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Europe

Tuscany/Cinque Terre (Marina di Carrara), Italy

Arrive in Marina di Carrara, the port for Michelangelos marble and a gateway to coastal wonders. Pack your curiosity—and maybe your camera.

Quick Facts

Weather Range

48-75F (9-24C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

Overview

Marina di Carrara puts you within striking distance of both Tuscanys Carrara marble quarries and the Cinque Terres coastal perfection. Carraras marble has been quarried here since Roman times—Michelangelo himself selected blocks from these mountains for his sculptures. Tours to the quarries and sculpture studios reveal the industry that still defines the region. From here, you can reach Pisa (the Leaning Tower, Piazza dei Miracoli) in under an hour, or head to Luccas intact medieval walls and Renaissance-era charm. The Cinque Terre—five impossibly picturesque fishing villages clinging to cliff sides—are accessible via train, with Riomaggiore, Manarola, and Vernazza delivering those postcard views of colorful houses stacked above the Ligurian Sea. Hiking the coastal trails between villages has stunning views, though some sections can be closed due to erosion. The local wine (Sciacchetra) and focaccia are Ligurian specialties worth seeking out.

Top Sights

  • Carrara Marble Quarries
The brilliant white marble mountains where Michelangelo selected stone for his sculptures still operate today. Jeep tours. into the quarries reveal the scale of extraction and the scarred landscape.
  • Lucca
Renaissance-era walls encircle this perfectly preserved Tuscan town with car-free center, tower-houses, and relaxed atmosphere. The walls now serve as elevated park for walking and cycling.
  • Pisa
The Leaning Tower and Piazza dei Miracoli deliver the obligatory photo op about an hour. south. The cathedral and baptistery deserve attention beyond the tilting campanile.

Neighborhoods

Marina di Carrara

Waterfront boardwalk and seafood

Carrara

Local eats and photo spots

Avenza

Local eats and photo spots

Shore Things Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.

Florence or Pisa – Choose Your City by Van

See the highlights and beyond in Pisa or Florence with this full-day, private minivan tour that includes an English-speaking guide.
View Details

A Perfect Day in Pisa

Enjoy a round-trip transfer for a day to explore on your own in Pisa.
View Details

Biking the Medieval City of Lucca

Pedal your way around Lucca as the locals do in a tour that includes a picnic.
View Details

Adventures in Antipasti

Enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the flavors of Tuscany with a culinary visit to a local farmhouse.
View Details
Explore all Tuscany/Cinque Terre (Marina di Carrara) Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Shore Excursions

Make the most of your time in port. These popular excursions are just a sampling of what's available—whether you're after thrills, culture, or pure relaxation.
Worry-free excursions powered by Viator

Florence or Pisa – Choose Your City by Van

See the highlights and beyond in Pisa or Florence with this full-day, private minivan tour that includes an English-speaking guide.
View Details

A Perfect Day in Pisa

Enjoy a round-trip transfer for a day to explore on your own in Pisa.
View Details

Biking the Medieval City of Lucca

Pedal your way around Lucca as the locals do in a tour that includes a picnic.
View Details

Adventures in Antipasti

Enjoy the sights, the sounds, and the flavors of Tuscany with a culinary visit to a local farmhouse.
View Details
Explore all Tuscany/Cinque Terre (Marina di Carrara) Shore Things
© Shore Things photos courtesy of Virgin Voyages®

Map

Quick Facts

Weather Range

48-75F (9-24C)

Currency

EUR

Language

Italian

Time Zone

CET (UTC+1)

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