The best of the three tours we had in Florence. Adrienne was engaging, knowledgable, and the tour was wonderfully off the beaten path. Highly recommend.
Florence Artisans Workshop Tour
Meet artisans preserving Florence's traditions through daily work
The Finer Details
The Florentine tradition of producing artisanal goods has existed for centuries and remains a cornerstone of Florence's visual and social history. This 3-hour Florence Artisan Workshop Tour explores primarily the Oltrarno neighborhood (“on the other side of the Arno”), renowned for producing exquisite goods for generations of royalty and nobility. You will visit a curated selection of private workshops where master artisans continue to practice their crafts using methods passed down through the ages.
Route Details
Your walk will begin in the charming Piazza Santo Spirito and weave through the Oltrarno neighborhood, known as the heart of Florence’s artisan community for over five hundred years. This area, alongside parts of the historic center, is home to master leatherworkers, silversmiths, shoemakers, and milliners who create some of the finest handcrafted goods in the world.
The neighborhood is a maze of tiny streets and small local workshops, representing some of the most historic enterprises in the city. You will have the opportunity to see some of these craftsmen at work, ask them some questions, and observe their meticulous practices and the tools of their work.
In the company of your expert guide, you’ll gain insight into the historical and cultural importance of these crafts. You’ll also learn about their role in Florence’s identity and how they reflect the Tuscan values of sustainability, quality, and tradition.
This walk invites you to discover the “real Florence” by engaging with its living traditions, not just following the tourist trail. It emphasizes supporting local artisans whose crafts are at risk of disappearing while celebrating the best of Florence’s craftsmanship. Visits to workshops are intended to be respectful and enriching, not just shopping stops—though purchases are welcomed as a sign of politeness and appreciation.
By visiting these workshops, you contribute to preserving Florence’s cultural heritage for future generations.
Choose this tour if…
- You want the opportunity to engage with master artisans and learn about their craft and techniques
- You’re eager to explore a side of Florence that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions
- You want more than a shopping tour, you are interested in the historical and cultural contexts that shaped these crafts
Sites Visited
- Oltrarno neighborhood
- Piazza Santo Spirito
- Artisan Workshops
Logistics
Transportation
Where does it start? Where does it end?
The Florence Artisan Tour begins near Piazza Santo Spirito and ends in the Oltrarno neighborhood.
How will we get around the area? Will a car be provided?
This is a walking tour only. The Oltrarno neighborhood is compact, and all the shops are within close proximity, making walking the ideal way to explore.
Additional Trip-Planning Resources
- For more information on planning your travels to Florence, take a read through our Context Stories.
- If you are looking to learn more about Florence prior to a visit, check out our online lectures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of activities and shops will we visit on the tour?
You’ll visit a curated selection of artisan workshops to explore Florence’s rich craft traditions. Each walk is unique and tailored by the guide based on workshop availability and schedules.
You’ll visit a curated selection of artisan workshops to explore Florence’s rich craft traditions. Each walk is unique and tailored by the guide based on workshop availability and schedules.
Why is this tour not available in August?
Most studios close during August as artisans typically take their annual break.
Most studios close during August as artisans typically take their annual break.
Are we allowed to make purchases at the workshops?
While this walk is not a shopping tour, you are welcome to make purchases at the workshops. We encourage this as a gesture of appreciation for the artisans’ time and effort. Simply let your guide know, and they will incorporate it into the schedule.
While this walk is not a shopping tour, you are welcome to make purchases at the workshops. We encourage this as a gesture of appreciation for the artisans’ time and effort. Simply let your guide know, and they will incorporate it into the schedule.
Can we visit a specific shop we are interested in?
We will be happy to share your interest with your guide, and they will do their best to include it in your visit. However, we kindly ask for your understanding that not all types of crafts are available in Florence, and visiting specific workshops depends on the artisans themselves. Many workshops welcome visitors as a personal favor because they have established relationships with our guides, but these arrangements can occasionally change without notice, even at the last moment. If this happens, your guide will adjust plans as needed and do their utmost to ensure you still have a memorable experience by introducing you to other exceptional shops or artisans. Thank you for your flexibility and appreciation of the unique nature of Florence’s artisan culture
We will be happy to share your interest with your guide, and they will do their best to include it in your visit. However, we kindly ask for your understanding that not all types of crafts are available in Florence, and visiting specific workshops depends on the artisans themselves. Many workshops welcome visitors as a personal favor because they have established relationships with our guides, but these arrangements can occasionally change without notice, even at the last moment. If this happens, your guide will adjust plans as needed and do their utmost to ensure you still have a memorable experience by introducing you to other exceptional shops or artisans. Thank you for your flexibility and appreciation of the unique nature of Florence’s artisan culture
Accessibility
We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.
Is this tour wheelchair-friendly?
This walk involves a fair amount of walking, and there are limited public bathroom facilities along the way. Some workshops may have steps or uneven entrances, and not all are wheelchair-accessible.
If you need breaks or have specific mobility concerns, please let your guide know, and they will do their best to accommodate you. For guests with significant mobility limitations, we recommend contacting our team in advance to discuss your needs.
Cancellation Policy
Book with confidence — see Context's flexible cancellation policy here.
Meet the Experts
Where You’ll Go
From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.
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Oltrarno neighborhood
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Piazza Santo Spirito
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Artisan Workshops
What’s Included As Standard
Here’s a look at what your tour covers, plus anything you’ll want to consider arranging separately, so you can plan with confidence.
Included
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English-speaking expert guideTours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
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Intentionally sized groupsA smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
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Tickets and entrance feesAll entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
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HeadsetsHeadsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.
Not Included
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Food and drinkUnless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
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Transportation to and from the meeting pointUnless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
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GratuitiesTips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
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Hotel pickup or drop-offUnless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Where You'll Explore
Make the Most of Your Tour
Some helpful advice for getting the most from your experience, from practical prep to small on-the-day tips.
Dos:
- Wear comfortable footwear
- Check the weather and dress appropriately
- Bring a bottle of water (no glass)
- Feel free to ask your Expert anything
Don'ts:
- Bring firearms or weapons
- Bring sharp objects (e.g. knives, swiss army knives, switchblades, hiking sticks)
- Dress inappropriately to enter religious sites or sacred monuments
Any questions? You can always
contact us.
Don’t just take our word for it
Our guide, Valerie was extremely knowledgeable about not only the artisan workshops that we visited & recommendations she made for other shopping areas of interest, but local history as well even though she was not a native to he area. It was fascinating to watch the masters of these dying arts & to learn about the processes of their crafts.
Adrienne was super nice and very sweet, she gave us an amazing tour! It was a lot of fun and very informative. We got to see and meet so many traditional artisans and artists who were all extremely welcoming and super sweet. Such a great experience, we would definitely recommend her!
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