Discover the century-old legacy of Moleria Locchi, Florence’s historic crystal etching atelier nestled in the enchanting San Frediano district. This exclusive DFTL experience reveals master artisans crafting timeless glass treasures, echoing a tradition cherished by the Grand Duke of Tuscany, while supporting Italy’s artisanal heritage.

Step into a realm of rare artistry with Moleria Locchi, Florence’s renowned crystal etching atelier with a legacy spanning over a century. In the charming San Frediano district, you’ll find one of Italy’s last remaining workshops dedicated to the ancient art of glass grinding, carving, and etching. This exclusive DFTL experience grants you rare access to a world few ever see.  

The Locchi family has perfected this art since the 19th century, once crafting for the Grand Duke of Tuscany. From restoring Murano glass chandeliers to reviving treasured heirlooms, their precision and skill have made them legends in the world of glass craftsmanship.  

As part of this exclusive DFTL experience, your payment will be donated to the Place of Wonders Foundation, an initiative by the Babini family dedicated to safeguarding Italy’s artisanal legacy. The Foundation will fund scholarships, initiatives, and learning opportunities for Italian students, ensuring the continuation of these time-honored traditions. Through this foundation, your visit supports master craftsmen and ensures that the skills and traditions of Italian artistry are preserved for future generations. This is your chance to connect deeply with Italian heritage, witness artistry in its purest form, and contribute to the cultural soul of Italy.

Discover the extraordinary legacy of Richard Ginori, the premier name in Florentine porcelain since 1735. This exclusive experience grants you privileged access to the brand’s historic workshops. Witness master artisans painting, firing, and casting exquisite porcelain pieces, from delicate espresso cups to grand vases, with a precision passed down through generations.

The legacy of Ginori began in 1735 when Carlo Ginori established his porcelain workshop in Doccia, Tuscany, setting the benchmark for luxury home décor. For over a century, the Ginori family oversaw the production of these sophisticated pieces until 1896, when the company was acquired by Richard of Milan, creating the iconic Richard Ginori brand. 

As part of this exclusive DFTL experience, your payment will be donated to the Place of Wonders Foundation, an initiative by the Babini family dedicated to safeguarding Italy’s artisanal legacy. The Foundation will fund scholarships, initiatives, and learning opportunities for Italian students, ensuring the continuation of these time-honored traditions. Through this foundation, your visit supports master craftsmen and ensures that the skills and traditions of Italian artistry are preserved for future generations. This is your chance to connect deeply with Italian heritage, witness artistry in its purest form, and contribute to the cultural soul of Italy.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of ceramic painting through an exclusive class led by a private instructor who has honed their craft at one of the world’s most renowned and prestigious porcelain manufacturers.

During this immersive experience, you will design and paint your very own ceramic plate. Under the expert guidance of your private instructor, you will have the unique opportunity to learn the secrets of hand decoration as well as the variety of techniques and methods employed in the intricate art of ceramic painting. Upon completion, your piece will be fired and returned to you to take home as a keepsake of your trip to Tuscany. No matter your level of artistic expertise, this private class promises a truly personalized and enriching experience as you will go on to transform a simple plate into a work of art.

Immerse yourself in Tuscany’s famous Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana regions, and discover the medieval towns of Pienza and Montepulciano. There, your own private local guide will transport you to a world of history, art, nature, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Begin with a drive to the picturesque town of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the stone houses, little romantic alleys, and flowering balconies that dot the quaint town. Then, stop to enjoy the local Pecorino cheese—produced by local farmers in small quantities and famous all over the world—and then treat yourself to a mouth-watering artisanal gelato.

Savor an authentic local lunch that pairs traditional specialties with regional wine tastings, while learning from your private guide and Sommelier along the way.

After lunch, tour the medieval hilltop town of Montepulciano, home of one of Italy’s most famous D.O.C.G. wines: the red ‘Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.’

Explore the countless artisans united by a passion for their craft: mosaic artists, coppersmiths, and clay artists, and get inspired in their ateliers for the perfect hand-crafted gift or timeless souvenir.

Immerse yourself in Tuscany’s famous Val d’Orcia and Val di Chiana regions, and discover the medieval towns of Pienza and Montepulciano. There, your own private local guide will transport you to a world of history, art, nature, and mouth-watering cuisine.

Begin with a drive to the picturesque town of Pienza, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and discover the stone houses, little romantic alleys, and flowering balconies that dot the quaint town. Then, stop to enjoy the local Pecorino cheese—produced by local farmers in small quantities and famous all over the world—and then treat yourself to a mouth-watering artisanal gelato.

Then, head to Montalcino to experience first-hand the home of the famous Vino Brunello, and delight in a wonderful tasting at a traditional winery. Enjoy a tour of the estate, the cellar, and the aging cave, before enjoying a delicious local lunch paired with Brunello and Rosso di Montalcino.

After lunch, explore the panoramic hilltop of Montalcino and with its impressive medieval fortress, before exploring the many artisan ateliers and artfully-crafted Tuscan treasures.

