Florence: Traditional Artisan Private Walking Experience – Florence, Italy

EXPERIENCE:

Embark on a guided private walking tour and see another side of Florence. Visit 3 different workshops and meet the local hardworking men and women. See how they keep these century-old practices alive, using their hands to create amazing garments and accessories.

The tour begins on the infamous Ponte Vecchio bridge, where after enjoying some spectacular views, you’ll make your way to the quieter side of Florence known as Oltrarno. The area is well-known for craftmanship and laboratories, now struggling to survive in competition with cheaper souvenir vendors.

The first stop is a famous paper workshop where they create beautiful marbled patterns dating back to 17th-century bookbinders. See how the artists create special patterns such as the peacock pattern still popular in Florence today. Then, try your hand at marbling for a fun keepsake to take home!

Next, make your way to a family-owned leather workshop. Florence is famous for high-quality leather products, and many tourists enjoy the leather market.

Oltrarno has been home to leather workers since the 14th century, and while most have moved out of the city, a few workshops have managed to survive. See how this family creates beautifully hand-made products from purses to luxury pet supplies, to beaded necklaces.

On your final stop, meet the artists of a mosaic laboratory.

While mosaics have been popular in Italy since the Roman age, Florence created their own famous version under the Medici family. Meet the craftspeople who keep this ancient tradition alive, and watch them create beautifully ornate masterpieces from rough pieces of stone.

Before your guide leaves you in the neighborhood of Oltrarno, they will provide you with suggestions on where to go and where to eat so you can continue to enjoy the area at your leisure.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

See the beauty of ancient Florentine tradition on this private walking tour
Meet the craftsmen and women keeping traditional Florentine practices alive
Receive hands-on experience at paper marbling with a take-home souvenir
Visit a mosaic laboratory and learn how they craft this artwork from stones
See one of the last family-owned leather workshops and see their luxury items

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