The Florentine tradition of producing artisanal goods has been in existence for centuries and remains one of the cornerstones of Florence's visual and social history. This Florence Artisan Workshop tour explores the area known as Oltrarno (“on the other side of the Arno”), which has produced goods for countless generations of kings, queens, gentlemen, and noblewomen. Florentine leatherworkers, silversmiths, shoemakers, and milliners continue to practice their crafts building upon methods passed down through generations. We will visit the private workshops of these distinguished individuals, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the current state of artisan production.

We will begin in the lovely Piazza Santo Spirito and enjoy a stroll through the Oltrarno neighborhood, which has been home to artisans for the last five hundred years. The neighborhood is virtually carpeted with a maze of these small workshops on tiny side streets, representing some of the most historic enterprises in the city. The group will have the opportunity to see some of these craftsmen at work, observing their meticulous practices and the tools of their trades.

In the company of our guide, an expert on these workshops, we'll talk about Tuscan artisan traditions and the value and role of work and manufacturing in Italian culture. This walk is very much for the traveler looking to scratch a little more beneath the surface of the city. It should not be thought of as a shopping tour, instead, it is an in-depth look into the workings of this precious industry and should provide a better understanding of the importance of preserving and promoting this dying art.

Where does it start? Where does it end? 
The tour begins near Piazza Santo Spirito and ends in the Oltrarno neighborhood. 

Why isn't this available in August? 
Most of the studios are closed, and the artists are usually out of town.