Florence 2025 - 3-day tour

On this small-group visit 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.

The iconic paintings, sculptures and buildings of the Florentine Renaissance are combined with the secrets of the city. A fresco workshop in an original east-end artist’s studio introduce traditional techniques before visiting the frescos of Renaissance masters; the candle-lit mass at San Miniato monastery 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, makes this a truly holistic experience.

Food: For lunch and evening meals guests are introduced to trattorias and bottegas, serving exquisite and nourishing local delicacies. With their own stories to tell, these intimate little restaurants will be the perfect setting to discuss the day’s experience over a glass of Chianti.

Days: A standard tour takes place over three full days, but please feel free to request alternatives.

Accommodation: Guests will need to secure their accommodation, however suggestions will be given.

Flights and travel: 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.

Price: Prices will vary depending on group size and time of year. For a group of ten, the price starts at £650 for young people under the age of 18 and £850 for adults. This includes the cost of entrance to all museums and galleries, and of Katy’s expertise and care across the three days (a total of around 24 hours teaching and contact time).

If you are interested, please contact Katy by email: katyblatt@hotmail.com or text 07749112191

Testimonials

Florence Tour, April-May 2023‘

“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

“Katy - well what a great gig that was. Huge fun. Carefully curated and good 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”

Ian, Accountant, Somerset

‘’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