Florence: Artisanal Crafts and Workshops Guided Tour

Imagine wandering through Florence, not just admiring its famous galleries and monuments, but stepping behind the scenes into its soul—its workshops where artisans craft jewelry, leather, perfumes, and more. That’s exactly what this Florence: Artisanal Crafts and Workshops Guided Tour offers. It’s a chance to witness the city’s craftsmanship traditions firsthand, guided by knowledgeable experts who bring these ancient arts to life.

What we love about this experience is its focus on authentic craftsmanship—visiting real workshops where artisans still practice centuries-old techniques—and its inclusion of a visit to the legendary Santa Maria Novella pharmacy, the oldest in the world. Plus, the tour’s manageable length of three hours makes it a perfect addition to a busy Florence itinerary.

One consideration is that this tour involves a fair bit of walking and standing, which might be a challenge for some travelers. Also, since it’s a private group and includes multiple workshops, it’s best suited for those who appreciate a more intimate, focused look at Florence’s creative side rather than a broad sightseeing tour.

This experience suits travelers who love crafts, history, and authentic local culture. Whether you’re a dedicated artisan enthusiast or simply curious about Florence’s lesser-known traditions, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here.

Key Points

• Authentic artisanship: Visit real workshops where craftsmen still create using traditional methods.
• Historic significance: Tour includes the oldest pharmacy in the world, dating back to 1221.
• Diverse crafts: Explore jewelry, leather, bookbinding, perfumery, and carving.
• Expert guidance: Learn from passionate guides who bring the workshops to life.
• All-inclusive: Entry to key workshops and historic sites is covered.
• Flexible and private: The tour is tailored for private groups with pickup at your accommodation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Florence Artisanal Crafts Tour

An Introduction to Florence’s Crafting Heritage

Florence isn’t just about famous artworks; its artisans have kept ancient skills alive for generations. This tour offers a chance to see these crafts firsthand—something you might not get from a standard museum visit. For those interested in goldsmithing, leatherworking, bookbinding, perfumery, and carving, it’s a concentrated dose of Florentine artistry.

The Itinerary: What’s On Offer?

The tour begins with a pickup from your hotel within the city center, making it a convenient start. Over the next three hours, you’ll visit some of the most meaningful workshops and historic sites.

First, you’ll explore the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy. Founded in 1221 by Dominican friars, this is more than just a store; it’s a living museum of medicinal and perfumery arts. You’ll see where Renato Bianco, a master perfumer, crafted fragrances such as “Aqua della Regina,” which once traveled to the French court. Expect to browse exquisite room fragrances at the Aquaflor shop—perfect for bringing home a scent of Florence.

Next, the tour moves to the Scuola del Cuoio inside Santa Croce, renowned worldwide for leather craftsmanship. Here, you’ll see artisans cutting, stitching, and finishing leather items—an art that has sustained Florence since the Renaissance. Many find it fascinating to watch skilled hands transform raw hides into beautiful wallets, belts, or bags.

Then, a visit to the Lastrucci family workshop shows the intricate Florentine commesso technique—semi-precious stones set into gold to create jewelry and decorative objects, a process still practiced in a handful of workshops worldwide.

The Bottega d’Arte Maselli offers a glimpse into carving and framing arts. These artisans are renowned for frames so fine that even works by Da Vinci have been displayed within them. Watching their craftsmanship can be a real highlight, especially for lovers of art presentation and detail.

The tour concludes with insights into bookbinding and other craft traditions, emphasizing the importance of handwork in a digital age.

Why These Stops Matter

Each workshop isn’t just a place to see artisans at work—it’s a portal into Florence’s soul. The Santa Maria Novella pharmacy not only offers historical perspective but also demonstrates how Florence’s reputation as a beauty and luxury center was built on perfume and herbal remedies. Visiting the leather workshop shows why Florence remains a hub for high-quality leather goods, a tradition that continues to draw travelers and shoppers alike.

