for navigating off-road terrain and scenic routes.
• Cultural highlights in Pisa’s Piazza dei Miracoli and the charming streets of Lucca, with free time to explore or relax.
• Includes a scenic lunch with local wine on the quarry terrace—an authentic taste of Tuscany.
• Small-group experience (up to 8 people), offering personalized attention and a more intimate atmosphere.
• Well-paced itinerary that balances guided visits with leisure time, giving you a full, engaging day.

An In-Depth Look at the Itinerary

Starting at Levigliani and the Carrara Marble Quarries

Your day begins in Florence, where you’ll meet your driver early in the morning—around 9:00am, so be ready for an early start. The journey to Levigliani is part of the adventure, but the real highlight kicks in once you reach the marble quarries. Traveling in a comfortable 4×4 vehicle, you’ll be driven into a landscape that feels almost otherworldly.

These quarries are enormous, with ceilings soaring dozens of meters high, and blocks of marble the size of small buildings waiting to be extracted. The guide’s insights are invaluable here—they’ll explain why Carrara marble has been prized for centuries and how this colossal operation functions. Walking through the quarry feels like stepping into a giant’s workshop; the scale is truly jaw-dropping. As someone who appreciates craftsmanship and natural wonders, we found this part utterly mesmerizing.

Relaxing with a Panoramic Aperitif

After soaking in the imposing scenery and history, you’ll enjoy a special aperitif on the quarry’s terrace. This isn’t just a quick snack—it’s a chance to unwind while savoring local wines and foods like famous Lardo di Colonnata or the ‘Ipogeo’ wine. The terrace offers sweeping views of the quarry, making it a memorable setting for a relaxed lunch.

This part of the tour is highly praised; one reviewer called it “such an amazing day” and noted how walking into the marble cave was “unbelievably cool.” The guide’s storytelling and the scenic backdrop elevate this tasting experience into something a bit more special than a typical lunch break.

Pisa: The Leaning Tower and More

Next, the tour moves towards Pisa. The drive itself offers glimpses of Tuscany’s rolling landscape, and once at the Piazza dei Miracoli, you’ll meet a professional guide to uncover the secrets of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Besides marveling at the Leaning Tower, you can step inside the cathedral—an experience that many find worthwhile, especially given how busy Pisa can be.

The guide offers an inside look at the monuments’ history and unique architecture, making the visit both educational and visually impressive. You’ll have about 2 hours and 45 minutes here—more than enough to take photos, absorb the atmosphere, and maybe grab a quick gelato.

Lucca’s Charming Streets and Historic Walls

The final stop is Lucca, a town famed for its preserved medieval layout and intact 16th-century walls. Walking along these ramparts gives you amazing views of the rooftops and surrounding countryside. You’ll also see key sights like Torre Guinigi—famous for its trees on top—and the town’s lively squares.

This part of the day is perfect for wandering at your own pace, shopping for local crafts, or simply enjoying a typical Tuscan aperitif before heading back to Florence. The town’s atmosphere is relaxed and charming, providing the perfect wind-down after a busy day.

What the Tour Offers in Terms of Value

This experience, priced at around $390 per person, allows access to private transportation, professional guides, and unique locations that are challenging to visit independently in such a day. The included lunch and wine tasting elevate the experience from a simple sightseeing trip to a true taste of Tuscany’s flavors.

While the cost might seem steep for some, the small-group size and comprehensive itinerary justify the price—especially considering the personalized attention and in-depth storytelling from guides. Plus, the access to the marble quarries, which are generally not open to the public, makes this a truly special opportunity.

A Word from Others

One reviewer praised the guide’s humor and knowledge, calling the tour “absolutely the best” and emphasizing how walking into the marble cave was “unbelievably cool.” Such feedback is reassuring if you’re someone who values engaging storytelling and authentic experiences.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of the Tour

• Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes—you’ll be walking on uneven quarry surfaces and historic streets.
• Bring sun protection—a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are advisable, especially on the quarry terrace.
• Prepare for a full day; with around 11 hours, it’s a long but rewarding trip—pace yourself.
• Check dietary restrictions in advance if you have special food needs, as the lunch involves local foods and wines.
• Bring a camera or smartphone—the scenery and monuments are photo-worthy, and the quarry’s grandeur is unforgettable.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who enjoys natural wonders, historic sites, and authentic local flavors, this tour is a solid pick. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to see Carrara’s extraordinary marble mines up close, appreciate good storytelling, and enjoy a day full of variety—culinary experiences, sightseeing, and scenic drives.

It’s less ideal if you prefer a more relaxed, less packed schedule or are traveling with very young children who might find 11 hours too much on the move. The tour’s pace is brisk, but it rewards those eager to pack in a lot of Tuscany in one day.

FAQs

Is transportation provided? Yes, you’ll travel comfortably in a private 4×4 vehicle, which is perfect for the off-road parts of the marble quarry visit.

How long is the total tour? The experience lasts approximately 11 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending back at the Florence meeting point.

Are tickets included? Yes, all entrance tickets for the sites are covered, so you won’t need to worry about extra costs at Pisa or Lucca.

Can I enter inside the Pisa Cathedral? Yes, with the guide, you’ll have time to go inside the Cathedral, enjoying its architecture and artworks.

Is food included? Yes, a light lunch accompanied by local wines and foods like Lardo di Colonnata and ‘Ipogeo’ wine is part of the experience, with options for dietary restrictions.

Is this tour suitable for kids? While not explicitly tailored for children, the adventure in the marble quarries and the scenic towns can be engaging for older children or teenagers, especially if they’re interested in history and scenery.

Final Thoughts

All in all, this tour offers a rich taste of Tuscany’s diverse charms—from the awe-inspiring Carrara marble quarries to the iconic architecture of Pisa and the tranquil streets of Lucca. It’s a well-rounded day for those eager to explore beyond the usual, with the added bonus of expert guides and local culinary delights.

If you’re after a full, engaging experience that combines natural wonders, history, and gastronomy, this trip hits the mark. It’s best suited for travelers who want to maximize their time and enjoy a mix of guided insights and leisure moments, all wrapped into a scenic journey through Tuscany.