Florence: Meet the Artisans & Explore Historic Shops
2 Reviews
5.00 out of 5 stars Based on 2 reviews collected by City Boat Tours and TripAdvisor
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Recommended by 100% of reviewers
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Florence, Italy
4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Instant confirmation
Overview
Discover Florence on the first tour dedicated exclusively to artisans—a fascinating journey into the heart of Florentine tradition.
Stop at historic workshops and specialty stores where artisans create unique masterpieces using centuries-old techniques.
From the craftsmanship of leatherwork to the magic of marbled paper, from the elegance of Florentine ceramics to the art of engraving, witness these creative processes up close and appreciate authentic local craftsmanship.
The 3-hour tour includes at least three artisan visits and a guided Tuscan extra virgin olive oil tasting. The 4-hour tour offers a deeper dive, featuring at least six workshops plus the olive oil tasting.
Explore historic courtyards, visit shops rich in history and tradition, and experience the true soul of Florence. Let yourself be enchanted by Florentine artisans!
What's Included
- Tea and coffee Welcome coffee at our agency
- Snacks guided tasting of three Tuscan extra virgin olive oils
- Bottled water Refill your bottle with fresh water for free at our agency
- Gratuities
Meeting Location
Meeting point
Via di San Giuseppe
50122 Firenze FI, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
End point
Ponte Vecchio
50125 Firenze FI, Italy
The tour will end near Ponte Vecchio. The endpoint is approximate.
What To Expect
Piazza Santa Croce
We will walk through the charming courtyard of the Scuola del Cuoio, a fascinating place where young apprentices learn the art of leather craftsmanship using traditional techniques. From there, we will continue to a historic leather shop, where you can admire the exceptional quality of Florentine leather goods and discover the secrets behind their creation.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Duomo
Just a few steps from the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, we will uncover a lesser-known side of the Duomo: the restoration workshop of the Opera del Duomo. Here, skilled artisans work with patience and precision to restore sculptures and decorative elements to their former glory, preserving centuries of history.We will then continue to a historic goldsmith’s workshop, where we will admire a truly unique display—exquisitely crafted jewelry that faithfully reproduces details and ornaments from Florence’s greatest artistic masterpieces, blending tradition with creativity.An immersive journey into Florentine craftsmanship, where restoration meets the art of fine jewelry.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza della Signoria
In the heart of Florence, Piazza della Signoria has been the city’s political and commercial hub for centuries, as well as a key center for Florence’s historic craftsmanship.Here, you can still see the "Braccio Fiorentino," the unit of measurement used by medieval fabric merchants, carved into stone to ensure fair and uniform transactions. A tangible reminder of the precision and rigor that made Florentine textile arts renowned worldwide.Next to the square stands Palazzo della Lana, a historic building tied to the ancient Wool Guild, one of Florence’s most powerful corporations, which controlled the production and trade of fine textiles across Europe.A symbolic place that tells the story of Florence’s glorious past in arts and craftsmanship.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Fontana del Porcellino
The Loggia del Porcellino is one of Florence’s liveliest spots, home to the historic Mercato Nuovo, where silk and precious goods were once traded. Today, amidst stalls selling leather goods and souvenirs, you can still sense the vibrant atmosphere of Florence’s ancient marketplace.At the center of the loggia stands the famous Porcellino statue, a bronze fountain said to bring good luck—just rub its snout and let a coin fall through the grate below.In the past, Florentine merchants who failed to repay their debts were brought here and forced to sit on the "pietra dello scandalo" (the stone of shame), enduring public humiliation. Their pants were even lowered—a custom that gave rise to the Italian expression "rimanere in mutande" (literally, "to be left in underwear"), still used today to signify financial loss.A fascinating corner of Florence, rich in history, superstition, and artisanal traditions.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza Del Limbo
In this charmingly named square, we will pause in a kind of “taste limbo,” suspended between past and present, for an experience that honors one of Tuscany’s oldest traditions: olive oil production.Within the walls of a specialty shop, we will uncover the secrets of the ancient art of the olive press, learning how to recognize the qualities of true Tuscan extra virgin olive oil. Through a guided tasting, just like the experts do, we’ll explore different varieties—discovering their aromas, intensity, and unique characteristics.A moment of pause and discovery in one of Florence’s most fascinating yet lesser-known corners.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte alle Grazie
Near Ponte alle Grazie, we will step into an ancient Florentine tradition by visiting a marbled paper workshop. Here, artisans create unique sheets using a centuries-old technique, blending colors and movements to form mesmerizing, wavy patterns—just as they did during the Renaissance.We’ll uncover the fascinating process behind this craft, from applying pigments to water to transferring the design onto paper. Even today, this technique is used to decorate books, notebooks, and exquisite objects, preserving a rich artistic heritage.A true encounter with the beauty and mastery of Florentine craftsmanship, where tradition meets creativity.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte Santa Trinita
