Walking Tour

3 hrs

Florence

English

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.

Why is this tour not available in August?
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.

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

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.

From iconic landmarks to tucked-away local favorites, these are the places you’ll explore and experience firsthand with your Expert.

Oltrarno neighborhood
Piazza Santo Spirito
Artisan Workshops

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

English-speaking expert guide
Tours led in English, offering you unbroken understanding throughout.
Intentionally sized groups
A smaller group means more time for conversations and questions.
Tickets and entrance fees
All entry tickets included (unless clearly stated otherwise).
Headsets
Headsets are included on tours that need them, so every word can be heard.

Not Included

Gratuities

Tips aren’t included, but we encourage tipping as a way to thank your guide after your experience.
Food and drink

Unless booking a Food & Drink tour or tasting experience, refreshments are not included.
Transportation to and from the meeting point

Unless noted, pre- and post-tour transport isn’t included - this service can be added by request.
Hotel pickup or drop-off

Unless noted, travel to or from accommodation isn’t included - this service can be added by request.

Map of Florence Artisans Workshop Tour general meeting point area

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.

261 Reviews

I had a wonderful morning with Helen. This tour is a 'backstage pass' into the studios and lives of Florence's Master artists. I was particularly moved by the story of Giulianno Ricci (https://www.instagram.com/giulianoricchijewelry/?hl=en) an older gentleman, whose exquisite work earned him commissions from Valentino, Gucci, Dior, Ferragamo, Dolce & Gabbana, US Presidents, royalty, and others. I was captivated as he (and his lovely wife Maria, and even the dog Pearl) shared his life's work, including intricately designed gold and silver boxes, picture frames, card holders, jewelry, tableware, and so forth. Giuliano demonstrated the time-consuming and highly skilled process behind each piece. He will retire in a couple of months, and that will mark the end of an era. Fortunately, the business will continue, as another customer was equally enchanted upon visiting the studio. When the younger man learned that, upon retiring, the Master intended to throw away the many moulds that produced a lifetime of treasures, he couldn't accept it and proposed learning the craft instead. There is no shortage of work. The business routinely turns away large commissions because it operates at capacity. Hundreds of historic intricate designs need to be brought back into circulation. There is much to do, and thankfully, the story will now continue. Helen is an accomplished and lovely guide. She was warmly welcomed into each studio, knows a lot about art processes as a university professor of art, and could fill in any details missed because of the language barrier. I highly recommend this experience with her.

Heidi Oct 21, 2026

Helen was an incredible guide. We really liked Florence before our tour. We loved Florence after it. Meeting the artisans and learning more about how they make their works of art was fascinating. We have traveled extensively and this is one of the best tours we have ever done. Thank you, Helen, for a very special experience.

Giselle Oct 12, 2026

Fabulous, very much enjoyed

Vern Sep 25, 2026

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