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Offered languages
- English
- Italian
- French
- Spanish
Discover the most authentic side of the Cradle of the Renaissance on a sensory journey through marbled paper, chiseled gold, and pure Tuscan leather.
Forget the usual tourist routes. This walking tour will take you into the secret, beating heart of Florence: the workshops and boutiques where master artisans have passed down the secrets of handmade craftsmanship for centuries. A visual, olfactory, and tactile experience for those who want to know the true Florentine identity and admire artisanal genius live, exploring three of the city's most iconic neighborhoods.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
You guide will hold a paper with your name.
Santa Croce District
Itinerary
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Oltrarno (Pass by)
Stop 1: The Magic of Paper and Bookbinding (Oltrarno District) Our journey begins "Diladdarno" (across the Arno river), the bohemian soul of the city. We will cross the thresholds of historic shops like the ancient institution Giulio Giannini e Figlio (founded in 1856 right in front of Pitti Palace) and Il Papiro. We will discover the hypnotic technique of Florentine "marbled paper," an art imported from the East and perfected here, and admire masterpieces of artistic bookbinding, featuring soft leathers embellished with refined gold leaf impressions.
Admission ticket free -
Ponte Vecchio (Pass by)
Stop 2: The Genius of Goldsmiths (Ponte Vecchio and Historical Center) Crossing the legendary Ponte Vecchio, we will leave the glitziest window displays behind to delve into secret alleys like the Casa dell'Orafo (Goldsmith's House), a former convent that today houses tiny, fascinating workshops of engravers and gem setters. The walk will then lead us to the atelier of Master Paolo Penko, where gold comes to life through the ancient and meticulous Florentine "cesello" (chiseling) technique. This is a unique opportunity to see how a reproduction of the famous gold Florin or a Renaissance-inspired jewel is born.
Admission ticket free -
Santa Croce (Pass by)
Stop 3: The Unmistakable Scent of Leather (Santa Croce District) We will conclude our path in the shadow of the Basilica of Santa Croce, the global district of leather goods. We will visit the renowned Scuola del Cuoio (Leather School), located in the ancient corridors of the Franciscan monastery. Walking silently among the workbenches, you will be intoxicated by the scent of Tuscan vegetable tanning, as you watch apprentices and masters cut, shape, and sew luxury leather bags and jackets strictly by hand. The walk will end among the historic leather shops of the square, the ideal place for a handcrafted purchase destined to last a lifetime.
Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Sconsigliato ai viaggiatori con problemi di mobilità
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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