Tread the ancient hilltop town of Montepulciano alongside your own personal local guide, and visit the winding ancient street that leads up to the stunning Piazza Grande square, cradled in the middle of a bare-brick 16th century cathedral, historic Palazzos, and ancient wine cellars.

Feel yourself overwhelmed by art and history in the fairytale-like medieval town, before exploring the artisan shops of the local coppersmiths, pottery artists, and mosaic masters. Discover the fascinating stories and curiosities of the ancient trades. Cap off the morning with a visit to the historical underground wine cellar of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, prized as one of Italy’s best D.O.C.G. wines.

Then, unwind with a delicious lunch of local specialties in a family farmhouse of four generations, where you can visit the olive groves and gaze at the beauty of the surrounding vineyards and orchards. Rounding off the menu will be cured meats and cheeses from the farm’s own production for the most authentic experience yet.

Step into the beauty of southern Tuscany’s medieval hilltop town of Montepulciano, and discover an endless trove of art, history, cuisine, and prestigious noble wines just waiting to be experienced.

Begin your private guided tour at the foot of the Montepulciano hill in front of the majestic San Biagio Church, which perches over the Pienza valley and nestles amidst the gentle Tuscan hills.

Stroll through the ancient center and winding medieval streets, and discover the many churches, palaces, and Etruscan remains that crowd the long ancient road from Porta al Prato to the Piazza Grande at the peak of the hill. Once on top, treat yourself to the stunning panoramic vistas of the Chiana Valley and Trasimeno Lake.

After, explore the artisanal ateliers of local coppersmiths, pottery artists, and mosaic masters, while listening to the fascinating stories and curiosities of the ancient trades. Finish your tour with a visit to the historical underground wine cellar of the famous Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, prized as one of Italy’s best D.O.C.G. wines.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime experience. During this unique opportunity, you’ll gain insights into the fascinating world of art restoration and learn from one of the leading professionals in the industry. Our expert restorer, who has worked on masterpieces in the most prominent museums and cathedrals of Florence, as well as privately owned collections from around the globe, will be your guide.

BASILICA SANTA MARIA MARIA NOVELLA

Discover some of Italy’s greatest works of art—and the artistic giants that created them—on a ‘behind the scenes’ tour of the complex Santa Maria Novella. 

Together with a restorer as your guide, you will uncover the legend of architect and painter Giorgio Vasari, and uncover the making, meaning, and historic impact of his 1568 altarpiece ‘Resurrection of Christ’.

Located right in the heart of Florence, the Basilica of Santa Maria Novella is one of the most important Gothic churches in Tuscany, and is home to some of the greatest art contributions from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: Giotto, Duccio, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Masaccio, Domenico Ghirlandaio, Filippo Lippi, Paolo Uccello, Michelangelo, and Giorgio Vasari.

This tour will take you into the heart of Florence and into the fascinating world of art restoration.

WHAT MICHELANGELO CALLED ‘PAINTINGS FOR ETERNITY’

Witness the everlasting beauty of an ancient 500-year old technique known as ‘Pietre Dure’: an intricate and elaborate art form where semi-precious stones are cut and fitted seamlessly to create evocative and stunning art –from display pieces, to tabletops, to decorative objects, to grandiose mausoleums.

Select artisans continue the ancient trade today, with expert jewelers meticulously crafting “paintings for eternity” using the techniques and tools developed in the 16th century.

Learn all about this ancient artwork and experience the beauty, significance, and value that led the Medici to establish a court laboratory specializing in these highly sought-after mosaics and inlays. 

AN ANGELIC EXPERIENCE – ENCOUNTER ANGELICO

Discover the Museum of San Marco’s perfectly preserved 15th century frescoes in the company of a renowned conservator and art restorer.

Witness the art of “Blessed” Beato Angelico, the Dominican monk who painted the stunning frescoes in the former Convent of San Marco. Discover the famous “The Annunciation,” and learn the techniques and tools master restorers use to preserve historic masterpieces and bring them back to their original splendor.

Share your love of art history with one of the most sought-after professionals in conservation who’s worked firsthand on masterpieces in Florence’s most important museums and churches, as well as private art collections all over the world.

Experience the Museum of San Marco’s beautiful frescoes and stunning cloisters through an entirely unique lens. 

THE UFFIZI GALLERIES WITH A CONSERVATOR AND RESTORER OF PAINTINGS

Tread the halls of the Uffizi Gallery in the company of a leading expert in art restoration and conservation, and pull back the curtain on a little-known corner of the intricate and complex world of art.

One of Europe’s oldest museums and home to some of the greatest masterpieces of the Renaissance, including artworks by giants such as Giotto, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raffaello, and Leonardo da Vinci, the Uffizi is the perfect setting to learn one-on-one from an expert about the process, complexity, and importance of art restoration and conservation. 

PITTI – GALLERIA PALATINA

Team up with one of Florence’s most sought-after experts in art restoration and conservation, and discover the Palatine Gallery with new expert eyes.

One of Florence’s greatest museums and art collections, the Palatine Gallery boasts hundreds of masterpieces and centuries of history, having been the home of powerful dynasties such as the Medici and Habsburg-Lorraine families.

