Pottery Classes
3 hours
Free cancellation
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Artviva: The Original & Best Tours Italy
Artviva: The Original & Best Tours Italy
Artviva: The Original & Best Tours Italy
5
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
8:30 AM - 6:30 PM
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About
Acclaimed since 1996 for our great guides and tours, we offer the original, small-group Best of Tuscany tour, as well as wonderful guided tours of Florence, Venice, Rome and the Cinque Terre. Our tours are high-quality, entertaining, informative and fun! We love sharing Italy on a more personal level and with our small group sizes, we refuse to make you feel like a tourist. Our highly-qualified guides are passionate, have a sense of humour and enjoy bringing history to life. They include historians, aristocrats, wine makers, art sleuths, well-known journalists, guide writers, as well as talented artists and authors. What’s more, we are an ASTA approved, fully-licensed tour operator. We promise we are anything but ordinary, and we guarantee we are the Original & Best.
Tours and Tickets by Artviva: The Original & Best Tours Italy
Food & Drink
1–2 hours
Free cancellation
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Recommended by 100% of travelers
100% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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$193
per adult
from
$1,650
per adult
Historical Tours
3 hours
Free cancellation
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$228
per adult
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
2,768 reviews
Excellent
2,506
Very good
187
Average
38
Poor
20
Terrible
17
Explore664651
3 contributions
May 2020
We have taken several tours with Artviva on previous trips to Italy and have been so impressed with their thoroughness, their organization and especially their tour guides, all of whom have been experts in their fields as well as sociable and engaging. We had hoped to take several more tours with Artviva this year, but our trip to Italy was understandably, but sadly, sidelined by the pandemic. So, instead, we took an Artviva online Zoom tour last week of the Vatican. It was different than being there, of course, but it was certainly as close as we will come this year—and every bit as informative and gratifying. As usual, our “tour guide” was exceptional (Dr. Chris Longhurst)—honestly, I am blown away by his knowledge of what seems like every corner of the Vatican museum and every inch of the artwork we saw. He has vast experience as a both a tour guide in the Vatican and about each of the art pieces through his studies and readily and generously shared this experience and knowledge. We learned about the history of the art pieces, what was happening in adjoining spaces at the time, as well as glimpses into the personalities of era (and the artist—with a focus on Raphael). Several people from Artviva joined the tour (at what was midnight, their time!) including Rose who kept us moving forward and asked the questions we might have asked in person. It was a wonderful afternoon (here in California) visit to the Vatican—time and money very well spent, and we are certainly going to take more online zoom tours with Artviva. We have enthusiastically recommended Artviva to friends who were supposed to travel to Italy—and we will continue to recommend them to others, now including the online zoom experiences.
Written June 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much. It's been really difficult running a tour business here in Italy with Covid 19. We greatly appreciate your help, support and kind words. Hope to see you again soon!
Written June 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
andrewjohnsonblack
Ashburn, VA4 contributions
Dec 2019
We had a tremendous time with Riccardo Lisi. He captivated our group of mom, dad, and teenage son and daughter. Our walk through Florence included interesting insights customized to our group's interest, descriptions of the time of the Medicis, and an introduction to the statue of David that even our least art-interested member finding a lot to enjoy. And we learned about what gelato to buy for the rest of our trip! The next day, he led us on a perfectly-timed and very interesting tour of the Uffizi Gallery. If I returned to Florence, I would book Riccardo in an instant.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much. Riccardo is wonderful and we have other equally fabulous guides as well. We are very selective in our choice and training of our guides.
Written June 16, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elizbeth D
1 contribution
Jun 2022
Recently I searched several sites for a bespoke tour of Florence for my family and me. I had lived in Florence and wanted a walking tour of all 4 major neighborhoods. I contacted several companies: some too,too expensive, others not accomodating my list of must sees, some just too busy and not interested.
Then, I found Artviva! I can not say enough about the kindness of the staff (Faezeh) and the professionalism of our guide (Alessandro). They worked with me to plan, refine, and modify my itinerary….all at a very affordable price point.
Alessandro “listened” to my needs and was very adaptable to the needs and interests of the 5 of us. He organized a special visit to one of the pietra dura studios and it turned out to be a grand find! I recommend Artviva without hesitation and will use them again.
Then, I found Artviva! I can not say enough about the kindness of the staff (Faezeh) and the professionalism of our guide (Alessandro). They worked with me to plan, refine, and modify my itinerary….all at a very affordable price point.
Alessandro “listened” to my needs and was very adaptable to the needs and interests of the 5 of us. He organized a special visit to one of the pietra dura studios and it turned out to be a grand find! I recommend Artviva without hesitation and will use them again.
