Private Tour Around Local Handcrafts

Demetria took us on a fascinating journey to see little known but iconic family owned handcraft workshops and stores of Florence. We visited a leather store and watched the owner as he made an unusual coin purse, available exclusively at his store. He explained the entire technique of making his items from source to final product. I purchased one coin purse each for my daughters as they were exquisite, custom made and could be monogramed with their initials. Next we visited a jaw dropping mosaic workshop and were party to learning the whole process of how they source stones and material from all over the world and have a posse of designers who ideate and create masterpieces. We watched artisans at work, creating artifacts and saw the finished items in the Company store. Lastly we were taken to a family owned jewellery store and workshop, where we learnt how the material is sourced by the owners and made into unusual pieces of jewellery, coveted by their loyal clientele. Not only was what we saw and learnt during the tour fascinating, but the location of each of the workshops added to their aura. The leather shop was located in a bylane of Florence's historic centre, the Mosaic Workshop and Store was located just across from the sprawling Medici palace museum and the jewellery store and workshop was located just off Ponte Vecchio. Demetria intentionally guided us through the lesser known streets of Florence and pointed out hidden aspects of the city that we didn't know existed-like wine doors made into houses bold, independent designer boutiques a square with art students, painting under the watchful gaze of their teacher. I was keen to take this Tour primarily because I wanted my young daughters especially my older one who is an Art and Design student to learn about different aspects of creativity, design and production. Demetria not only ensured that the Tour was educational, but she made sure it was enjoyable and memorable as well. Felicia Variava Albert, Managing Director, Blaze Tours and Travels Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India