Italy: Carrara - The Road To The Quarries By 4x4
Sep 30, 2023 15:13:35 #
We left the tour bus in Colonnata and boarded 4x4s for the tour to the top of the mountain and the marble quarries. We were fortunate to be in the vehicle driven by our guide Heidi - a no nonsense German/Italian foreperson from the quarries who was extremely knowledgeable. By virtue of having the biggest camera, I had the honor of riding "shotgun". Since the road was extremely bumpy, I upped the shutter speed to 1/1000 sec at f7.1.
Here's a description of the tour from one of the other operators: https://www.tuscanynowandmore.com/experiences/great-outdoors/carrara-marble-land-rover-defender-tour?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7uCW9fi-gQMVSDStBh3EcQGZEAAYByAAEgLj4PD_BwE
Discover the realm of Carrara Marble, in a thrilling off-road tour experience from the comfort of a legendary Land Rover Defender. Marble is not just a stone; it is the essence of this Tuscan region and its people, synonymous with a rich history of determination and artistic brilliance.
The Carrara Marble Experience will lead you through dramatic marble quarries, sculpture workshops, sawmills, and laboratories that embody an ancient craft. Discover the birthplace of masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo and Canova, where the grit of skilled labour meets cutting-edge technology. Within easy reach of our villas in Tuscany, create a connection with the soul of this iconic region, steeped in history and marble mastery.
Your journey will begin with a ride in a classic Land Rover Defender, with space for 8 guests and your experienced tour guide. Enjoy a crisp glass of Prosecco or a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, while your guide regales you with fascinating insights into the history of the quarries and the secrets of their creation.
Prepare to witness four distinct types of marble quarries from the comfort of your exclusive 4x4. From the active "open sky cave" to the intriguing "cava a pozzo," each site offers a unique glimpse into the marvels of marble extraction. A particular highlight of the tour is a visit to the “terrazzamento cave” — one of the most rare and precious marble caves found in the world. As your Land Rover Defender conquers the tortuous and steep roads, reaching heights of up to 1000 metres, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
At various strategic intervals, we'll make stopovers inside the different active quarries, allowing you to observe the different excavation techniques and capture photographs. Your knowledgeable guide will provide detailed explanations of the quarrying systems, as well as insights into the social and historical significance of the region. You will also visit the Miseglia basin, an awe-inspiring underground quarry that feels more like a lunar landscape.
To enhance your experience, enjoy a serving of sweet Lardo di Colonnata IGP accompanied by an ice-cold glass of Prosecco or a soft drink. You can also choose to upgrade your experience to include a delightful cold lunch picnic which includes flavours of Lardo di Colonnata IGP, local cold cuts and cheese, vegetable pies, tomatoes, and a refreshing glass of wine.
For more images of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Carrara as well as Carrara Town, please see my previous posts:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787003-1.html#14175832
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787105-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787428-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787548-1.html#14186607
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787640-1.html
I hope you enjoy these!
Mark
Here's a description of the tour from one of the other operators: https://www.tuscanynowandmore.com/experiences/great-outdoors/carrara-marble-land-rover-defender-tour?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7uCW9fi-gQMVSDStBh3EcQGZEAAYByAAEgLj4PD_BwE
Discover the realm of Carrara Marble, in a thrilling off-road tour experience from the comfort of a legendary Land Rover Defender. Marble is not just a stone; it is the essence of this Tuscan region and its people, synonymous with a rich history of determination and artistic brilliance.
The Carrara Marble Experience will lead you through dramatic marble quarries, sculpture workshops, sawmills, and laboratories that embody an ancient craft. Discover the birthplace of masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo and Canova, where the grit of skilled labour meets cutting-edge technology. Within easy reach of our villas in Tuscany, create a connection with the soul of this iconic region, steeped in history and marble mastery.
Your journey will begin with a ride in a classic Land Rover Defender, with space for 8 guests and your experienced tour guide. Enjoy a crisp glass of Prosecco or a refreshing non-alcoholic drink, while your guide regales you with fascinating insights into the history of the quarries and the secrets of their creation.
Prepare to witness four distinct types of marble quarries from the comfort of your exclusive 4x4. From the active "open sky cave" to the intriguing "cava a pozzo," each site offers a unique glimpse into the marvels of marble extraction. A particular highlight of the tour is a visit to the “terrazzamento cave” — one of the most rare and precious marble caves found in the world. As your Land Rover Defender conquers the tortuous and steep roads, reaching heights of up to 1000 metres, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
At various strategic intervals, we'll make stopovers inside the different active quarries, allowing you to observe the different excavation techniques and capture photographs. Your knowledgeable guide will provide detailed explanations of the quarrying systems, as well as insights into the social and historical significance of the region. You will also visit the Miseglia basin, an awe-inspiring underground quarry that feels more like a lunar landscape.
To enhance your experience, enjoy a serving of sweet Lardo di Colonnata IGP accompanied by an ice-cold glass of Prosecco or a soft drink. You can also choose to upgrade your experience to include a delightful cold lunch picnic which includes flavours of Lardo di Colonnata IGP, local cold cuts and cheese, vegetable pies, tomatoes, and a refreshing glass of wine.
For more images of the Tuscan countryside between Florence and Carrara as well as Carrara Town, please see my previous posts:
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787003-1.html#14175832
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787105-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787428-1.html
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787548-1.html#14186607
https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-787640-1.html
I hope you enjoy these!
Mark
Sorry it's not Gail. She was behind me and not enough room to turn around and get a picture
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
(Download)
Sep 30, 2023 15:14:28 #
Sep 30, 2023 15:28:20 #
Sep 30, 2023 15:38:08 #
Sep 30, 2023 16:02:37 #
srfmhg wrote:
We left the tour bus in Colonnata and boarded 4x4s... (show quote)
Pure, unadulterated photographic magnificence 🌞🥇🏆🥇🌞 - but did you end up suffering from switchback fatigue 😲😲😲😲😲
Sep 30, 2023 16:45:36 #
Sep 30, 2023 17:32:38 #
Sep 30, 2023 17:33:03 #
Sep 30, 2023 17:39:37 #
joecichjr wrote:
Pure, unadulterated photographic magnificence 🌞🥇🏆🥇🌞 - but did you end up suffering from switchback fatigue 😲😲😲😲😲
Thank you so much Joe. The switchbacks were challenging - especially since there were no guardrails and sheer drops and I'm a bit edge phobic which I think is called cremnophobia.
Sep 30, 2023 17:40:01 #
Sep 30, 2023 18:10:28 #
srfmhg wrote:
We left the tour bus in Colonnata and boarded 4x4s... (show quote)
Interesting info and shots Mark.
Sep 30, 2023 18:22:32 #
Sep 30, 2023 19:29:56 #
srfmhg wrote:
We left the tour bus in Colonnata and boarded 4x4s... (show quote)
Beautiful set Mark. It looks like your driver was appropriately focused on her task.
Sep 30, 2023 19:57:22 #
Sep 30, 2023 19:57:44 #
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.