DISCOVER more than museums

Artisan Tours

Florence is world-famous for its small artisans who hand-make exquisite things in their studios carrying on traditions used for hundreds of years The Artisan Workshop Experience will guide you into small and authentic workshops (Renaissance or contemporary feel) where you will meet and interact with highly skilled artisans who are crafting some of the most extraordinary Italian handmade items such as Florentine mosaics, leather goods, Florentine style jewelry, wood sculpture, gold gilding, marquetry, pottery, bookbinding, marbled paper and so much more Artisan Shopping Tours are also available for a tailor-made shopping experience You will meet local designers, visit niche boutiques and small ateliers of fashion Whether your interest is accessories, leather goods, silver, gold and custom jewellery, interior design, vintage fashion, antiques, fabrics for home, art & design concept shops, this shopping tour is for you These tours last 3-4 hours scheduled either at 10 am or 3 pm Please contact Maria at florentineshopping@gmail com or visit the website at florentineshoppingexperience com

Bespoke Tours of Florence

Should your fancy be fashion, sumptuous silk textiles, millinery, lustrous jewelry design, perfume making, interiors or art, OMG tours and workshops can cater to your every whim and fancy Go behind the scenes for experiences not normally open to the public like a visit to the the Pucci Collection Archives or the Antico Seteficio Fiorentino (oldest silk factory in Italy) Go into artisan studios to have a closer look at their wonderful talent or tour some of the outstanding sartorial fashion found in their small ateliers Even better, have your own workshop experience tailored just for you to go deeper into your creativity! Tours can be arranged in the mornings, all-day or in the afternoons To discuss your itinerary, contact its wonderfully connected founder Camilla at camilacepeda@omgflorence it Visit her website at omgflorence it/front-row/

Chauffeured Tours of Chianti

Whether you need a driver to transport you from the airport or provide an unforgettable day in the exquisite Tuscan countryside, Lucano Driver helps clients design curated itineraries and has a wealth of suggestions for day trips to top wineries, olive oil tastings, scenic routes, famous country restaurants or places to visit based on the clients’ interests All drivers speak English and will collect you from your Florence hotel to whisk you away to your VIP experience For more information, visit their website lucanodriver com or email Helena directly for bespoke itinerary suggestions at travel@lucanodriver com

Cooking Classes

Rated as one of the best cooking classes in Florence, Giglio Cooking School has been teaching food enthusiasts the best secrets of Italian cuisine since 2009 Under the auspices of Chef Marcella Ansaldo, spend three magical hours with her as she guides you through the lesson with her passion for food and wisdom as a cook You will be able to savor your creation at the end of the class Small group classes of 3 hours are on offer, or enjoy an entire day or a private one-on-one sessions are also available To organize your cooking experience, visit gigliocooking com

Chianti Safari Excursion

This group gastro-tour will take you through some of the most picturesque areas in the heart of Chianti to sample your way through some of the best wines and food Stops will be made at two beautiful vineyards where wine has been produced for centuries and will also include lunch at one of the most picturesque country restaurants in Chianti, serving classic Tuscan food This Chianti group tour was rated Trip Advisor’s top pick Walkabout Tuscany Wine Tours will collect you in central Florence with their 4x4 vehicle at 9:00am This is a 9-hour all day tour with a group For more information, go to info@walkaboutflorence com or visit walkaboutflorence com/tours/chiantisafari-off-road-tuscany-wine-tour-with-lunch-from-florence

Historical Walking Tour of Florence

Florence is a city of wonders most especially its role in creating the Renaissance that would ripple out to the world with its art, passion, philosophy, humanism and culture Should you want to have a truly remarkable experience, spend three magical hours with a professional historical guide to bring the streets of Florence alive to you with its phenomenal culture, art and history For more information and booking please visit florencetourguide net or contact Chiara Patu chiara@florencetourguide net

Ladies Adventures Walking Tours

Spending time in nature is one of the more magical moments to discover the beauty of Tuscany More evidence points to the time spent in nature helps to reduce stress What could be a better antidote to our busy lives? Ladies Adventures will curate any sort of morning walk or a longer more challenging hike that you may want to explore Itineraries can include a leisurely walk into the hills directly outside of Florence, or longer all-day hikes can be planned In each instance you will be led by a qualified guide learning about culture, history and nature along the way and take in greater knowledge of your surroundings Have a look at their website which lists upcoming itineraries for groups of women to participate should you want to spend some time with its international members, or private tours for couples, families and friends can be arranged for a journey more bespoke, intimate, and tailored to your desires and needs ladiesadventuresflorence com Email founder, Lori Anne Lo Presti at la@ladiesadventures com

Hot Air Balloon Firenze

See the architectural wonders of Florence from the magic of a hot air balloon Just a short distance from the historical center, flights lift off once a day at sunrise on the banks of the Arno Prices begin at €400 per person for a shared flight To learn about other itineraries, further information and to book this unforgettable experience, please go to: firenzemongolfiere com