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WandanaM
Melbourne, Australia46 contributions
May 2020
This Zoom "Tour" of Michelangelo's development into one of the renaissance geniuses was a true gem. The Sistine Chapel is, of course a high priority attraction for most tourists in Rome and the insights given by Dr Alan Pascuzzi are truly amazing. His depth of knowledge of fresco as an art form and of the most intricate details of Michelangelo's work are staggering. This was a truly memorable event. Many thanks to Rosa and the staff at Artviva and to Dr Pascuzzi.
Written June 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much. That's very kind of you. We hope you can make it to Italy soon.
Written June 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Madeleine B
2 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
We had a great experience at the pasta making class in Florence. The chef did an amazing job! He started by asking about dietary needs and restrictions. And, when we said we wanted to have the pasta be vegetarian, he quickly pivoted from a ragu to a delicious vegetarian tomato sauce for the linguine. At the same time, he made a vegetarian stock to use with all the recipes. We also made a ravioli filled with a mashed potato filling and a vegetable sauce with an olive oil base. Then, there was the tagliatelle with a creamy porcini mushroom sauce. All the pasta was homemade, all the preparations were intricate, yet he very clearly showed us how to do everything and then assigned and oversaw each of us doing different tasks. We had a lot of fun doing them. He was very knowledgeable, charming, and he was funny to boot. Then came the best part. We got to eat all the delicious pasta and the tiramisu we made for dessert. It was so delicious!!! I would highly recommend this experience!
Written May 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, I'm so happy you enjoyed the cooking class :)
Written June 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Radoslaw W
1 contribution
Mar 2023 • Solo
It was an amazing and different experience after so many cooking classes that mainly offer pasta and tiramisu.
I still can't believe I was lucky enough to be part of it.
Enrico was funny, but demanding.
He explained in detail what a Florentine steak looks like and what is important in its preparation and what mistakes to avoid. Anyway, I think he knows exactly how to do it. He has been running his business for several years and despite the fact that the restaurant does not have any traditional pasta (because Italia does not live only with pasta), this is the uniqueness of this place.
I recommend this place and this event with all my heart for people who want to discover something other than pizza and pasta.
If you also have an open mind and a good sense of humor, be prepared for a longer evening than you may have expected, thanks to the entertaining Enrico!
I still can't believe I was lucky enough to be part of it.
Enrico was funny, but demanding.
He explained in detail what a Florentine steak looks like and what is important in its preparation and what mistakes to avoid. Anyway, I think he knows exactly how to do it. He has been running his business for several years and despite the fact that the restaurant does not have any traditional pasta (because Italia does not live only with pasta), this is the uniqueness of this place.
I recommend this place and this event with all my heart for people who want to discover something other than pizza and pasta.
If you also have an open mind and a good sense of humor, be prepared for a longer evening than you may have expected, thanks to the entertaining Enrico!
Written March 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erika A
5 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
We did the original walk through Florence, the uffizi tour along with academia. All of these tours were fantastic and well worth the time and money. Laura and Alessandro were both passionate about the art and culture and gave a unique spin on the experiences. We gained so much by doing the tour through their eyes. We appreciated the small groups which allowed us a more personalized and engaging experience. Highly recommend
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roger F
6 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Both my wife and I had been to the Uffizi and the Accademia before, but Laura brought both museums to life with deep knowledge of the artists and the history that surrounded the pieces. What a difference Laura made as we truly experienced these museums rather than just visiting them. Highly recommend Laura and ArtViva
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marnel-09
Madison, WI19 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
It was a splurge for us to book a private tour, but it was so worth it! Our guide, a native Florentine with perfect English, took the time to ask us about what we'd like to see, then tailored our time together to our interests. She was SO knowledgeable and enthusiastically answered our questions. We saw things we never would have found on our own, plus, she gave us insiders' tips on what to see on our own, when to visit specific museums and where to eat. It was the perfect preview for our visit. Highly recommend!
Written November 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
solbergtom
Drammen, Norway2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
An absolutely wonderful afternoon with the combined Uffici, David and city tour with a tour guide of the highest quality. The anecdotal flow and historical knowledge of the guide, Sg Traxler, was outstanding. Made it all connect. And set in context with the most interesting (and entertaining) anekdotes. There cannot possibly be better ways of experiencing Firenze. Science. Art. Politics. History. And an interesting, kind and friendly man to top it. Art Viva was simple and effective to relate to, and their guide amazing. Thanks so much.
Written May 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Our groups were never more than 10 people. It was a great size and we had headphones so we could hear our guide at all times. Highly recommend this company! Have fun!🍷
Written August 26, 2018
I don't see any availability the week of November 20th- will there be tours available?
