Artisans of the Oltrarno
Florence, Italy
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Explore the Oltrarno district with your Florence guide as you get to see the workshops of artisans up close. See shoes, jewellery and etchings painstakingly crafted by hand and learn how the skills have been passed down each generation since the Middle Ages.
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Highlights
- Explore the historic community of Oltrarno
- See the centuries’ old workshops at work with our local Tuscany tour
- Observe artisans at work using antique tools of the trade
- Learn about the history of artisinal craftsmanship in the city
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 hours
- Pickup location:
In front of Bar Ricchi, located at Piazza Santo Spirito #8/9r
- Pickup time: 9.30 AM
- Drop off location:
In front of Bar Ricchi, located at Piazza Santo Spirito #8/9r
Language: English
Inclusions: English speaking guide. Donation to Context Foundation for Sustainable Travel, which, among other things, supports an apprenticeship program for the artisans of the Oltrarno who often have a difficult time attracting and retaining apprentices to carry on their work traditions.
Exclusions: Any items of personal nature, tips or gratuities for guide.
One of the cornerstones of Florentine culture and identity is the tradition of creating handcrafted, artisinal goods. This tradition has been embedded in the city’s visual and economic history since the Middle Ages and has been handed-down from one generation to the next. Our Florence guided tours will take you on a journey through our rich cultural history.
During the course of this walking tour of Florence, you visit a few characteristic workshops in the Oltrarno district. Where a large percentage of the city’s artisnal shops are located, including: leatherworkers, silversmiths, shoe manufacturers and hat makers.
You will have the rare opportunity to peek behind the scenes and watch the artisans at work, using centuries-old tools of the trade. Our day tour in Florence gives you the chance to learn about the importance of maintaining these precious trades in the face of mass-produced industry.
This Florence tour is aimed at the traveller who is looking to scratch beneath the surface of the city. It is not simply a shopping tour, rather a detailed look at the underbelly of this precious industry and the importance of preserving and promoting this dying art.
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Additional information
Inclusions: English speaking guide. Donation to Context Foundation for Sustainable Travel, which, among other things, supports an apprenticeship program for the artisans of the Oltrarno who often have a difficult time attracting and retaining apprentices to carry on their work traditions.
Exclusions: Any items of personal nature, tips or gratuities for guide.
Your Trip: This trip is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12.
Confirmation of booking: Please contact Florence Urban Adventures to confirm your trip 24 hours prior to departure.
Closure of sites: Sites included on this tour are closed Saturdays, Sundays and all of August.
Child Policy: Travellers under 12 are not allowed.
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Local contact
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