Florence · FLORENTINE CRAFT WORKSHOPS
Perfume, ceramics, gilding and jewellery, taught at the bench by people who do it for a living. These 15 are compared on what you take home, how long you spend making it and what it costs.
Make a 30ml custom fragrance in Florence with a master perfumer, learn Renaissance perfume traditions, and take home your own formula.
“Our host was lovely and passionate about the art of perfumery. It was a really great experience.”
Create a custom fragrance in a 1700s Florentine apothecary, learn perfume basics, and take home a 30ml bottle and certificate.
“This was a great experience and learned a lot about making perfume. The teacher was knowledgeable and helped us create a unique scent per our preferences.”
Shape Tuscan pottery with master ceramicist Salvatore, tour a Montelupo factory, and have your finished pieces glazed and shipped home.
“Such a wonderful experience! Matteo was so informative and enthusiastic during our tour. My mom and I also had a fun time making our bowls! I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is passionate and curious about Italian ceramics!”
Make a personal silver ring, pendant, or earrings with goldsmith Dörthe in a Tuscan workshop, with snacks and countryside pickup options.
“Dorthe is AMAZING!! We had trouble finding a bus that would make the morning class over the weekend and Dorthe was so accommodating and let us move to a day during the week. The buses were also a bit confusing (it was our first time taking them in Florence), and we got lost a couple times, but she was so patient. The process of making our rings was incredible. She explained each step and always checked in to make sure we were happy with how our jewelry turned out. In our breaks, it was lovely just getting to chat and spend time together. At the end of the class, Dorthe…”
Make a custom 30ml perfume in central Florence with Silvia, learning scent notes, fragrance psychology, and the craft behind a personal souvenir.
“This was our favorite stop on our trip to Florence! Sylvia is a master of her craft belonging to professional associations and is very knowledgeable. She is also a very warm and caring artist and shares that with those who she teaches. This class was absolutely worth the money and you will not be disappointed!”
Make a 30ml signature perfume in central Florence with perfumer Silvia, learning scent psychology, fragrance notes, and luxury ingredients.
“Brilliantly done. Educational and fun. Wish there was a way to put the “name” on the bottle. I am so excited to use the creation. Loved hearing about the stories behind scents, the meanings behind choices. All around great experience! Not only did we create a memorable fragrance, we created a story. We created an embodiment of deep feeling/emotion and I cannot wait to share it with others. Thank you for being so patient and kind!”
Paint in oils or sculpt clay in a private Florence studio with expert guidance, small groups, and all supplies included.
“This was my absolute favorite experience in Florence. I had dabbled in oil painting before, but thanks to this class, I feel like I finally understood so much about the medium. Laura is not just a great artist, but a great instructor. She really helped break down concepts in an easy-to-digest way”
Shape a plaster detail of Michelangelo’s David in Florence with sculptor Octavio Palomino, using a mallet, chisel, and old-world technique.
“Exceptional hosts. Super friendly and welcoming. Super fun experience. Great instructor. Must try atleast once.”
Create a one-of-a-kind Florentine jewel in a tiny hands-on workshop with traditional wire knitting, gemstones, and personal guidance.
“Maria è un eccellente insegnante, simpatica e attenta. Imparare questa tecnica è veramente divertente.”
Shape a wax design in Florence, then have your favorite creation cast in sterling silver in this hands-on jewelry workshop.
“Great fun doing this activity and learned some interesting things about making jewelry. It really allowed you to be creative and the atmosphere was relaxed and fun. Highly recommend.”
Make a Renaissance-style fresco in Florence with expert guidance, historic materials, and a private three-hour workshop at Geko Art Studio.
“the fresco lab was a great experience, Eleanora was knowledgeable, her informative, historical knowledge was very helpful, and she is very easy to work with, through her efforts I now have a better understanding of the creativity and craftsmanship of the Renaissance artist. I would recommend and have recommended this lab to anyone who paints in any medium, especially traditional representational painters it will greatly improve your knowledge and ability. I'm planning another visit to Florence and would like to experience another more involved fresco lab . Once again it was a great experience and fun. Thank you Rosanna, Eleanora and the Gecko Studio”
Shape a silver ring or pendant in Florence using ancient cuttlefish bone casting, guided by artist Federico, with an aperitivo afterward.
“Unique jewelry making method and a beautiful pendant as result. A little challenging to think of a design but quite fun to see the whole process. The post casting aperitivo was a unique time to have a conversation with Federico, our teacher”
Make Florentine paper marbling in a hands-on studio workshop with an expert instructor, historic techniques, and three take-home designs.
“Jen was knowledgeable and a fantastic artist. We had a wonderful time and left with fantastic memories and art!”
Shape a clay pet sculpture in Florence with artist Octavio Palomino, using a live model, studio tools, snacks, and personal instruction.
“The sculpt a pet studio experience was very good. V. Palomino the artist/sculptor and his wife were awesome and great teachers for a specific technique used in Italian sculpture. Recommended for novice to experienced artists for a challenging sculpture technique. They were very professional and friendly. Would absolutely do this again with a group of friends. I would try to do other media and classes and possibly try one 🕜 online course with him as well. Overall great experience.”
Paint Florence en plein air with artist-guide Ulisse Mladenova, using supplied materials, local art history, and a private three-hour lesson.
“Our guide was not only a very talented artist but also explained a philosophical depth and understanding of the history of art of Florence. A highlight of our trip! Thank you!”
Pick a gallery, a kitchen or a road south.
