The Florentine Handcraft Companies: Itinerary C

Overview

Discover the rich world of traditional Florentine handcraft companies and their products. Meet the artisans, experience their history and the know-how they have inherited through many generations. This tour is a journey through small-sized ateliers and stores where you'll witness the love and dedication of the artisans reflected in the work of their hands. You can attend the creation of the handmade objects from jewelry to ceramics, from mosaics to textiles. And you can purchase directly from the source!

We've created eight one-of-a-kind itineraries for you to choose from, each one of them an unforgettable tour. Simply click on the links in the “details” section for a preview of the master artisans’ work.

Itinerary C includes:

• Maselli Bottega d'Arte (artisan frames & restorations)
• Melli Gioielli - The Evolution of Gold (jewelry)
• La Bottega degli Orafi (jewelry)
• Gerini Stefano (decorations, restorations, trompe l'oeil)

Practical Details:

• Four hour tours (half day trips), morning or afternoon, from Monday to Friday, except holidays
• Tours will start at opening of the first shop of the itinerary
• Tours must be reserved with at least 7 days advance notice, and will be confirmed within 2 working days from the request
• Tours are not available on Saturdays, Sundays, and on religious and national holidays during which the shops are closed
• For small groups from 2 to 8 people
• Languages available: Italian and English

Cancellation Policy

• There will be no penalty for cancellations of excursion bookings communicated in writing until 2 weeks prior to the booked excursion date.
• For cancellations less than two weeks prior to the excursion date, the payment of the entire amount will be due and no reimbursement will be granted.
• Transportation included only where specified.
• Time and meeting point will be defined with the individual participant before the service date.

Save time ordering: Add all the service tickets you want into your basket, then fill in the form and send your request.

PLEASE NOTE: Immediately after submitting an order, you will receive an email with your order summary plus a second email confirming your successful payment. A confirmation email with links to the vouchers will be sent one business day after you place your order (Monday afternoon for orders submitted on Friday and during the weekend). Please make sure that your anti-spam filter does not block automatic emails from help@waf.it.

Details

View itinerary C

Maselli Bottega d'Arte : Artisan frames & restorations

The business, launched in 1955 as an art studio, part of the old Florentine tradition of artistic artisan work boasting a national and international private clientele. The shop has remained a small artisan studio which is capable of offering services of impeccable quality thanks to experience, passion, and attention to detail. From the creation of artistic frames made to size for any model designed by Maselli or according to the client’s request, to gouache gilding in fine gold, silver and gold plating, and the restoration of wooden and ''pastiglia” (plaster) frames - Maselli is one of the most trusted names in the business.

Among the most significant projects completed by Maselli are: Frame for the painting "Grisoni" preserved at the Uffizi Gallery of Florence, restorations for the Vatican City, frame for the "Nativitá" of the Domenico del Ghirlandaio altar-piece at the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Florence, and other restorations for the same basilica.

Opening hours: 9:00am-7:00pm
Closed: August and holidays
Languages spoken: English

Credit cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express

Melli Gioielli - The Evolution of Gold : Jewelry

Evolution of Gold is the official Meli Gioielli shop in Florence.
 For more than fifty years, Meli Gioielli has been reviving the ancient and noble traditions of Florentine art. Handmade work of the highest quality brings gemstones and precious metal into a perfect balance.

 Meli Gioielli specializes in two goldsmithing techniques, the madrevitato (filigree) and hand-embossing or Repoussé. Both of these techniques were perfected around 700 BC by the Etruscan civilization who whose largely independent city states included the area of modern-day Florence.

Opening hours: 9:00am-7:00pm

No closing period during the year.
Languages spoken: English

Credit cards accepted: Visa, MasterCard, and American Express

La Bottega degli Orafi : Jewelry

Gianluca Cassigoli put into practice the ancient goldsmith's craft, which developed through the centuries in the heart of Florence. After a training period of almost thirty years he built La Bottega degli Orafi, located near Santa Croce, where he creates his own handmade jewels, following the old tradition. La Bottega degli Orafi jewelry is made of gold, silver, and iron, embellished with stones and enamel elements. In his processes, Gianluca Cassigoli uses the Florentine etching technique, chiseling and hammering, proposing a wide range of creations from the traditional objects to his own exclusive new designs. Combining his creativity with the willingness to meet any request from the customer, Gianluca Cassigoli has participated in exhibitions in Italy and abroad, contributing significantly to the promotion of the business image.

The workspace is part of the shop: step across the threshold and you’ll see the care with which the jewels are created, and feel the atmosphere of an ancient artisanal workshop!

Opening hours: 9:00am-12.30pm and 2:00pm-7:00pm
Closed: July 29 - September 3 and December 10 - January 2

Languages spoken: English and French

Credit cards accepted: Visa

Gerini Stefano : Decorations, restorations, trompe l'oeil

Stefano and Anna Gerini have been producing and decorating furniture, accessories for the home, decorative panels, and art objects inspired by the architectonic styles of the most famous basilicas of their city since 1980. In their workshop located in the old part of Florence, their production is characterized especially by the reuse of old wood from doors, large chests, and various fragments, obtained by careful searching and then integrated with new elements.

Thanks to their experience, Stefano and Anna propose furnishing solutions in harmony with the environment, ensuring also a personalization according to customer needs. The products used are the ones of the Florentine handicraft tradition. The colors, lacquers, and natural waxes give their work an unmistakable aspect and charm.

Opening hours: 9:00am-7:00pm

Closed: August, and December 20 to January 2
Languages spoken: English

Credit cards accepted: Visa and MasterCard

Prices

Price per group for walking tour with English language guide:
From 2 to 4 people: € 187.00
From 5 to 8 people: € 220.00

Reviews