LA Spa

Located in the center of Florence in the Helvetia & Bristol Hotel, La Spa is the newest addition to the wellness scene and located on one of the oldest sites of former Roman baths This wellness retreat is an oasis of health and calm in the city Comprising its own version of an ancient Roman ritual, there is a collection of various wellness rooms: the Calidarium, Sudatorium, Frigidarium, Tepidarium, Aquae and Lacus Quietis, and two swimming pools that host hydromassage and water blades Full massages, beauty treatments and fitness facilities are also available Prices starting at €50 for a two-hour Roman Bath experience Go to their website to study the full menu of their offerings: collezione starhotels com/en/our-hotels/la-spa

Olive Oil Tour in the Tuscan Countryside

Called “liquid gold,” the olive oil of Tuscany is considered some of the very best in the world Located south of Florence, the Pruneti Family have been producing olive oil for over 160 years The current owners, brothers Gionni and Paolo Pruneti are the current fourth generation producers who are committed to sustainability with their plastic-free philosophy and organic agricultural practices Tours are available in two places Either at their head-quarters and farm in San Polo or at their tasting room in the town of Greve in Chianti Choose from a selection of guided tours from 90 mintues to two and a half hours Contact Pruneti to have a chauffeured experience take you to the frantio (olive oil press) For Pruneti information go to frantoio@pruneti it

Personal Shopping Guide

Excited by the prospect of shopping while in Florence, but aren't sure where to begin? As a seasoned personal shopper, Senka would be delighted to share her shopping secrets with you and accompany you to her favourite boutiques and ateliers Each experience is catered to your needs, budget and bespoke Italian fashion items that match your unique sense of style Whether you desire the finest of authentic Italian ladies’ fashion, jewellery, leather goods, furs, or watches, her extensive client list of Italian artisanal craftsmen and leading designers are at your service For trips to designer studios and outlets outside of Florence, she can collect you from your hotel and take you there directly Let’s go shopping! Tours are from 10am - 1 pm Prices begin at €50 an hour Please contact Senka Daniels: Senkadaniels@gmail com

Perfume Tour

Florence has a continuous history of fragrance making that dates back to Medieval times begun at the hands of pharmacists and herbalists who created their distilled aromatic elixirs After all, it was the famous Florentine Catherine de Medici and her personal perfumer Renato Bianco, who brought the tradition of using aromatic blends to the French court in the early Renaissance The tradition of this art, craftsmanship, and beauty continues today as Florence is one of the epicenters of today’s Italian perfumery capital and is home to many independent boutique perfumeries and brands Experience a threehour tour in some of Florence’s best perfume ateliers where you will learn more about the art of fragrance, have many samplings and take home a fragrance To delve deeper into the experience, you can even create your own perfume, bookings can be made on silenocheloni com or visit the perfume museum at museovilloresi it/?lang=en

Taste Florence Food Tour

Tuscany is known for its superb cuisine and the Taste Florence tour brings you to the some of the best local markets and food producers in the city On offer is an exploratory tasting tour around the streets of San Lorenzo neighbourhood and the famous Mercato Centrale in Florence The walking tour includes a variety of tastings for every palate: olive oils, authentic balsamic vinegars, secret sauces, crostini, regional salumi and cheeses Stops include the famous Mercato Centrale, historic bakeries, wine tastings in elegant and historic enotecas, and chocolate and gelato samplings to finish off the experience Not only will you sample and learn about the quality of foods and wines, explanations of their history and preparation methods will be shared

This tour has been written up in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe and The Toronto star Tours run Monday – Saturday from 9:30 am and last 4 hours Prices start from €110 a person For reservations and information go to tasteflorence com Contact its founder, Toni on tasteflorence@gmail com

The Mall

If you are looking for designer fashion from the most famous luxury brands in the world, The Mall is the outlet shopping venue for the discerning fashionista Whether your taste is Gucci, Valentino or Versace or Prada, there are over 37 luxury boutiques on offer at The Mall Located 45 minutes south of central Florence in the Tuscan countryside, there is a direct bus on offer leaving from Piazzale Montelungo in Florence and delivers you directly to The Mall It is advisable to go first thing in the morning and plan a half-day trip There are a few places that offer a quick lunch there For The Mall information, which also includes transportation specifics: firenze themall it/en

Yoga Session

Bring alignment and wellness to your Florentine experience with private yoga instructor Allyson Volpe Being a Kundalini yoga teacher these last 10 years in Florence, Allyson has been working with private clients to bring them a greater sense of themselves in mind, body and spirit Her session is catered to all levels and is done to a good playlist Kundalini is a mixture of many types of yoga, and all postures and movements are taken at your own pace to stretch the nervous system, balance the chakras and bring about an overall flow to your energetic body She ends every session with yoga nidra offering total relaxation to her clients Sessions are 90 minutes Depending on venue, prices begin at €80 For more information go to ripple-yoga com or email Allyson at allyson@ladyripple com

Vintage 500 and Vespa Tour

Ever dream about getting behind the wheel of a Vintage Fiat 500 or a Vespa Scooter to explore the hills above Florence? The 500 Touring Club is Florence’s oldest company to guide you on your journey Tours can be curated to include lunch, wine tasting or sunset drives or guide you on a classic three-hour morning drive To learn more, go to 500touringclub com