Oltrarno Artisans tour, Wine Windows and Gelato

About this experience

The Oltrarno Artisans tour is a guided walking tour of Florence's Oltrarno neighbourhood, taking in local craft workshops, the historic wine windows known as buchette del vino, and handcrafted gelato stops. The Oltrarno district, on the south bank of the Arno, has long been the working quarter of Florence, home to bookbinders, goldsmiths, leather workers, and frame restorers whose family-run botteghe have operated for generations. On the tour, guests visit working artisan shops and see techniques passed down across centuries, from hand-stitched leather to gilded picture frames. The wine windows, small stone hatches set into palazzo walls dating to the 17th century, were originally used by noble families to sell wine directly to the street; the tour explains their history and includes a tasting. A stop for artisan gelato rounds out the route. Tickets cover the guided tour, the wine window tasting, and the gelato, with no additional entry fees required for the workshop visits included in the itinerary.

Highlights

• Discover Florence’s Oltrarno district with a local guide, exploring artisan studios and creative workshops.
• Step inside a decorative paper boutique, etching studio, and leather workshop to see traditional crafts in action.
• Pause for a taste of Florence’s history at a wine window, enjoying a glass of local wine in a unique setting.
• Handcrafted gelato awaits at a beloved local gelateria—an authentic treat to sweeten your stroll.
• Gain insight into centuries-old Florentine traditions and the stories behind the city’s artisan heritage.

What is included

• Guided exploration of the artisanal district
• Visit to decorative paper boutique
• Tour of traditional etching studio
• Leather workshop visit
• Historic wine window experience with wine
• Gelato at a local gelateria
• Knowledgeable local tour leader

Not included

• Tips

Before you go

Arrival and timing Make your way to Piazza de' Pitti and arrive in good time before your tour begins. The meeting point is number 10 on the square, so look out for your guide there rather than at the main palace entrance. During the tour This is a walking tour through the Oltrarno neighbourhood, so wear comfortable shoes suited to uneven cobblestones. You will be moving between artisan workshops and outdoor stops, so dress for the weather. Gelato and wine from the wine windows are part of the experience, so no need to eat beforehand on that account. Keep your phone handy for photos at outdoor spots, but always ask permission before photographing inside private workshops.

Cancellation terms

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.