Visit the Artisans and their Workshops in Florence
When it comes to an Artisan Tour Florence offers a ‘Hand Made’ experience like no other city in the world. It is the place where you have the highest number of skilled artisans offering you unique products using techniques and secrets that are centuries old. On a recent CNN travel special, two out of twenty exclusive worldwide artisans were located in Florence: Stefano Bemer (hand made shoes) and Lorenzo Villoresi (fragrances and perfumes).
A Full-Day Journey into the Heart of Florentine Craftsmanship
Start your morning by meeting your personal tour guide to curate a bespoke itinerary perfectly tailored to your interests for the day ahead. Your guide will provide an expert introduction to the deep-seated historical facts, cultural anecdotes, and centuries-old heritage that define the prestigious artisan tradition in Florence.
We highly recommend the full-day tour format, as we believe this is the essential minimum required to truly immerse yourself in the atmosphere, understand the technical nuances, and witness the extraordinary skills of these talented local masters. For those traveling on a tighter schedule, a three-hour half-day version is also available upon request, offering a curated glimpse into this hidden world of craftsmanship.
What to Expect on Your Artisan Tour Florence
Following your initial consultation, this private walking tour offers a rare opportunity to enter historic workshops and experience the creative process firsthand. While many master artisans are rightly protective of their trade secrets, they take immense pride in demonstrating their craft and sharing the centuries-old techniques that make their work world-renowned. These local masters are highly specialized in several prestigious fields:
- Leather and Accessories: Discover the art of the hide in the city’s famous tanneries and workshops.
- Master Jewelers and Goldsmiths: Discover the ancient “lost wax” casting and hand-engraving techniques
- Silk and Fine Fabrics: Witness the intricate weaving processes that have clothed royalty for generations.
- Scagliola and Inlay: Discover the incredible pietra dura (hard stone) techniques used to create intricate mosaic furniture.
- Hand-Bound Books: Visit a traditional bookbinder to see how marbleized paper is created by hand, a true staple of Florentine heritage.
- Master Shoemakers: Just like the famous Stefano Bemer, we explore the meticulous process of crafting bespoke leather footwear.
- Perfumes and fragrances (special experience).
- Restoration, antiquities and frames.
- Musical instruments.
Once you have finished experiencing the immersive atmosphere of these traditional workshops, you are more than welcome to inquire further about the intricacies of their trade or the specific history of their handcrafted products. Should you find a piece that resonates with you, you are free to acquire what is currently for sale, taking home a tangible piece of Florentine heritage.
Your dedicated private guide will be more than glad to facilitate every step of this process, acting as a knowledgeable liaison to assist you with translations, technical details, or shipping arrangements. On our Artisan Tour Florence, we ensure that your interactions with these master craftsmen are seamless and personalized, allowing you to focus entirely on the artistry and beauty of their timeless creations.
👥 Group Size: Private only — Up to 9 guests
⏱️ Duration: Flexible — 3 or 7 hours
🗓️ Schedule: Daily. Most artisans close at 7.30 pm and on Sunday and Monday morning. Inquire for detailed information.
💶 Private Fee: From €320
For a private car with a driver supplement, please inquire for a personalized quote. Our Artisan Tour Florence team also offers international shipping or convenient delivery to your hotel or residence upon request. Additionally, non-EU citizens can benefit from a V.A.T. tax refund on-site, making your high-quality purchases even more rewarding.
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