Tour difficulty

  • Easy
  • Medium
  • Hard

Duration

3 hours

Florence Walking Tours: City Tours

The Artisans of Florence

 

Unveiling Florence's Artisanal Heart

Discover the heart of Italian craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Florentine artisans with Your Own Italy’s private tours. Florence, a city revered for its contributions to art and history, is also a sanctuary for traditional artisans whose workshops are imbued with the spirit of the Renaissance. This unique journey into “The Artisans of Florence” is designed to showcase the city’s rich heritage of craftsmanship, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives and techniques of its most skilled creators.

Unveiling Florence’s Artisanal Heart

Leather Craftsmanship Florence’s reputation for fine leather goods is unparalleled. Visit family-owned workshops where artisans treat leather crafting as an art form, creating exquisite handbags, belts, and shoes using techniques passed down through generations.

Goldsmithing on the Ponte Vecchio: Traverse the iconic Ponte Vecchio, where goldsmiths and jewelers craft stunning pieces in their centuries-old shops. Learn about the intricate process of goldsmithing that has made Florence a global hallmark of jewelry design.

Paper Marbling and Bookbinding: Dive into the delicate world of paper marbling and bookbinding in studios that cherish Florentine paper traditions. Witness the creation of beautifully patterned paper and hand-bound books that keep the city’s literary culture vibrantly alive.

Ceramics and Terracotta Artistry: Explore the workshops where artisans breathe life into clay, creating and painting ceramics and terracotta with patterns that reflect Florence’s artistic soul. Each piece tells a story of tradition, innovation, and meticulous attention to detail.

Your Own Italy: Crafting Unforgettable Experiences

Your Own Italy’s private tours go beyond the conventional, offering bespoke experiences that connect you deeply with the authentic culture of Florence. “The Artisans of Florence” tour is a celebration of creativity, heritage, and personal storytelling, inviting you to witness the city’s artistic traditions through the eyes of its modern-day masters.

Embark on Your Artisan Adventure

Are you ready to explore the hidden gems of Florence and meet the artisans who are the heartbeat of this historic city? Contact Your Own Italy to tailor your private tour, ensuring an exclusive journey into the world of Florentine craftsmanship. Discover the workshops that are the guardians of Florence’s artisanal legacy and experience the true essence of Italian artistry with Your Own Italy.

What's Included

Immerse yourself in the heart of Florentine craftsmanship with a personalized journey to Oltrarno, the Artisan’s quarter of Florence. Here, the tradition of artisanal craftsmanship has flourished for centuries, a legacy tied to the historical presence of the ruling Medici family and the construction of the Palazzo Pitti in the 15th century.

Meet Your Personal Guide: Your adventure begins directly outside your accommodations, where your guide will introduce you to the rich tapestry of Florentine artisanal heritage.
Discover the Oltrarno District: Known as the artisan’s quarter, Oltrarno is home to a myriad of workshops and studios where the craftspeople of Florence continue to ply their trades, from bookbinding and art restoration to the creation of Florentine mosaics and exquisite jewelry.
Explore Artisan Workshops: Visit various artisans in their workshops, each offering a unique insight into their craft. Witness the meticulous processes behind their creations, many of which are available for purchase, providing a tangible link to Florence’s artistic heritage.
Artisan Traditions Near Palazzo Pitti: Understand how the proximity to the Palazzo Pitti, once the residence of the Medici family, influenced the flourishing of artisan workshops in Oltrarno, catering to the demands of Florentine aristocracy through the centuries.

This personalized tour of Oltrarno opens up a world where the heritage of Florentine craftsmanship is not just preserved but vibrantly alive, offering an intimate glimpse into the enduring legacy of artisan trades in Florence.

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Tips for Your Tour

Comfortable Walking Shoes: Be prepared for a walking tour through cobblestone streets and artisan workshops.
Respect for Craftsmanship: As you enter workshops, remember to respect the artisans’ space and work, ensuring a positive experience for both visitors and craftsmen.
Photography: Ask for permission before taking photos inside the workshops to respect the artisans’ privacy and intellectual property.
Consider Purchases: Purchasing directly from the workshops not only offers you a unique souvenir but also supports the local artisan community.
Language Barrier: While many artisans may speak some English, having a few phrases of Italian or your guide to translate can enrich your interaction.

Faq

Is there a dress code I should know about?
There is a dress code for churches and basilicas. Shoulders and knees must be covered; shorts, miniskirts, and sleeveless shirts are not permitted. It is also recommended that you not take large bags or backpacks on tours that include churches as you may not be permitted to enter and storage accommodations are not usually available.
What if there is bad weather?
Our tours operate rain or shine!
Is tipping customary in Italy?
Tipping is indeed customary in Italy ! It is considered a kind gesture and proper etiquette to leave “a little something extra” depending on the level of service you receive. For a private guide it is suggested to leave 15 – 25 euros for a typical 3-hour tour.
What happens after I’ve requested a booking through your website?
Your Own Italy will send a confirmation email within 24 hours of your booking. You will then be invited to make your payment using a link that will be provided.
Can wheelchair users go on this walking tour?
Not all walking tours are fully accessible for wheelchair users or those with walking disabilities. However, if anyone in your group requires special accommodation, please let us know when completing the booking and we will work out suitable alternative routes.
Can tours be modified?
Yes, we will do our best to adjust any tour to accommodate special requests.
How far in advance should I book my walking tour?
Tours should be booked 48 hours in advance. While we cannot guarantee availability if booking occurs in less than 48 hours, we will do our best to accommodate your request.
What are Your Own Italy’s payment terms?
Full payment is due when the tour confirmation email is sent, within 24 hours of your booking. You will be provided with a link to our payment page. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express.
What is your cancellation policy?
Tours must be canceled by email 24 hours prior to the start of the tour. If cancellation is made in less than this time, Your Own Italy cannot guarantee a full refund.
How do I amend a reservation?
Any changes to existing reservations must be requested by email. All efforts will be made to accommodate changes, but they cannot be guaranteed.
What should I do if I have a larger group than the size suggested on the website?
Your Own Italy is delighted to accommodate large groups. Please specify the number in your party when booking, and every effort will be made to organize a tour within the time limits provided.

Meeting Point

Please specify when booking whether you would prefer to meet your private guide at your accommodations or at a designated point near the highlights of the tour.

Duration Of Tour

Walking Tours last approximately 3 hours unless otherwise specified.
Tour times are average – some groups prefer a more leisurely pace with fewer sites, with your private guide, this is your option.