Perfume Masterclass and Sensory Experience in Florence

Florence’s perfume-making story takes a hands-on turn in this two-hour workshop: you explore scents with an expert perfumer, then blend your own fragrance in an old apothecary setting. You leave with a 30 ml bottle and a certificate, not just a pleasant smell on your wrist.

I like that the workshop links perfume to Florence’s alchemical past, including the work of Renaissance-era apothecaries and Catherine de Medici. I also like the chance to create a scent that suits your taste, with a kind, personal atmosphere reported at the shop.

The main consideration is time. Two hours is enough for a guided introduction and a finished perfume, but not a full course in perfumery. And scent is personal: a fragrance you make yourself may be a better souvenir than a ready-made bottle, but it is not a guaranteed match for every nose.

What makes this Florence perfume class appealing

• A custom fragrance to take home: Combine scents under the perfumer’s guidance and leave with a personalized 30 ml bottle.
• An old apothecary setting: The workshop takes place at Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone, an artisanal laboratory in central Florence.
• A link to Renaissance alchemy: Learn how perfume-making drew on scientific knowledge and healing traditions, with Catherine de Medici part of the story.
• A compact, practical format: The scheduled session lasts two hours, with coffee, tea, or water included.
• A personal feel: The shop’s owner has been praised for her kind manner, and the experience has been described as fun and useful for understanding perfume.

Inside Florence’s old apothecary

The meeting point is Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone, at Q7C5+69X in Florence. The address listed for the return is Via Ghibellina, 190, 50122 Firenze. The setting is central, and the activity unfolds in an artisanal laboratory rather than on a bus or in a large museum hall.

That difference matters. A perfume class asks you to focus on small things: the character of a scent, how different notes work together, and what you personally like. The workshop’s atmosphere helps place that process in Florence’s history of apothecaries and alchemy. You are not only buying a bottle; you are learning how a fragrance can be built.

The experience is led by an expert perfumer, but no guide’s name is provided. Expect an English-speaking member of staff and an introduction to the craft, rather than a lecture on every stage of perfume production. The class connects perfume with the scientific and healing knowledge cultivated by Renaissance alchemists. Catherine de Medici is included as a historical figure associated with the art, though the experience details do not promise a deep biographical account.

The room’s old-world setting is part of its appeal, but the central event is practical: working with scents and creating a fragrance of your own. The listed description mentions rare essences and delicate glassware, giving the workshop the feel of an apothecary’s laboratory. The exact selection of ingredients and the order of each step are not specified, so you should arrive ready to follow the perfumer’s method rather than expect a fixed recipe.

From smelling scents to making your own

The session begins with an introduction to perfume-making and Florence’s connection to the craft. From there, you explore different scents and combine them to make a bespoke fragrance. This is the heart of the class, and it gives you a chance to learn through your own reactions instead of just hearing a list of ingredients.

That personal element is what makes the activity more than a standard souvenir stop. You are choosing what appeals to you, then shaping those preferences into a scent that reflects your taste. If you already know which fragrances you like, that may help you describe what you want. If not, the exercise gives you a way to try unfamiliar scents and notice how your preferences take shape.

The workshop is intended for beginners as well as anyone curious about fragrance. One participant described it as a good chance to understand perfume better and create a scent suited to their taste. That is a useful way to think about the class: not professional training, but a guided introduction with a personal result.

The process is also a reminder that perfume can be a very individual souvenir. A bottle bought off a shelf might be easier, but it will not carry the same connection to a Florence workshop or your own choices. On the other hand, the final scent is subjective. If you prefer to pick from a familiar brand or already have a signature fragrance, the experience may be more about the making than finding a new everyday perfume.

Two hours, with a bottle and certificate

The stated duration is two hours. The available departure times are 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m., with return times shown as 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., depending on the departure option you book. Arrive 20 minutes early; late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

A two-hour session fits neatly into a day of sightseeing. You could schedule it as a slower break between major Florence sights, or choose the afternoon slot after a morning of walking. The included coffee, tea, or water gives the class a little breathing room, but it is not a meal, so plan lunch or a snack separately if needed.

The final bottle is 30 ml, a useful keepsake size rather than a large supply. You also receive a completion certificate. The certificate is a nice reminder of the activity, while the bottle is the more practical take-home item. Both are included in the stated package.

The class is offered for groups of one to 15 participants. A small group may make it easier to ask questions and compare preferences, while the maximum group size means you should not assume a private lesson. If you want individual attention, the group size is worth checking when you book.

Is the starting price worth it?

The listed price starts at $86.39, while the package option is also shown from $78.55. Since these figures differ, check the final price for your chosen date and package before booking. Prices can change, and the starting figure may not be the amount offered for every session.

For the cost, you are paying for a two-hour guided activity, the use of an artisanal laboratory, a custom 30 ml perfume, a certificate, and a drink. The main value is not simply the bottle. It is the chance to learn how scent composition works and leave with something shaped by your own preferences.

That makes the price easier to justify if you enjoy hands-on classes, fragrance, or Florence’s craft traditions. If you only want a quick, low-cost souvenir, buying a perfume elsewhere may be a better fit. If you value an activity you can take part in and remember through a scent, the workshop offers more than a retail purchase.

The price does not include transport, tips, or personal expenses. The meeting point is in Florence, so you need to arrange your own way there. A camera is suggested, but large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Who should book this class?

This experience suits curious beginners, perfume fans, couples, and small groups looking for an activity that is quieter and more hands-on than a walking tour. It also makes sense if you have already seen Florence’s main monuments and want to spend a couple of hours with one of the city’s craft traditions.

It may be less suited to anyone who wants an advanced technical course or a long workshop. The scheduled session is two hours, and the listed details do not promise extended instruction or a large range of take-home products. One participant’s wish for more workshop time points to a real limitation: fragrance-making can hold your interest longer than a short session allows.

The workshop is not wheelchair-accessible and is not recommended for people with disabilities, according to the activity details. Children aged zero to three can attend for free; ages 13 and up pay the adult rate. No specific child policy is given for ages four through 12, so check before booking if you are planning to bring a younger child.

Booking details to keep in mind

You can select either 10:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. when booking, and you must attend at the time you chose. The voucher is valid only for the date and time specified, and you can present it on your phone. Confirmation is normally issued within minutes; contact customer support if it does not arrive.

Cancellation is refundable if you cancel at least 24 hours before the activity date, using Florence local time. After that, late arrival or missing the session means you cannot get a refund. Keep your plans firm and leave enough time to reach the shop.

Should you book the Florence perfume masterclass?

Book it if you like fragrance, want a small-group creative activity, or enjoy taking home souvenirs with a story behind them. The combination of Florence’s apothecary heritage, guidance from a perfumer, and your own 30 ml blend gives the class a clear purpose beyond filling two hours.

Skip it if you are looking for a thorough professional course, need wheelchair access, or would rather spend the money on a ready-made perfume. For most curious visitors, the best reason to go is simple: you get to learn a little about Florence’s perfume tradition, make something personal, and carry the memory home in a bottle.

FAQ

How long does the perfume masterclass last?

The experience is scheduled for two hours.

What do I take home?

You receive a personalized 30 ml bottle of perfume and a certificate of completion.

Where does the class meet?

It meets at Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone in Florence, at Q7C5+69X.

What departure times are available?

The listed departure times are 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. Choose your time when booking and arrive 20 minutes early.

Is the activity wheelchair-accessible?

No. It is not wheelchair-accessible, and it is listed as not recommended for people with disabilities.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Coffee, tea, or water is included.