Bespoke Art History Study Tours
Florence 2025 - 3-day tour
“Katy - well what a great gig that was. Huge fun. Carefully curated and superb supporting material. We crammed a lot in, but you were selective and focussed on key artworks. Moreover, it felt like you’d allowed us into your personal Renaissance world…looking forward to hearing about future trips”
This bespoke small-group study tour to Florence is curated to appeal to the senses as well as to intellectual curiosity. You will discover, in the flesh, how the political intrigues of Cosimo de’ Medici shaped the production of Donatello’s “David”, how Brunelleschi managed to support the largest brick and mortar dome in the world, and how Masaccio’s Brancacci frescos introduced the first psychological drama to western art history.
Designed to give a real sense of the chronology and stylistic development of the painting, sculpture and architecture of the Florentine Renaissance, this will also be a deep dive into the patronage, socio-political, cultural, philosophical, scientific and technological environment that fostered arguably the greatest creative flourishing in Western history.
Iconic paintings, sculptures and buildings - from Michelangelo’s “David’ at the Accademia and Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus” at the Uffizi - will combined with lesser-known gems, rarely visited by the general tourist. A fresco workshop in an original east-end artist’s studio will introduce traditional techniques before visiting the Gozzoli Fresco’s in the heart of the Medici Palace.
The candle-lit mass at the atmospheric San Miniato monastery, overlooking the city at sunset, and a visit to the oldest Dominican apothecary in the city, open since the 1200s and still selling traditionally-made soaps and perfumes, as well as carefully selected trattorias serving local delicacies, will make this a truly holistic, and unforgettable, experience.
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“Katy, I had such a wonderful time on your tour! Having studied art history at school I was excited to see all the artwork and architecture I’d learnt about but without your guidance I certainly would have been overwhelmed. I thought the focus of the tour was well thought out to give a broad outlook on the period by going into specific artworks - particularly helpful at the Uffizi where there was so much to see! I really appreciated your balance between ‘lecturing’ and engaging us throughout the tour and it was clear you’d done a lot of work on the supporting material which will be great for following up at home! It was a lovely group dynamic and your energy was contagious! Highlights were the fresco workshop and the Brancacci chapel, which felt very special during its conservation! I would definitely recommend the tour to likeminded friends! Thank you so much and I’m looking forward to future tours elsewhere!’’
Bobbie, Picture Framer and student, Glasgow School of Art
‘’We had a wonderful experience and I’m ardently reading the accompanying book to prolong the effect. Katy’s tour was a revelation. She offered us the perfect balance of history, art appreciation and Medici ‘gossip’ to bring the city of Florence to life. I’d always adored the place but now have a palpable sense of what made - and makes - it so compelling. Katy also provided a key for looking at the artworks with greater understanding, which intensified my enjoyment of them. Two examples: In showing us The Sacrifice of Isaac, Competition panels, she perfectly articulated the shift in artistic technique and aspiration at that moment in time; and, while seeing the exquisite Gozzoli frescoes in the Medici Palace chapel would have been a highlight on its own, learning who was who in the painting - why they were there, as well as their position in the procession - was definitely an added bonus.’’
Helenka, Literary Agent, Tunbridge Wells
‘’A perfect mix of architecture, painting and sculpture throughout this fabulous 3-day tour. I loved the absorbing detail and depth of Katy’s narrative, combined with fascinating historical background, enabling a glimpse of how life and times might have actually been lived. Katy, ably assisted by Leo, walks and talks you expertly through everything artistic and cultural you might want to know whilst guiding you through the city’s piazzas and galleries. She pulls together effortlessly the threads of artistic innovation and influence into a coherent whole, making this an experience with truly universal appeal.
All tickets were pre-booked as was lunch so I could soak up all the glorious sights stress free. The 3 days flew by and still left me wanting more. I cannot recommend highly enough.’’Pauline, Deputy Head Teacher, Tunbridge Wells
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Guests will need to book their own flights. Arriving at Pisa International or Florence Airport are both good options, from which one can easily access Florence central within an hour.
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Whilst guests will need to secure their accommodation, I am happy to provide a list of suggestions upon request.
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Guests are free to explore the Florentine cuisine independently, however I am happy to book trattorias and bottegas in the neighbourhood of the key artistic sites. Serving exquisite and nourishing local delicacies, these hidden gems also have their own stories to tell and offer the perfect setting to discuss the day’s experience over a glass of Chianti.
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Prices vary depending on group size and time of year. The cost of the tour includes all entrance fees to museums and galleries, and my expertise and care across the three days - a total of around 24 hours’ teaching and contact time.
To discuss this year’s prices please contact me at katyblatt@hotmail.com.
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The tour is typically capped at ten people.
If you have an existing group for whom you would like to make a booking please get in touch.
“A perfect mix of architecture, painting and sculpture throughout this fabulous 3-day tour. I loved the absorbing detail and depth of Katy’s narrative...”
Katy‘s passion for Art History is infectious. She studied Art History at Cambridge University (BA) and the Courtauld Institute of Art (MA). She went on to work at MoMA in New York, Tate Britain, London, the Soane Museum, London, and the Charles Rennie Mackintosh School of Art, Glasgow. She has also lectured at the National Gallery, London and has authored several books, including ‘Leonardo and the Virgin of the Rocks’ (Cambridge Scholars Publishing).
Katy has over fifteen years’ experience teaching Art History at A-Level, as well as being Head of Department, at some of the top Independent Schools in the country, including Godolphin and Latymer, Queen’s College and Christ’s Hospital. She is an A-Level Examiner and has also been Oxbridge Coordinator and wrote the definitive guide to ‘Getting into Oxford and Cambridge’ for 2011/12.
In 2022 she founded the School of Art History and Cultural Studies, and as its director Katy gives lectures and runs courses for adult learners, and leads brilliant tours to European cultural centres, including Florence. Since 2023 she has been presenting a documentary on Leonardo da Vinci.
Get in touch
To get in touch with any questions or enquiries, please complete the form below or email me. I look forward to hearing from you.
