Private tour in Florence Elizabeth N

Florence By Design: The Oltrarno Artisan District

5.0

(3) reviews

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later

Elizabeth N.

5.0

Guide rating

43

Reviews

Tours delivered

7 hrs

Avg. response time

It was my passion for all things Italian that led me to work in leisure travel in this incredibly diverse country. As an officially-authorized Tour Guide of Florence since 2010, I offer private museum and monuments tours, walking tours to explore off-the-beaten-track neighbourhoods, specially-arranged culinary experiences or visits to artisans' workshops within this magnificent city. Breathtaking art and architecture, quality artisans, pristine views, quaint alleys, prestigious wine cellars, local farms, great food and memorable company - all this to render your visit to Tuscany a truly special, exceptional experience. Living in Italy has taught me to embrace the simple pleasures and search out the authentic. Hence, a day with me is brimming with learning, seeing, tasting and savouring as I share all these with you. As a mother with a young child, I can also easily adapt itineraries to make them more "kid" friendly. Originally from the US, I have been living in Florence for more than 20 years. My academic studies in Art History originally led me to Italy and my love for the country kept me here! I hold a BA and MA in Art History and Italian Literature from prestigious American institutions and also earned a Diploma in painting restoration from an Italian institute. I love to share with guests the marvels of magical Tuscany and of majestic Florence - from the classic to the curious - and look forward to sharing them with you! Certified Tour Guide for the City of Florence and Province Instituto Duomo, Florence, License No. 026/2010 Comune di Firenze, completion of 800 hour class Italian permit to accompany groups (Accompagnatore Turistico), Comune di Firenze, License No. 1022/2005 Seminar on Florence and the Invention of the Renaissance Specialized offering for Tour Guides, Instituto Duomo, Florence, Completion of 30 hour class March 2017 Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, USA and Florence, Italy Master of Arts Degree in Art History, Italian Renaissance Istituto per l'Arte e il Restauro, Palazzo Spinelli, Florence, Italy Diploma in Painting Conservation, Specialization in canvas and wood panels Accredited by the Region of Tuscany Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, USA Bachelor of Arts Degree, Major in Art History and Minor in Italian I am not a driver, however I can arrange professional transportation when necessary.

Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Elizabeth N.

Overview of your Florence tour

I love to show guests this special part of Florence which is somewhat off the beaten track! Literally translating to "beyond the Arno", the Oltrarno area has long been the artisan district of Florence, where craftsman have plied their trade for centuries. Noted sites to see in the Oltrarno include the Pitti Palace with its Boboli Gardens, and the Santo Spirito Basilica and Piazza. Learn some scandalous Medici family secrets hidden behind the austere façades of these Oltrarno palaces. During our time together we will visit either the Palatine Gallery in Palazzo Pitti or the Capella Brancacci chapel and a few workshops depending on your interests. The area has never lost its thriving artisan and arts feel, where traditional handicraft shoemakers, tailors, jewellers, picture framers, book binders, carpenters, watchmakers and more are still in operation.

Recent Reviews

Janet G.United States
November 2024

Spend an afternoon with Elizabeth exploring and learning about the less traveled side of Florence. Take time to learn from someone who truly loves what makes the city so amazing. We loved how Elizabeth introduced us to the smaller places and the artists/craftspeople that continue to produce handmade beauty. This tour was a perfect springboard that allowed us to explore on our own in the days that followed.

Melanie A.
August 2024

What a wonderful day, breathtaking view, and a guide that loves what he does. It doesnt get better...Jean

Caron W. W.United States
November 2023

Our tour with Elizabeth was both educational, interesting, and exactly what we were seeking. Elizabeth made the effort to contact me prior to our tour confirming which art forms we were most interested in. She arranged meetings with several artisans in their respective workshop and added other places of interest and stops throughout our day. With brief descriptions and anecdotes of historical sights we passed this tour was well designed and greatly appreciated. Elizabeth was delightful and engaging.

Your Florence tour itinerary

- Borgo San Jacopo, the quaint street just off the Ponte Vecchio - Piazza della Passera, a picturesque square in the Oltrarno - Palazzo Pitti, the majestic residence of the Medici Dukes - Via Maggio and the antique dealers - Santo Spirito, the trendy square and unique Renaissance church designed by architect Fillippo Brunelleschi - The Bridge of Santa Trinità - Piazza del Carmine (if including visit of Cappella Brancacci, with special frescoes by Masaccio) Let me know if you prefer Palazzo Pitti or Cappella Brancacci (ticket costs are extra and are to be paid on site). Please remember this itinerary is flexible. I will be happy to customise the tour for you!

Want to customize this tour?

Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.

Transport details
Type: Walking

This is a walking tour.

What's included
Other: Curated itinerary, friendly guide, visit to an artisan workshops depending on interest. On Mondays, when Palazzo Pitti is closed we will visit Cappella Brancacci.
Private Guide
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. Any entry tickets
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location

Florence, Tuscany, Italy

Meet at the Base of the Equestrian statue of Cosimo I in Piazza della Signoria

  • You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Classes And Workshops
Tour reference number
597765
Languages
Italian
English
Activity level
Minimal

Traveller reviews

5.0

FAQs

Who is this private tour in Florence best suited for?

This private tour in Florence is perfect for travellers who want to explore a unique and less touristy part of the city. It's ideal for those interested in art, history, and traditional craftsmanship, as you'll visit the artisan district of Oltrarno. The tour is also great for anyone looking to connect with a local guide like Elizabeth N. for deeper insights into Florence's culture and history.

Can this private tour in Florence be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?

How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?

Where does the tour start and end?

Is transportation included?

How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?

What languages is this tour offered in?

What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?

Is this a private tour? What is the maximum group size and the starting price?

AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide

-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
Hours icon 3 hours 30 minutes
Walking
Private tour for 1-6 people
Your party size

1

Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Last-Minute Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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