Written August 6, 2017
Hi April C,
Yes, even though that time is going into low season we do still have tours available. Please keep in mind that we have private custom on request tours available all year round too. If you do a search on our site with your dates you will see what you can do. Or alternatively just email or phone, or skype message us with your dates and what you are interested in and we will get back to you. We hope to see you soon in Italy!
Written August 8, 2017
ArtViva - several years ago we took your walking tour of Florence and it was fabulous! Now we are returning to Italy and are interested in a small group tour to the Cinque Terre. However, I am reluctant to book it now in case there is lots of rain on that day. Four of us are interested in a tour on Saturday, April 22, 2017. Would we be likely to be able to book it as late as the day before?
Written March 25, 2017
Hello!
Apologies for the delay. Please email our staff @ artiva address with your booking request.
All the best,
Amy
Written April 4, 2017
Hi, I signed up for the May 23 Murders, Mysteries &Wine tour in Florence. I have an order number and received an email saying my payment went through. Will I get a confirmation email or voucher from Artviva?
Written March 16, 2017
Hello!
Thanks for your interest in ArtViva and for letting us know you received the confirmation.
All the best,
ArtViva
Written March 16, 2017
I am going to book a tour of the Cinque Terre July 20th and your tour has caught my eye. However, I notice it is significantly more expensive than the others. Can you tell me what your tour has to offer that would make it the better tour for the higher price? There is a smaller group tour for €190 for two people, minus the lunch, but there are reviews on the website. I have not been able to find Cinque Terre Tour reviews with ArtViva. I want to book with Artviva but want to make sure I am making the right choice. Thanks you!
Written March 13, 2017
Hello, Thank you for your interest in ArtViva!
Our Cinque Terre tours always have a maximum of 8 people (whereas other companies might say ‘small group’ but do not actually state their maximum group size). If we have more than 8 people booking the tour on the same day, we add another guide, driver and minivan to divide our clients into smaller groups. Our experience also includes a traditional Ligurian lunch, wine included, plus all transfers in between 3 of the villages with at least 1 boat ride (weather permitting, and if boats are running; sometimes seas are rough so even if it’s not raining, for safety reasons boat service may be suspended). For those who wish to join, we also do a short hike up the vineyards. A tour that costs €190 for 2 people is unlikely to offer such a small group size, even without lunch. Keep in mind, too, that some of the big bus tours that take up to 50 participants all together charge €90 each, usually.
Good luck with your trip planning! Feel free to contact us for more information.
Best wishes,
ArtViva
Written March 14, 2017
Does this tour include grape stomping?
Written March 11, 2017
Hello! We are not sure what tour you are referring to. However, we do offer this specific tour / experience so please contact us directly or browse our website for more information.
Best wishes,
ArtViva
Written March 13, 2017
We are considering an Oct trip to Tuscany, which may or may not include other areas in Italy. When we went to France, we rented a car and did our own tour. However, several recent back surgeries have had a significant impact on walking and climbing. Could a tour of the top attractions in the Tuscany area be done without extensive walking?
Written February 26, 2017
Hello, With regard to reducing the amount of walking on a tour of Tuscany, you might consider a small group private tour, as this type of experience will mean having a private guide who will adapt to the pace you prefer, as well as having (if requested) a specific type of vehicle (either a car or a mini van), with a driver who has permission to enter parts of the towns normally closed to traffic. This option would get you as close as possible to the towns and their sites.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to contact us with any further questions about mobility while travelling, or other concerns or questions.
Best of luck!
ArtViva
Written March 8, 2017
I would like to sign up for the Florence running tour but there isn't anything available until April. Is this a seasonal option. I will be in Florence the first week in March 2017.
Written February 19, 2017
Hello, Thanks for your question about our running tour of Florence! A tour could be arranged. However before April you would have to book it as a private tour. If you contact us directly we could offer you a special price. Look forward to hearing from you! - ArtViva
Written February 20, 2017
Barbaracorbit
Hoboken, New Jersey
We will be in Pisa May 30th 2017 and want to spend about a week in Tuscany area. We want to travel by bus or train to a central small beautiful quaint village on the coast of Tuscany so that we can take day trips to see the rest of Tuscany.
Written February 9, 2017
Hello! If you are interested in seeing and spending time in small-town coastal Tuscany, you might consider having a car, especially if you want to make day trips. There are several nice villages to stay in, so to start with you might have a look at places like Castiglioncello and Quercianella in Tuscany, or even consider heading north from Pisa into Liguria where the coastal towns are also quaint and very beautiful (such as the towns that make up the Cinque Terre -- Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Riomaggiore -- and many others on that stretch of coast). Have a lovely trip! - ArtViva
Written February 20, 2017
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