In the heart of the Oltrarno, Florence’s historic artisan district, we will step into a traditional woodworking workshop, where skilled hands bring wood to life with masterful craftsmanship.Here, we’ll discover centuries-old techniques passed down through generations—from carving to polishing, using traditional tools that have shaped masterpieces for centuries. Up close, we’ll witness the creation of furniture, frames, and unique wooden objects, crafted with the same care and precision as the great artisans of the past.A rare opportunity to experience firsthand an art that remains one of Florence’s finest traditions, preserving the beauty and charm of true handmade craftsmanship.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Palazzo Pitti
In front of the majestic Palazzo Pitti, in the heart of the Oltrarno, we will explore two fascinating expressions of Florentine craftsmanship: the art of mosaics and artisanal jewelry.We’ll visit a workshop where artisans practice commesso fiorentino, an intricate mosaic technique that uses semi-precious stones to create stunning compositions. This refined art, born during the Renaissance, continues to be admired worldwide for its beauty and precision.Next, we’ll delve into the world of handcrafted jewelry, where skilled artisans combine fine materials and traditional techniques to create unique pieces, inspired by the decorative motifs of Renaissance Florence.A journey through exquisite details and masterful craftsmanship, where past and present intertwine in one-of-a-kind creations.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Piazza Santo Spirito
In the authentic heart of the Oltrarno, Piazza Santo Spirito still preserves the ancient art of engraving and etching, kept alive in traditional workshops.We’ll step into an atelier where artisans use time-honored tools to engrave metal plates and printing matrices, creating unique works through Renaissance techniques. Up close, we’ll witness the fascinating process of etching, a method that uses acids to carve intricate designs into metal plates, allowing for the reproduction of incredibly detailed prints on paper.A rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a captivating art form that has made Florence a hub for engravers and printmakers since the time of Michelangelo.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Ponte Vecchio
An undisputed symbol of Florence, Ponte Vecchio is not only the bridge of historic goldsmith shops but also a place that preserves ancient artisanal traditions.Nearby, we’ll visit a traditional shoemaking workshop, where fine leather is transformed into high-quality, handcrafted shoes. Here, we’ll get a close-up look at the entire process—from selecting the leather to stitching and finishing—uncovering the secrets of a craft that has made “Made in Florence” renowned worldwide.A unique opportunity to appreciate the excellence of Florentine craftsmanship and the passion that still brings timeless creations to life today.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Florence
Along the Lungarno, amidst picturesque views and historic workshops, we’ll stop at a shop specializing in Florentine handcrafted ceramics. Here, we’ll admire a refined selection of hand-painted ceramic pieces, inspired by traditional Renaissance motifs and ancient Tuscan techniques.Each piece tells the story of an art form deeply rooted in the city’s heritage, with vibrant colors and exquisitely crafted details. A unique opportunity to experience the beauty and quality of Florentine ceramics up close, where tradition meets contemporary design.
15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
(6)Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Florence: Meet the Artisans & Explore Historic Shops?
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-470268P3
Reviews
5.00
2 reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by City Boat Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
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Frequently Asked Questions (6)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Boat Tours customers.
Filter by:
Q:
What is the cancellation policy for the Florence: Meet the Artisans & Explore Historic Shops?
A:Apr 2025
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CEST).
Q:
What's included in the price?
A:
Apr 2025
The following is included:
- Tea and coffee. Welcome coffee at our agency.
- Snacks. guided tasting of three Tuscan extra virgin olive oils.
- Bottled water. Refill your bottle with fresh water for free at our agency.
The following is NOT included:
- Gratuities.
Q:
What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:
The minimum age to participate is 4. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025
Q:
My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:
If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025
Q:
Is this an accessible tour?
A:Apr 2025
Accessibility information for the Florence: Meet the Artisans & Explore Historic Shops is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Q:
Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Florence: Meet the Artisans & Explore Historic Shops will be included in your confirmation email from City Boat Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024What's Included
- Tea and coffeeWelcome coffee at our agency
- Snacksguided tasting of three Tuscan extra virgin olive oils
- Bottled waterRefill your bottle with fresh water for free at our agency
- Gratuities
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 10 travelers
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