Discover the secrets, techniques, and methods of art conservation, as well as the meaning of several iconic masterpieces, against the backdrop of the lavish palatial apartments of the Pitti Palace.

This enlightening and utterly unique experience will have you witnessing the masterpieces of Raphael and Caravaggio like you’ve never seen before. 

Embark on an incredible journey through time and immerse yourself in the diverse and vibrant culture of Italy’s Jewish communities. With our expert guides leading the way, you’ll explore some of the oldest and most significant Jewish sites in Italy, gaining unparalleled insight into the rich history and heritage of these fascinating communities.

In Rome, discover the oldest continuing Jewish community in Europe, dating back to 161 B.C., and witness the resilience and determination of this ancient community. Stroll through the former ghetto in Padua, soaking in the atmosphere of this historic neighborhood, ​or​ experience the grandeur of Florence’s Great Synagogue.

In Venice, visit the Jewish Museum and experience the unique dialect, architecture, and cuisine of the Venetian Jews, and gain a deeper appreciation for their contributions to the city’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the vibrant Jewish community in Ferrara, and learn about its fascinating history under the House of Este.

From ancient catacombs to contemporary museums, our Jewish Italy tours offer an unparalleled opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history and culture of Italy’s Jewish heritage. Join us on this unforgettable journey of discovery and gain a new appreciation for the enduring legacy of Italy’s Jewish communities.

Jewish Italy in Rome

Experience a unique blend of Jewish heritage that is woven into the fabric of the city, on a privately-guided tour that will have you explore Roman-era synagogues, ancient catacombs, the Jewish Ghetto, and the remarkable Great Synagogue on the banks of the Tiber. Discover the distinctive culture and language of Roman Jews, a fusion of Hebrew and Italian, as you delve into the fascinating history of one of Europe’s oldest Jewish communities. You’ll also visit the hauntingly beautiful Jewish Catacombs, a remarkable testament to the rich and enduring history of Rome’s Jewish community.

Jewish Italy in Ferrara

Explore the rich cultural and historical significance of Italy’s Jewish community in Ferrara, once an epicenter of Jewish culture during the Renaissance under the House of Este and where the 1970s Italian historical drama, ‘The Garden of the Finzi-Continis’, takes place. With a private guide by your side, you’ll tour the newly opened Museum of Italian Judaism and the Shoah and delve into the vibrant history of the community, before paying homage to the past by visiting the town’s Jewish Cemetery, a solemn and stirring site in use since 1620, nestled amidst poplar trees and boasting a plethora of old and new tombs.

Jewish Italy in Padua

Immerse yourself in the fascinating Jewish culture of Padua on a privately-guided tour that  will take you through the narrow streets of the town’s former ghetto, which has retained much of its original appearance, near the bustling Piazza delle Erbe. You’ll see the stunning lion of Saint Mark, perched atop one of the four gates to the ghetto, at 9 Via San Martino e Solferino, where the offices of the Jewish community are located. As you venture further along Via delle Piazze, the former center of the quarter, you’ll discover the rich history of the two old synagogues that once stood there, now sadly gone but still remembered.

Jewish Italy in Florence

Experience the rich history of Florence’s Jewish community on a privately-guided tour of the Great Synagogue. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the impressive Moorish-style architecture and intricate decorations of the synagogue, which was constructed in the late 19th century. As you walk through the sanctuary, learn about the Jewish community in Florence and the important role they have played in the city’s cultural and economic development. Marvel at the stunning marble, gold leaf, and mosaic decorations that adorn the synagogue’s interior, and gain a deeper understanding of the Jewish faith and its traditions. This exclusive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most important landmarks of Jewish heritage in Italy.

Jewish Italy in Venice

Established in 1516, the ghetto was the first of its kind in the world and became home to a thriving community of Jewish merchants, artists, and scholars. Led by a private guide, you’ll visit the Jewish Museum of Venice, which displays precious artifacts and documents that tell the story of this unique community. You will also have the opportunity to explore the five synagogues in the ghetto, including the awe-inspiring Scuola Grande Tedesca, with its magnificent interior and ornate decorations. Your knowledgeable guide will provide insight into the rich cultural and religious heritage of the Venetian Jews, as well as the challenges they faced during their long history in the city.

Step into a journey through time with the company of our well-versed guide, with a direct lineage from prominent Florentine families and expertise in art history. Discover the captivating history of the Uffizi Gallery, and gain insights into the remarkable works of art created by some of the most celebrated artists of all time. As you walk through the halls, you’ll be immersed in the rich history of Florence and experience the cultural legacy of this fascinating city.

Visit one of the oldest museums in Europe under the skilled knowledge of a highly-qualified professional guide, with experience in cultural hotspots like New York, Florence, and San Diego, and learn the history, significance and intrigue of masterpieces by the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.

The home of iconic masterpieces such as Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, Titian’s Venus of Urbino, and Leonardo da Vinci’s Annunciation, this eye-opening experience through the historic halls of the Uffizi will transport you deep into the Renaissance’s mosting enduring legacies.