Things to do in Apuan Alps

Explore the white gold of the Apuan Alps. The great expedition in the footsteps of Michelangelo. Directly from the La Spezia Cruise Terminal (or from a previously agreed location/individual pickup) we drive to Carrara, 20 minutes away. Here we begin our small-group-journey up the white marble-dust covered serpentine roads of the mountains of the Iigurian-tuscan coast. Experience an unforgettable excursion into the marble heart of the Apuan Alps. Let yourself be carried away into a fascinating world for 6,5-7 hours. Explore an Italy as you have never seen it before: In a practical car (often an off-road Fiat Panda), we follow old transport roads high up into the mountains, past a sculptor's workshop and through archaic, mysterious transport tunnels. We reach the mighty "Cathedral of white Marble", a majestic quarry in the middle of the mountain, which we visit with a guided tour. After a 5-minute drive, we then reach the mountain village of Colonnata. It is famous for its lardo, the spicy bacon matured in marble troughs, invented by the slaves in ancient Rome. The now world-famous delicacy helped the "cavatori" to get enough energy during their hard work on the stone. In the next stop, we visit one of the oldest quarries high up on the mountain. On this archaeological site, you will learn how the Romans once brought marble to Rome and enjoy a fantastic view all the way to the sea. On the tour is the possibility to taste regional specialities or have lunch. (The type of meal depends on the seasonal opening hours of the local providers). The tour ends in the lively Marina di Carrara, where you can enjoy the best ice cream in the area. Here you can admire the large square in front of the church, whose floor is entirely made of marble. From Marina di Carrara, we will take you back to the starting point. (Route changes are possible) Your host, Clemens, speaks German, English, Italian and an intermediate level of French. He is a musician, composer and the son of a sculptor. In his childhood, he spent a lot of time in Carrara, because he accompanied his father in the selection and purchase of the famous and snow-white "Marmo Statuario". Clemens accompanies the tour with his music and knows a lot about the precious stones. About CARRARA: Just beyond the Tuscan-Ligurian coast, the fantastic backdrop of mountains rising to over 1900 m opens up. The tour leads into the interior of the marble quarries with their over 2000-year history. It is a journey into another, traditional and fabulous world of a precious and world-famous rock: Carrara marble. The material from which monumental columns and the noblest works of art are made. Here, history and the present, nature and technology, ancient craftsmanship and ingenious art are mixed. The tour shows not only quarries, but the beauty of a region, its people and its cuisine. A region that has always achieved its prosperity from the export of white gold and its cordiality from the hard work on the stone.

The tour begins in the stunning Apuan Alps, home to one of the most precious building materials in the world - the Marble of Carrara. Since the time of the ancient Romans, this beautiful white marble has been extracted and utlised for artworks all over the world, including Michaelangelo’s masterpiece David (which can be seen in the Accademia Gallery in Florence). With a friendly, local driver/guide you will have the opportunity to visit one of the many quarries of the Tuscan region and witness how marble extraction was accomplished in the past. This process - which often resulted in fatalities - helped shape the life of the local people still living in the area today. Visitors will also have the opportunity to see where Michaelangelo lived and chose the marble used in his works. Then, the tour moves onto Pietrasanta. This picturesque town on the Tuscan coast is not only known for its “ateliers” of sculptures but also as the town where Michaelangelo started a new extraction site in the local caves.

Garfagnana is the mountain area of Lucca: if you love little villages on the top of the hill and good food… this is definitely a place to visit in Tuscany! I will pick you up at your accomodation with my professional van, and I will drive you through the hills of Tuscany. At every attraction, our driverguide will stop the van trying to offer you an exclusive and comfortable experience. Then, our driverguide will explain you everything he/she knows: it will be like watching the view from the eyes of a local. Barga and Castelnuovo are the main villages of the area, but something we cannot miss is the Devil Bridge (example of the architecture of the medieval age) but also the characteristic lake of “Isola Santa”. One of the most important moment in a tour in Tuscany must be a good meal: let us organize you a special lunch tasting some local specialties, like a farro soup or some good prosciutto. Don’t worry, we have always some surprises for you during our tour!

