Florence Traditional Local Artisan Experience
Description
The Florentine neighborhood of Oltrarno is well-known for craftmanship and laboratories - experience hands-on the traditions kept alive for centuries. First, visit a famous paper workshop where they create beautifully marbled patterns that date back to 17th century bookbinders. See how the artists create special patterns, some even still famous today. Then, try your hand at marbling for a fun keep-sake to bring home with you! Next, visit a family owned leather workshop. Oltrarno has been home to leather workers since the 14th century, and while most have moved out the city, a few workshops have managed to survive. See how this family creates beautifully hand-made products. Step inside a mosaic laboratory. While mosaics have been popular in Italy since the Roman age, Florence created their own unique 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.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Discover the beautifully quiet and often overlooked neighborhood of Florence, where you will embark on a journey with your expert guide to experience 3 local workshops from traditional local artisans who keep their century old traditions alive. - Visit a paper workshop and experience paper marbling for yourself, and bring your unique artwork home with you. - Step inside a leather workshop and meet a local family still working to keep their craft alive, creating beautifully handmade purses, luxury pet supplies, beaded necklaces, and more. - Experience a mosaic laboratory, where you will meet the craftspeople who keep this very ancient tradition alive. Learn how they create ornate masterpieces from rough pieces of stone, with methods used for a millennia.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(18)
Absolutely amazing experience visiting local artisans with Lurica! She was very knowledgeable and kind, guiding us throughout the city with ease. Everywhere we went was not crowded so it made for a very pleasant experience. Perfect length of a tour as well!
We had an amazing evening of wine and food and ending with gelato
Amazing tour!!! Such an extraordinary experience, and such kind people.
Raffi was an amazing tour guide for the artisan tour. She was incredibly personable and knowledgeable. We had many insightful conversations with her along the way. This tour was a unique and beautiful way to see Florence through the lens of their artists. Raffi did a fabulous job bringing this to life for us.
We cannot express how much we loved our time and tour with Raffi! Her love and passion for the city and people of Florence radiate! The information we learned was well beyond what we expected but the best part was meeting the actual artisans and being graced by their willingness to share their passions with us. Thank you, Raffi!
Babi was very knowledgeable about Florence and the history….also very kind and interactive with my kids. We enjoyed our tour!! Thank you Babi!
Soo interesting. The artisans gave a lot of passion about their profession Raffeale was great and gave us a lot of insight into Italian lifestyle
Our tour with Lara & Liv Tours was fantastic. In the Artisans tour, the shop owners were so kind, and Lara had us engaging with them, so that we really got a taste of Florentine life and culture.
We met friendly artisans at two shops (not at Papiro, where the demonstrator seemed bored), but if you’re not interested in ordering/buying, I suggest another tour.
Visiting all the artists and watching them do their work was incredible! Giulia was great and we loved learning about Florentine craftsmanship with her.
