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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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
Options
How to make handmade Tuscan Ceramic: a course with a master potter in Montelupo
Reviews
212 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Wonderful experience not to be missed!
Anyamacias,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00From time of booking months ago Matteo could not have been more attentive! His mother, father and their business partner Alberto were all truly delightful. I felt so welcomed and their 5 generations of passion for ceramics shines. If coming from Florence it ia a 20 minute train ride from SMN to Montelupo for a minimal fare, then a 3 or 4 minute walk to their store front where I was greeted by Matteo, who then drove us to the factory where they are partners with the sweet Alberto. A tour of the workshop follows from clay to firing and painting, glazing processes. Nearly all the techniques date back to the Renaissance, 95% done by hand i would say. A true behind the scenes look and if you manage to chat with Alberto you are in for a treat! Then back to the main show room to see much of their finished works (you can order pieces you like which then get made to order and shipped to you) before you go upstairs to make your piece with the help (thank goodness!) of Matteo's father. When you finish your information is taken and any piece(s) you ordered and the one(s) you make will be painted and finished then shipped to you some 3 months later. I cannot wait to get all of my pieces! And you should definitely do this workshop! So so wonderful. I will be back xo
Amazing experience!
Thomas B,Apr 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was one of our best experiences in Italy! Matteo is a wonderful guide. His love and passion for what he does is infectious as he tells you about it all. First he brought us to the ceramics factory and showed us how it’s really done. Not at all what we expected was happening there. I don’t want to spoil the surprise of it for you, I can just tell you it was wonderful and so interesting. The workmanship of the employees/family is amazing. They even allow you in the “sample room” where you can pick and order pieces that they will customize for you. Then it’s back to the shop where we got to meet his beautiful parents, Salvatore and Betty, for a real ceramics lesson on the wheel. Not only is Salvatore a master craftsman but he is also a wonderful teacher. He taught us how to center and then we turned it into a beautiful bowl! He doesn’t just show you, he really teaches you with patience and love. You really feel welcome and loved around them all. I can’t wait to go back to visit and explore their wonderful town. I highly recommend the experience with this amazing family.
Book it now! You won’t regret it!
549asherg,Apr 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was my absolute favorite experience in Italy and I cannot recommend it enough. Matteo and his family were absolute gems - kind, generous, welcoming, knowledgeable, and really made a point to make us feel at home while sharing their families art. Truly a one of a kind experience.
Best experience near Florence!
Jacqueline O,Mar 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was so fun! Matteo and his family are so nice. The tour was super interesting and making the pottery was a blast! It was my first time ever making pottery and it came out fantastic! It's a great experience for solo travelers.
More than expected. Great for beginners and equally enjoyable for those who are familiar with ceramics at any level.
William Z,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I researched a few ceramics classes and chose this one based on its length. As a ceramics teacher I was able to determine what I thought would be the most complete experience. I chose wisely. What a tremendous treat. Matteo was a fabulous host and guide. We went expexlcting a class but were introduced to a process, family, and factory that has been doing this very thing for more than 500 years. We learned much about the history, the town, and we were surprised to learn just how prominent this town and the company are in todays world. I won't spoil anything. Salvatore was a great teacher. I learned some new things and my wife who is not someone that does ceramics had a great time. The location is a 20 minute train ride from Firenze S.M.N and then a 3 minute walk from Montelupo-Capraia station. Great pizza on one side of the shop and gelato on the other side. A beautiful family and an experience far more enjoyable than I ever expected.
A Highlight of Our Florence Trip
76imac,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I booked the experience with Matteo and his family the minute we saw it was available. It has been one of the highlights of our trip to Florence. We arrived early and were met by Matteo at the gallery with warmth, kindness, and enthusiasm, which lasted throughout the tour. We were taken through sourcing and preparation of the clay, through to the creation and finishing of the pieces with humour and innate knowledge of the craft. The expertise of each member of the studio was highlighted and is almost beyond comprehension. We also can't say enough nice things about Matteo's father, who will guide you through making your ceramic experience complete. It's not hard to see where Matteo's personality comes from. He really is the "rockstar of Montelupo!" If you have any interest in pottery or ceramics, this experience can't be missed. 11/10, no notes.
It was the highlight of...
Jess A,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was the highlight of my 10 day Firenze trip! I was speechless and enamored the entire time. You feel so special, see literal magic in the form of art, and feel like family the entire time - from Matteo, to his father, mother, brother, & all the other artists. Do yourself a favor and sign up. Only then will you understand why it is a prized experience.
Wonderful experience
Davey S,Jan 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a truly special experience. We were lucky enough to be the only guests so our tour was private. The tour brought us to the factory and the private showroom where we were able to see hundreds of pieces in various stages of completion. Salvatore gave us a quick yet masterful demonstration and we were able to meet the co-owner of the studio. After the tour , we returned to the studio where my wife was given a private throwing lesson with Salvatore. It was a magical day. Matteo was such an amazing host and guide. We felt like family when we left.
Montelupo is a must
helenkH5577GL,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A wonderful experience hosted by a wonderful family. We were shown the passion of ceramic artistry and taught how to make pottery the Montelupo way.
From €110.00
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