The Florence Pottery Experience: Factory Tour & Masterclass
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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
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.
Options
How to make handmade Tuscan Ceramic: a course with a master potter in Montelupo
What‘s Included
Worldwide shipping of your finished pieces to your home
Private guided tour of a working pottery factory
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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
219 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Absolutely the BEST!!!!
Jacqueline B,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Probably 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!
Joyful day surpassed my expectations ❤️
meganjG8643VQ,Jun 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Matteo was amazing. The tour was interesting and informative. Salvatore was patient with sharing his art of pottery making.
This is more than a tour, it’s an unforgettable experience!
Paulina C,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was truly one of our favorite experiences during our trip to Florence!! Matteo and everyone we talked to during our tour was extremely welcoming and friendly, and you can see the pride and passion in everything they do! Salvatore is an amazing teacher at the pottery wheel and we even got a bonus hands-on experience in the factory! I can’t even call it a tour, because you leave as friends, thank you Matteo for sharing your family’s passion with us and making us feel like a part of it for the day!
As an amateur potter,...
conniemh0401,May 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00As an amateur potter, this was the absolute highlight of my trip! Matteo gave me a first class tour, which was fascinating and the lesson with his father was amazing! I went home and practiced the new techniques I learned. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has any interest in pottery, and whatever level you are at. If you've never given it a try, this is the place to do that!
If you love pottery, book this tour
Amanda S,May 23, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I cannot recommend this tour enough. The entire family that runs this tour is kind, friendly, and helpful. The ability to learn from them is something I will be forever grateful for. It is easily accessible from Florence by train. My husband had no pottery experience, and he still found the tour informative and the class portion helpful. As a hobby pottery, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Amazing!
lorried544,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was an amazing, informative, and relaxing trip full of fun. The history of the area and beauty of the city were unmatched. They family was warm and welcoming and patient with us as we have never made pottery before. Will definitely recommend.
The most talked about experience on our trip!
Shawn F,May 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was by far the most talked about experience of our entire trip! My daughter who loves pottery was in awe of the family history and their multi-generational workshop. Mateo was fantastic and full of energy. He was very attentive and he himself was a bit of a highlight. You could hear his passion for the family business and bringing it into this digital world with experiences like this. His father helped my daughter learn new ways to work on the wheel and she gladly took my turn and made two bowls! We look forward to doing it again when in Florence! S
This is a must...
Tom W,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is a must, both for those who already have a creative mind and for those who need to get out of their comfort zone. Personal approach, good explanation and tour on the shop floor, and afterwards expert one-on-one guidance during the practical session in the store itself.
Ceramic Artist's Dream
Kimmy B,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The most amazing experience! I got to see the entire manufacturing process of the handmade pottery they make! Learning techniques from a master potter was so cool and I'll bring some new skills back with me. Matteo was very welcoming and the family shop is absolutely beautiful. Would definitely recommend if you love pottery or any kind of art, the artistry in the making is extremely impressive. Will definitely have to come back to beautiful Montelupo and visit!
We really enjoyed our...
Joshua S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We really enjoyed our pottery experience with Matteo, his family and their team. The workshop tour was fantastic and Matteo is clearly very passionate and proud of Montelupo’s history of ceramics and told us some fascinating facts about the surrounding area - he also gave us a great dinner recommendation back in Florence. It was our first time doing pottery of any description and Salvatore made it so enjoyable and light hearted and was a wonderful teacher - we were so pleased with our bowls and can’t wait to see how the team decorate them. We would throughly recommend this experience, thank you to Matteo, family and team.
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