Florence · FLORENCE ARTISAN WORKSHOPS
Leather, gold leaf, marbled paper and hard-stone mosaic, mostly in the Oltrarno. These 4 put you at the bench for a few hours, priced by what you make and whether you take it home the same day.
At Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone, a master perfumer guides you through Florence’s perfume traditions and the scent pyramid. Choose from many essences, create a personal fragrance, and leave with a 30ml bottle, formula, and certificate. Elena and other skilled hosts lead sessions in Italian or English.
“Very fun to do! The instructors were great! Would definitely recomend”
At Antica Erboristeria San Simone, you’ll learn the basics of top, heart, and base notes, choose from a set of essences, and blend a 30ml perfume with help from the staff. The two-hour workshop includes coffee or tea, a certificate, and a recipe for reordering your scent.
“I was expecting to learn more about the perfume making process but instead you just choose some scented oils and they mix it into a perfume. Not worth the price.”
Meet Matteo in Montelupo, tour a working ceramics factory and showroom, then learn wheel throwing from his father Salvatore. You will make your own pottery piece, choose its finish, and have it double-fired, glazed, and shipped home. The English-language experience lasts about two hours and accepts six people.
“This tour was maybe our favorite day of our 12 day tour of Italy. Matteo and his family went far above and beyond to share their family business and it's workings with us and made the day truly memorable. We received a private tour of their gallery, then to the factory to meet each of their employees who sweetly showed us the process, love, and art that goes into making each piece. We then had a chance to try our hand at throwing our own bowl, guided by Matteo's father. We were so glad that we left the chaos of the city to experience this beautiful afternoon in the quiet…”
Travel from Florence to Dörthe Lütkemeyer’s private workshop in Montespertoli for a four-hour jewelry lesson. You’ll melt, shape, saw, solder, file, hammer, and polish silver into a ring, earrings, pendant, or bracelet, with snacks and patient one-on-one guidance.
“This is definitely a must try when in Florence. The whole experience was amazing from start to finish. Prior to getting there, Dorthe provided clear instructions and helped us organise transportation from the centre. She then carefully explained the whole process whilst giving us full freedom on what we wanted to make. 10/10 experience definitely something you need to do and the views were stunning too!”
Pick a gallery, a kitchen or a road out of town.