The Jewelry workshops reveal a painstaking process rooted in Florence’s goldsmithing heritage, dating back to the Etruscans. The carving workshop highlights the city’s reputation for fine framing and art presentation, an often-overlooked aspect of Florence’s artistic ecosystem.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Value of the Experience

At $107.62 per person, this tour is a solid value for travelers interested in craftsmanship, history, and authenticity. The ticket price includes admission to multiple workshops and the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy, which are often standalone costs if visited individually. Plus, the hotel pickup and drop-off streamline the logistics and make the experience accessible without the hassle of navigating Florence’s narrow streets.

What the Tour Feels Like

Participants have described the experience as “wonderful” and praised the guide Martina for her thorough explanations and engaging storytelling. One traveler noted that Martina took them to “such interesting places and explained things in detail”—a sign that the guides genuinely care about sharing their knowledge.

Because the tour is private, it allows for personalized attention and the flexibility to ask questions or focus on particular crafts that interest you most. The moderate walking aspect is balanced by the intimate setting, making it suitable for most travelers who can manage a bit of standing and walking.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking and standing.
• Photography is generally allowed, so bring your camera to capture artisans at work.
• Be aware that food and drinks are not permitted inside workshops—so plan your meals accordingly.
• Since the tour is not wheelchair accessible due to historic workshop locations, travelers with mobility issues should consider this.

Why This Tour Stands Out

Unlike generic sightseeing, this experience digs deeper into the living traditions of Florence. You’ll leave with a better understanding of why artisanship remains vital to the city’s identity. Many reviews highlight how much they appreciated seeing real artisans and learning about ancient techniques in a lively, engaging setting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the typical Florence highlights and connect with the city’s crafting legacy. It’s perfect for art lovers, history buffs, and those curious about traditional techniques. If you’re interested in luxury goods like jewelry and leather, or simply want a deeper flavor of Florence’s cultural fabric, this tour will reward you.

However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, broad overview of Florence’s sights, this might be a bit too niche. It’s also not suitable for those with mobility impairments, given the historic workshop locations.

The Sum Up

If you’re after a more personal, authentic look at Florence’s artisanal traditions, this guided tour is well worth considering. It offers a chance to see skilled artisans at work, visit historic sites, and gain insights into the city’s crafting heritage—all within a manageable three hours. The inclusion of key workshops and the oldest pharmacy in the world adds layers of value that aren’t easily found elsewhere.

Ideal for art enthusiasts, craft lovers, and culture seekers, this experience provides a meaningful, intimate connection to Florence’s creative soul. It’s a rare opportunity to step inside the workshops where centuries-old techniques are still alive and thriving.

For those who want a deeper understanding of Florence’s craftsmanship, coupled with expert guidance and a convenient, private setting, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s a perfect way to complement the city’s more famous attractions with a human, hands-on perspective.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While it’s generally geared toward adults, children with an interest in crafts and art history might find it engaging. Keep in mind the walking involved and workshop environments.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, there’s room for some flexibility in the stops or focus areas, depending on your interests.

How long is the pickup time?
Pickup is included and arranged within the city center; check the availability for specific times.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included—this tour is focused on crafts and historic workshops.

Do I need to make reservations in advance?
Yes, to secure your spot, especially during busy seasons, it’s recommended to book ahead via the provider.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Absolutely—private tours are perfect for solo travelers wanting a personalized experience.

How much walking should I expect?
Moderate walking and standing are involved; comfortable shoes are advised.

What languages are available for the tour?
The tour is conducted in English and Spanish, catering to a broad range of travelers.

In essence, this Florence: Artisanal Crafts and Workshops Guided Tour provides a meaningful, engaging look into Florence’s craftsmanship legacy. Whether you’re a seasoned artisan admirer or just a curious traveler, you’ll come away with stories, skills, and souvenirs that keep the city’s creative spirit alive.

You can check availability for your dates here: