Florence: Oltrarno Artisans and Wine Windows

The Oltrarno district in Florence is a captivating hub for artisan culture and historical intrigue. This tour delves into the vibrant markets, showcasing time-honored crafts and techniques that have shaped the city’s 15th-century transformation. Visitors can delight in a wine tasting experience at the historic wine windows, learning about their role during the plague, while savoring the flavors of Tuscany through gelato and local wines. With knowledgeable local guides, this enchanting exploration offers a unique glimpse into Florence’s rich heritage.

Key Points

• This 2.5-hour tour explores Oltrarno’s artisan culture, including visits to a paper marbling boutique, a family-run studio for traditional etchings, and a leather workshop.
• The tour offers a wine tasting at historic wine windows, highlighting their significance during the plague, and a gelato tasting from a Medici-era gelateria.
• Participants can learn about the 15th-century transformation of Oltrarno and its artisan heritage, with insights provided by a knowledgeable local tour guide.
• The tour concludes at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, and a "reserve now, pay later" option is available with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, and comfortable shoes are recommended for the walking portions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Florence: Oltrarno Artisans and Wine Windows" tour offers visitors the opportunity to explore the historic Oltrarno district of Florence, with a duration of 2.5 hours and a per-person price ranging from $74.89 to $67.40, depending on discounts applied.

Discover the historic Oltrarno district of Florence on a 2.5-hour tour, with prices ranging from $74.89 to $67.40 per person.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and the tour features a "reserve now, pay later" option.

Highlights include visits to artisan markets, a wine tasting, and insights into Florentine craftsmanship and history.

The tour concludes at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, providing a comprehensive immersion into Oltrarno’s vibrant culture and heritage.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at Botteghina Caffe Pitti in the Oltrarno district, the tour takes visitors on a 2.5-hour journey through the neighborhood’s artisan culture and history. Guests visit the Santo Spirito and Oltrarno arts and crafts markets, explore a wine tasting at San Frediano, and finish at Piazza di Santa Maria Novella. The itinerary highlights include:

| Destination | Duration |

| — | — |

| Santo Spirito: Arts & crafts market | 20 minutes |

| Oltrarno: Arts & crafts market | 20 minutes |

| San Frediano: Wine tasting | 15 minutes |

| Finish at: Piazza di Santa Maria Novella | – |

Itineraries are subject to change.

Artisan Culture and Historical Insights

Visitors on this tour are invited to discover Oltrarno’s rich artisan culture and compelling history, particularly its transformation in the 15th century.

Discover Oltrarno’s vibrant artisan culture and captivating history, especially its transformation in the 15th century.

The tour showcases:

• A boutique specializing in decorative paper, where guests learn about the intricate art of paper marbling.

• A family-run studio renowned for traditional etchings, featuring stunning landscapes and cityscapes.

• A family-run leather business, offering insights into Florentine leather crafting.

• The significance of historic wine windows, which played an important role during the plague, with the opportunity to experience wine tasting.

Culinary Experiences

Along With the rich artisan culture and historical insights, the tour also offers immersive culinary experiences.

Guests indulge in gelato from a gelateria linked to the Medici era, savoring the creamy, artisanal treat.

Plus, they partake in a wine tasting at historic wine windows, learning about their significance during the plague. These narrow openings allowed vintners to safely serve customers while maintaining social distance.

The culinary experiences provide a glimpse into Florence’s gastronomic heritage, complementing the exploration of the city’s vibrant artisan community and storied past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Exploring the Santo Spirito Arts & Crafts Market

The tour’s first stop is the vibrant Santo Spirito arts and crafts market.

Visitors explore the lively stalls showcasing a variety of handmade goods:

• Intricate leather goods, from wallets to bags, crafted by local artisans

• Colorful ceramic pieces, each with its own unique design and flair

• Delicate paper products, including marbled stationery and artful prints

• Woven textiles, such as scarves and shawls, showcasing traditional Florentine techniques

The market offers a glimpse into the rich artisanal heritage of the Oltrarno district, inspiring visitors to appreciate the skilled hands behind these charming creations.

Discovering Oltrarno’s Artisan Studios

What follows next is a deeper exploration of Oltrarno’s vibrant artisan studios.

Visitors can discover a boutique specializing in decorative paper, where they’ll learn about the intricate art of paper marbling.

They’ll also visit a family-run studio renowned for its traditional etchings, featuring landscapes and cityscapes that capture the essence of Florence.

On top of that, guests can learn about Florentine leather crafting at a family-run leather business, gaining insight into this time-honored tradition.

These immersive experiences allow travelers to intimately connect with Oltrarno’s rich artisan culture and heritage.

Tasting Florentine Wines at Historic Wine Windows

Wine tasting at the historic "wine windows" of San Frediano provides visitors a unique opportunity to experience Florence’s rich winemaking heritage.

The tour includes:

• Learning about the significance of these iconic wine windows, which were used during the plague to safely dispense wine and other provisions

• Sampling local Tuscan wines, including Chianti, at a family-run wine shop

• Gaining insights into the region’s winemaking traditions and how they have evolved over time

• Appreciating the charming ambiance of the historic San Frediano neighborhood as you sip and savor the flavors of Florence.

Practical Information and Recommendations

A knowledgeable local tour guide is provided for the duration of the experience, offering historical insights and cultural context. However, the tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Visitors should come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera to capture the sights. Plus, they should dress appropriately for the weather.

| Practical Information | |

|—|—|

| Duration | 2.5 hours |

| Cancellation Policy | Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance |

| Booking Options | Reserve now & pay later |

| Starting Location | Botteghina Caffe Pitti, Oltrarno |

| Ending Location | Piazza di Santa Maria Novella |

Ask Away

Is the Tour Available on All Days of the Week?

The tour availability is not specified in the given information. The [KNOWLEDGE] provided does not indicate whether the tour is available on all days of the week or has specific operating days.

Do Children Receive a Discounted Rate for the Tour?

Children receive a discounted rate for the tour. The pricing information indicates that the tour is priced per person, without any specific mention of child or family rates. The exact discount amount is not provided.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, such as extended market visits or additional food and wine experiences, though additional fees may apply. The tour provider can accommodate special requests within reason.

Is Photography Allowed During the Wine Tasting Experience?

Photography is allowed during the wine tasting experience, but participants should be respectful and discreet. The tour guide can provide guidance on appropriate times and locations for taking photographs.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated on the Tour?

The tour does not explicitly mention accommodating dietary restrictions. It is recommended that guests with any dietary needs or allergies contact the tour provider in advance to inquire about their ability to cater to specific requirements.

Final Words

Enjoy the captivating Oltrarno district, where Florence’s rich artisan heritage and historical charm intertwine. Witness the city’s vibrant 15th-century transformation through guided visits to traditional workshops, wine tastings at iconic windows, and delightful culinary experiences. This enchanting tour offers a unique window into the enduring craftsmanship and cultural legacy that define the heart of Florence.

You can check availability for your dates here: