The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass
Overview
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.
What's Included
- Worldwide shipping of your finished pieces to your home
- Option to order custom-made ceramics to add in the same box I have to ship
- Local transport to the factory by car
- Double firing and hand glazing of your pieces
- All materials: clay, apron, and pottery wheel
- Private guided tour of a working pottery factory
Meeting Location
Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi
74, 50056 Montelupo Fiorentino FI, Italy
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Montelupo Fiorentino is a small town just 20 minutes from Florence, known for over 700 years of ceramic tradition. Leave the crowds behind and step into the real Tuscany — a family workshop where five generations of potters have shaped clay every day.
You will visit a pottery factory and see the full production cycle, from raw clay to hand-painted majolica, and meet the artisans who make it all by hand.
Back at the shop, my father Salvatore — a master potter with 50 years of experience — will guide you step by step as you shape your own piece on the wheel. Whether you have never touched clay before and want a fun, hands-on way to bring home a tangible memory of your trip to Italy, or you are an experienced potter looking to refine your technique with Italian craftsmanship — Salvatore adapts to your level.
After your visit, we fire your piece, glaze it by hand, and ship it to your home — anywhere in the world, included in the experience price. In about two months, a piece of Tuscany made by your hands arrives at your door.
Awarded as one of the Best Experiences in Italy 2025, it is suitable for all ages — couples, families, solo travelers, and groups.
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Very easy to reach by train with a 20min ride from Florence
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (7)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass?
Cancellation Policy
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Activity code: C-122179P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 227 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Shore Excursions customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- Worldwide shipping of your finished pieces to your home.
- Option to order custom-made ceramics to add in the same box I have to ship.
- Local transport to the factory by car.
- Double firing and hand glazing of your pieces.
- All materials: clay, apron, and pottery wheel.
- Private guided tour of a working pottery factory.
The minimum age to participate is 5. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Shore Excursions. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Worldwide shipping of your finished pieces to your home
- Option to order custom-made ceramics to add in the same box I have to ship
- Local transport to the factory by car
- Double firing and hand glazing of your pieces
- All materials: clay, apron, and pottery wheel
- Private guided tour of a working pottery factory
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Very easy to reach by train with a 20min ride from Florence
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 6 travelers