More than an E-bike Tour, an experience that fills your eyes with glimpses and panoramas of rare beauty and your heart with love for a unique landscape. An itinerary that from the Cinquale tourist port will take us directly to Monte Folgorito. First traveling along a stretch of Versilia, a renowned summer holiday resort, and skirting the green protected area of Lago di Porta, you will then begin to rise in altitude to reach around 600 meters above sea level, so as to enjoy an open view from above which reaches the sea. The panorama that opens up to our eyes ranges from the coast of Livorno to the Gulf of La Spezia and Portovenere, to which are added the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, clearly visible when the sky is clearer. The tour continues descending towards the municipality of Seravezza and then climbing up the Pietrasanta hill, “Capriglia”, and once again enjoying a breathtaking view…. in less than no time you arrive directly in the heart of Pietrasanta where you can see and admire the majesty of the city of art. On the way back we will move to the Versilia coast making a short stop in Forte dei Marmi. Also known only as Forte, it is the "Jewel" of Versilia; renowned seaside resort known and appreciated in Italy and abroad.

Explore the Natural Reserve area of Padule marshes on an electric boat tour. Listen to the story of a landscape rich in history, traditions, and floral and faunal richness. At the end of the tour, enjoy a glass of wine and some locally produced biscuits. Meet your guide at the meeting point and board your electric boat. Enter the enchanting context of the Padule, where even the majestic Apuan Alps bathe. Listen to the story of a landscape rich in history, traditions, and floral and faunal richness. Learn about the commercial importance of this area since the archaic period. Discover why the area was dear to the master Puccini, who loved hunting in the marshes. Immerse yourself completely in this atmosphere that will take you into a parallel world while listening to the music of the famous composer who loved these waters. He himself said that "coming here calms the soul". At the end of the tour, enjoy a glass of wine from a local winery, accompanied by biscuits from the local area.

An itinerary that from our new store, near the Cinquale tourist port, will take us directly to the summit of Monte Folgorito. First traveling along a stretch of Versilia, a renowned summer holiday location, and skirting the green protected area of Lago di Porta, you will then begin to rise in altitude to reach around 1000 meters above sea level, so as to enjoy an open view from above which reaches the sea. The route is full of history, as it crosses the famous Gothic Line, and is characterized by an easy and pleasant climb, enlivened by fragrant blooms during the milder season. The panorama that opens up to our eyes ranges from the coast of Livorno to the Gulf of La Spezia and Portovenere, to which are added the islands of the Tuscan archipelago, clearly visible when the sky is clearer. Finally we will descend on the side of the city of Massa passing through the Malaspina Castle, a fortification of medieval origin, and then enter the heart of the city itself, crossing the main square "Piazza Aranci". A path that, uniting sea and mountains, brings everyone together. Discover the wonders of Versilia!

First of all you will go up through vineyards and olive groves immersed in the green hills to reach the medieval village of Castelnuovo Magra, where to welcome you we will find the Castle with its imposing tower. Subsequently we will descend again through the Hills of du Sun crossing the cycle/pedestrian path of the Lunense Canal up to the Roman Amphitheater of Luni, and the Magra River, the main river in Liguria with medium flow at the mouth, in the direction of the Borgo di Montemarcello. We are inside the Montemarcello – Magra Regional Natural Park, where every path reveals the blue of the sea framed by the silvery foliage of the olive trees. The village is located at an altitude of 266 meters above sea level at the top of the promontory of Mount Caprione and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Val di Magra, the underlying Gulf of La Spezia (Golfo dei Poeti), and the Apuan Alps . Before returning we will cross the small and ancient fishing village: Bocca di Magra. This small village, a hamlet of the Municipality of Ameglia, stands on the right bank of the Magra river on the border between Liguria and Tuscany, right at the beginning of the Gulf of Poets. Already known in Roman times and a holiday destination for famous Italian writers and poets, it is a real pearl of the Val di Magra that is absolutely worth seeing.

Hike on the mountains of Bagni di Lucca: we will reach the top of the mountain to admire the sunset over the Apuan Alps, where the famous marble is extracted, enjoying a delicious aperitif. On the way back, it will be dark, so we recommend bringing a flashlight with you In addition, there will also be the opportunity to spot some wildlife and a beautiful view of the mountains of the Lucca Apennines. The hike is 3 km long with a 150-meter elevation gain and is suitable for everyone. To reach the starting point of the hike, you will need to drive a section of unpaved road with your own car.