The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass
Description
Hi, my name is Matteo, and I grew up surrounded by clay, watching my father and grandfather shape ceramics by hand. Florence is full of incredible things to see, but there is an Italy beyond the tourist routes that is worth discovering. We are right there. Montelupo Fiorentino is where Florence's ceramics have been made for over 700 years. When you visit us, you step into the daily life of a pottery family. You meet my father Salvatore, who has been at the wheel for 50 years, and the artisans who hand-paint every single piece — it gives you a whole new appreciation for handmade things. If something catches your eye, you can also order custom-made pieces directly from the factory! After the visit you get into it yourself, sit at the wheel, and make something with your own hands. We are proud to enrich the Italy trip of the people who come to us, so they can say they did not only visit Italy — they explored it, understood its traditions, and left with something they created themselves.
Tour Options
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Very easy to reach by train with a 20min ride from Florence
Reviews(229)
My family of 4, including twin 10 year old girls, loved this experience so much and felt so welcomed by Matteo and his family. We first headed to the factory to see how and where all of the pottery is made. It was amazing to see the skill of the artisans as they finished and painted the pottery completely by hand. We also got to visit the factory showroom to see all of the finished pieces and ordered a few pieces to be shipped to our home in Texas. All of the pieces can be customized, and we were able to order a plate with our family name that will be a cherished keepsake from our time in Italy Next, we headed to the shop where each one of us made a bowl on the wheel with the master potter and Matteo's dad, Salvatore. With his hands on direction and attention, we each felt like a real potter and were able to make a beautiful bowl which will be hand glazed and fired and shipped to us. Salvatore worked excellently with my kids, who were thrilled to be able to use the wheel and make their very own creation. After the pottery experience, we stayed in the small village of Montelupo and enjoyed the park and had dinner in a lovely restaurant. This was a nice break from the craziness of Florence and was a much needed relaxing day. We will always cherish our memories from this experience and love that we have hand made souvenirs to remember our time in Italy. We highly recommend this experience for adults and kids. Grazie to Matteo and family for a fabulous day!
Ciao Caroline, So happy to hear your daughters had such a special time at the wheel with Salvatore!! Knowing your family found a relaxing break and cherished memories in Montelupo means a lot to us :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
My teen daughter and I had THE BEST experience learning about how pottery is made and making our own pottery. The description is exactly what you get. A full explanation of how pottery is made in Montelupo, from clay to shipping, and then one on one teaching to make your own piece. Our guide at the factory Matteo, was so friendly, and his father, Salvatore, was great teaching us how to use the pottery wheel. The whole family were so personable and in fact we had a great time in Montelupo. Super easy to get there on the train, the ceramic shop is an easy walk (we did it in 100 degree F heat with suitcases in tow!), and had delicious gelato from the shop next door. We highly recommend spending a day in Montelupo. What a refreshing change of pace.
Ciao Michael, So glad to hear you and your daughter had a great time!! It was a pleasure having you both with us :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
This was an amazing experience. I was by myself and got a wonderful tour of the factory, met the actual makers of the amazing pottery and then made some bowls myself as well as ordered some Custom pieces!! Highly recommend.
Ciao Carolyn, so glad you enjoyed the tour and got to meet the makers behind the pieces firsthand!! It was a pleasure having you with us :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
I found this experience online and booked it for 8 women in my family while visiting the Tuscan region!! I have been in Italy for almost 30 days and this was hands down the best activity we have done here!! Matteo and his family are kind, patient, and amazing people!! It was so fun to learn how to throw pottery from this amazing legacy family in Italy and purchase pieces to come home!! They made shipping everything home absolutely seamless. I could not recommend this experience enough!! Fun for all ages and groups :)
Ciao Emma, Being called the best activity of 30 days in Italy, for 8 women in your family, is something special!! It was such a joy having all of you with us :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
Excellent experience! Matteo is a fantastic host and we enjoyed the tour of the factory and the hands on pottery lesson. We ordered some additional pottery from the show room that they shipped home along with our creations. It looks great! Couldn't be happier. Only note for people considering this experience is that the shipping is expensive so be prepared for that if you want to bring home souvenirs.
Ciao Kristine, So glad to hear everything arrived and that you are happy with how it all turned out!! It was a pleasure having you with us :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
This was such an amazing experience!!!! The family was so warm and lovely giving us a real view of what is it like to be a ceramicist in Montelupo. They showed us the beautiful town of Montelupo and their rich culture. They made us feel so welcome. Truly once in a lifetime experience!!! We made such a great friend with Mateo! Would recommend a 100000000000%. Do not miss this !!!!
Ciao Giulianna, What a lovely thing to read — thank you so much!! Welcoming you into our world in Montelupo was a true pleasure :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
The whole family made us feel welcome and part of the family. We learned real skills that we could apply to our own pottery work. Montelupo is a beautiful place to visit with great restaurants and interesting historical sites. A great visit!
Thank you so much — knowing you felt part of the family means everything to us!! We hope to see you again soon in Montelupo :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
I cannot rave enough about our experience! Matteo and his family were the most incredible hosts. Our ceramics experience was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip. Matteo, family and team went above and beyond our expectations. We were welcomed with open arms and treated to a fabulous experience. We made a point to recommend it to anyone we could—such a wholesome, authentic experience.
Ciao Dominique, it means so much to read that our experience was the highlight of your trip!! Welcoming you and sharing the workshop with you felt like having family around the wheel :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
This was an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Matteo and his family are incredibly kind, affable, and passionate about their family’s beautiful pottery. They welcomed me openly and instantly made me feel welcomed and at ease. First, Matteo took me on a wonderful tour of their pottery factory and gave a thoughtful and detailed tour. We then went back to the main showroom and made bowls in the wheel with his father, an incredible artisan. I learned so much and will treasure this experience!
Ciao Amanda, What a joy to read your words!! Your bowl is in good hands with my father in factory — it will be with you soon :) Thank you and hope to see you soon in Montelupo!
Probably the best experience we've ever had in Europe! This family run business is extraordinary and you can see the passion they have for their work. Matteo and his parents were so kind and welcoming and everything had a personal touch. Highly recommend this to anyone who wants to experience a true Tuscan ceramic experience! It's pretty amazing to meet the actual people who contribute to making the final pieces you see at places like Pottery Barn and Williams Sonoma. Thank you for such a wonderful day!
Ciao Jacqueline, What a wonderful thing to read — thank you so much!! It means everything to know the passion came through :) Thank you and hope to see you again soon in Montelupo!
