To visit the wonderful Colonnata, Torano and Fantiscritti basins it is necessary to go by bus to the Check Point where groups can collect the 'pass'. The Apuan Alps are marble mountains, rich in those marble quarries, the most famous being those of Carrara, which have become an authentic treasure for a territory which, thanks to them, has become famous throughout the world. The magic of the quarries opens up like a vision. You enter the heart of the mountain to touch the raw material preferred by artists such as Michelangelo and Canova. If you want to get right up, on top of the mountains, then it is advisable to book the jeep tour.

Arrival is possible on normal roads. The mining is impressive. It is definitely worth visiting the small museum - entrance fee only 3 EUR. There is also the possibility of a tour but what stopped me is to drive through a tunnel in my own car and follow a car. Because of the heavy dust I refrained from it.

These fascinating quarries are where Michelangelo used to source his marble for his masterpieces in Florence and Rome. The caves offer two types of tours up and down the quarries in 4WD cars. Our tour (the longer one) takes you into the mountain to visit an underground mine. The roads getting up there for almost as good as the quarries themselves and the views were just stupendous. It was à fascinating experience, and the guide was both friendly and informative.