Florence Artisans Private Heritage Walk & Atelier Visits
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
This private experience offers rare insider access to Florence’s artisan ecosystem. Workshops are hand-selected, introductions are personal, and conversations unfold naturally between guests and makers. Without the constraints of a fixed route or group timing, the tour feels more like being guided through a network of creative contacts rather than following a tourist itinerary.
The result is a bespoke journey that reveals how Florence’s artisan heritage continues to inform contemporary Italian design and fashion one atelier door at a time.
- Private guided tour focused on Florence’s artisan crafts.
- Visit workshops for live demonstrations and meet local artisans.
- Discover the history behind Florence’s artistic reputation.
- Enjoy a flexible route with a dedicated guide for your group.
Available options
Florence Artisans Private Heritage Walk & Atelier Visits
What's included
Private tour tailored to your group’s interests
Visit to selected artisan workshops
2-hour private guided walk in the historic center
Insights into Florence’s artisan heritage
Expert local guide focused on Florence’s crafts
Live craftsmanship demonstrations
Detailed itinerary
1
Experience Florence from the perspective of its artisans on a private, design-focused walking tour. With a local expert, visit curated workshops where leatherworkers, goldsmiths, and paper marblers still create by hand, and learn what makes Florentine craftsmanship so admired worldwide.
Set your own rhythm as you wander through historic neighborhoods of the Oltrarno, pausing for conversations, demonstrations, and close observation.
This private format offers space to ask questions and follow your interests—from technique and materials to history and design. Inside the ateliers, watch artisans work with traditional tools and discover how precision, patience, and creativity shape each piece, whether crafted in stone, silver, gold, or swirling color on paper.
2
Santa Croce offers a rare look at how Florence’s artisan heritage flows directly into contemporary design. Leather is cut, dyed, and stitched in studios tucked behind Renaissance façades; silver is shaped on quiet workbenches; and scents are blended in boutique perfume laboratories that feel more atelier than shop.
At the heart of this ecosystem sits the Scuola del Cuoio, the Leather School of Florence, founded to safeguard the city’s leather traditions and train new designers. Its presence anchors Santa Croce as one of Florence’s most important districts for craftsmanship that evolves rather than freezes in time — a place where heritage meets fashion.
3
Stop 3
Pass by
Ponte Vecchio tells the story of Florence’s shift from medieval trade to refined design. Goldsmiths’ workshops open directly onto the bridge, where tiny benches and narrow storefronts once supplied Europe’s elites with precious metals and stones.
Under the Medici, the bridge became a curated showcase of craftsmanship, paving the way for the city’s later influence on Italian jewelry and accessories design. Today, its jewelers carry that aesthetic forward, blending centuries-old techniques with modern style in one of the most iconic artisan settings in Europe.
4
Stop 4
Pass by
Across the river in the Oltrarno, Florence still makes things by hand. Behind simple facades, leather is stitched, silver is engraved, fabrics are printed, and pigments swirl across trays for paper marbling. Artisans greet clients, tools sit ready on benches, and pieces are produced one at a time — the opposite of mass manufacturing. This layered mix of traditional workshops, modern studios, and young designers gives the neighborhood a distinct creative identity, bridging Renaissance craftsmanship with 21st-century design. It remains one of the few urban districts in Europe where heritage craftsmanship functions as a living industry rather than a museum display.
What's not included
Transportation to the starting point
Souvenirs
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
This tour follows a flexible route and may vary depending on the day and workshop availability.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as there will be a moderate amount of walking involved.
Clients must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes before the start of the tour.
Meeting point
We meet in Piazza del Duomo, 41, directly across from the cafe of the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo. Your guide will have a signboard that says, “Walks In Europe.”
Important notes
Please meet your guide and join the tour. They will have the necessary information.
About Florence
Florence, the capital of Italy's Tuscany region, is a treasure trove of art, architecture, and history. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, it's home to iconic masterpieces, stunning cathedrals, and a rich cultural heritage that continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Top Attractions
Duomo
The Florence Cathedral, known as the Duomo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its iconic dome, designed by Brunelleschi, offers panoramic views of the city.
Architecture/Religious
2-3 hours
Free to enter the cathedral, €18 for the climb to the dome
Uffizi Gallery
One of the world's most famous art museums, the Uffizi Gallery houses works by Botticelli, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Museum/Art
2-3 hours
€20
Ponte Vecchio
A medieval stone bridge famous for its jewelry shops. It's one of the most iconic landmarks in Florence.
Architecture
30 minutes to 1 hour
Free
Piazzale Michelangelo
A panoramic terrace offering breathtaking views of Florence. It's a perfect spot for sunset and photography.
Scenic Viewpoint
1-2 hours
Free
Accademia Gallery
Home to Michelangelo's famous statue of David, the Accademia Gallery is a must-visit for art lovers.
Museum/Art
1-2 hours
€16
Must-Try Local Dishes
Bistecca alla Fiorentina
A thick-cut, grilled T-bone steak, seasoned simply with salt and pepper. It's a must-try for meat lovers.
Dinner
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Ribollita
A hearty vegetable and bread soup, traditionally made with leftover bread and vegetables. It's a classic Florentine dish.
Lunch/Dinner
Vegetarian, can be made vegan
Lampredotto
A Florentine street food made from the fourth and final stomach of a cow. It's typically served in a sandwich.
Lunch
Contains beef, not suitable for vegetarians or vegans
Cantucci
Almond biscotti traditionally served with Vin Santo, a sweet Tuscan wine. They are crunchy and perfect for dipping.
Dessert
Contains almonds, can be made gluten-free
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Tuscan countryside
Cycling tours
Hot air balloon rides
Wine tasting tours
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Strolling through the gardens of Villa medici
Visiting museums and art galleries
Attending opera or concerts
Best Time to Visit
April to June, September to October
These months offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds compared to the summer peak. Ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
15-28°C
59-82°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Italian
- Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
- English: Moderately spoken
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Zone
GMT+1 (CET), GMT+2 (CEST during daylight saving time)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Florence is generally safe for tourists, but pickpocketing and petty theft can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
Getting there
By air
- Florence Airport • 5 km from city center
- Pisa International Airport • 85 km from city center
By train
Santa Maria Novella Station
By bus
Villa Costanza Bus Station, Florence Airport Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The bus network covers the entire city and is the primary mode of public transport. Buses are frequent and reliable.
Taxis
Available • Apps: MyTaxi, FreeNow
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Santa Maria Novella
Oltrarno
San Lorenzo
Santa Croce
Day trips
Siena
70 km from Florence • Half day to full day
A medieval city known for its stunning Piazza del Campo and the Palio, a traditional horse race held twice a year.
Pisa
85 km from Florence • Half day
Home to the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa, this city offers a mix of historic sites and scenic views.
Chianti Wine Region
30-50 km from Florence • Full day
A picturesque wine region known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and charming villages.
Festivals
Festa di San Giovanni • June 24
Calcio Storico Fiorentino • June (dates vary)
Firenze dei Fiori • April to June
Pro tips
- Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to save time and avoid long queues
- Explore the city's hidden gems, such as the Oltrarno neighborhood and the secret passages of the Palazzo Vecchio
- Try local specialties like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Ribollita, and Lampredotto
- Learn a few basic Italian phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
$421
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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