A scent workshop in Florence beats a museum day. You make a signature fragrance with a master perfumer inside a historic 1700s-style apothecary setting, and you leave with a ready-to-use 30ml bottle. I love the hands-on part where you choose essences and then bottle your own scent, and I also love the included coffee/tea break that keeps the experience from feeling rushed. The one thing to keep in mind is that the history intro is real, but in English it can feel short if you’re craving a deeper theory lesson.

This is set up for a small group (up to 15), so you’re not just watching while someone else does the mixing. It’s offered in English and uses a mobile ticket, which makes it pretty smooth to fit into a tight Florence itinerary. If you’re going with kids, it can work well too, since the “pick scents and build a balance” part is naturally engaging.

Key Details I’d Write on a Sticky Note

• Historic apothecary setting (1700s vibe): you’re in an atmospheric workshop environment with rare essences and old-style glassware.
• Build your fragrance from a kit: you choose from available essences, and the team helps translate your choices into the right drop balance.
• You bottle 30ml to take home: you’re not leaving with a tiny dab and a wish.
• Coffee or tea break included: a real pause during the workshop, not a token stop.
• Certificate signed by the master perfumer: nice for framing, and a fun souvenir if you like tangible proof.
• Up to 15 people: small group pacing with staff rotating support.

Make Your Own Perfume in a 1700s Florence Apothecary

If you’re the type who likes souvenirs you actually use, this masterclass fits perfectly. Florence has always had a perfume reputation, and here you don’t just buy a bottle from a shelf. You sit down, smell your way through ingredients, and create something personal.

The setting matters. You’re not doing this in a bright retail store with music blaring. The workshop atmosphere is built around the look and feel of an old apothecary: classic jars, glassware, ampules, and a sense that you’ve stepped into the working space of historical “alchemists.” That backdrop turns a 2-hour activity into something more memorable than a quick purchase.

You’ll also notice the experience is designed around smell-first learning. You’re guided, but your nose is part of the decision-making from the start. That’s one of the big reasons this class gets such high marks: it’s creative, not passive.

Arriving at Antica Erboristeria San Simone on Via Ghibellina

The workshop starts at Antica Erboristeria San Simone, at Via Ghibellina 190 (50122 Florence). Getting there is straightforward, since it’s near public transportation. The meeting point is also the ending point, so you don’t need to plan around a drop-off or a separate transfer.

One small timing tip that can save you stress: the session typically starts at the listed be there time (so plan to arrive a bit early). If you’re used to arriving right on the dot for tours, give yourself a 10–15 minute cushion.

The store itself is part of the show. Even before the actual mixing begins, the space feels like a working laboratory: the kind of place where you could easily picture old bottles and handwritten notes. It’s a nice change from Florence experiences that feel like they happen in a hallway outside a shop.

The Master Perfumer Part: How the Class Actually Flows

The format is simple and very hands-on. You meet the master perfumer in the workshop space, then you get an intro to Florentine perfumery and how fragrances are built. From there, you move into selection and mixing.

Here’s what the process feels like for you:

• You’ll choose scents from a set of available essences (you’re not building from a blank page with unlimited samples).
• The team helps you turn your preferences into a working formula, including how many drops of each essence to use.
• You bottle your custom fragrance (a 30ml bottle), so you take home something substantial.

The best part is that you’re not stuck with one preset. You can usually steer your scent direction: floral, herbal, warm, clean, or more unusual blends depending on what’s in your selection set.

Language note: the class is offered in English. Some people report the English instruction can be brief compared to the support given to Italian speakers. So if you’re hoping for a long lecture with lots of technical detail, you might find the hands-on portion to be the main event.

Choosing Your Scents: The Fun, Smell-Driven Decision Stage

This is where the class earns its reputation. You’re sitting with a group (up to 15 total), but your table has its own time and attention. You smell, compare, and try to build a “signature” that feels balanced.

A useful idea to keep in mind: fragrances often use a structure like base, heart, and top notes. Even in a short workshop, you can usually learn enough to understand why a scent can feel different over time. One benefit of doing it yourself is you start to notice how the first impression and the longer-lasting character can be part of the same blend.

You’ll also get guidance from the staff. In some cases, they may adjust the drop count based on what you pick, which helps you avoid the common beginner problem: selecting scents you love but ending up with something too sharp, too heavy, or simply unbalanced.

One practical consideration: you’ll be working with the essences included in the kit and table selection. Some people come in expecting an enormous menu of oils to sample, and that might not match reality. If your top priority is experimenting with a huge range of rare oils, you may find the selection set more limited than you hoped. If your priority is making a personalized perfume with staff help, it’s a strong setup.

Batching the Mix and Bottling Your 30ml Bottle

Once your blend is chosen, the mixing and bottling step is handled by the team. You’ll feel the difference between “choosing smells” and “creating a formula,” because staff support is what turns your picks into a usable fragrance.

You end up with a 30ml bottle. That’s a big deal for value: a class that only gives a small vial can be a cute novelty, but a full bottle is something you can actually wear, gift, or keep in your travel stash.

You also get a certificate of completion signed by the master perfumer. It’s the kind of detail that takes the experience from I made something to I have a real personal artifact from Florence. If you’re into desk souvenirs or a small wall moment, this helps.

One extra money note from the real world: sometimes you may be able to add an extra ingredient for an upcharge (for example, adding a specific scent like gardenia). If you want a very specific note that isn’t in the default blend plan, ask what options exist before you lock in your final formula.

The Coffee or Tea Break That Keeps It Human

This workshop includes a break for complimentary coffee, tea, or water. It’s not just a wait while the ingredients are mixed. It gives you time to sit, reset your nose, and talk with whoever’s at your table.

That matters more than you’d think. Smelling many strong scents back-to-back can blur your perception. A break helps you appreciate the difference between your options and make choices you’ll actually like once the blend is completed.

What You’ll Learn About Florentine Perfumery (and What Might Feel Short)

You get an introduction to the history of perfumery in Florence and how ingredients are chosen and transformed into fragrances. The workshop’s tone is part educational, part practical.

Here’s a balanced way to think about it:

• If you’re curious and want a clear overview, you’ll likely feel satisfied.
• If you’re expecting a long, detailed lecture in English on historic methods and full perfume theory, you might find the instruction time tighter than you want.

Either way, the takeaway is practical. You’ll leave knowing how to think about blending and what kinds of notes can create the mood you’re going for. And because you make the bottle yourself, that learning sticks more than it would with a passive talk.

Price and Value: Is $84.69 Worth It?

At $84.69 per person for about 2 hours, this isn’t a bargain workshop. It’s more like a quality curated activity, and the value comes from what you take home and what you do.

What you’re paying for:

• Expert guidance from a master perfumer
• Access to a historic apothecary-style setting
• A structured kit of essences and staff help choosing drop ratios
• A full 30ml bottle of your custom fragrance
• A signed certificate

If you compare this to the cost of perfume shopping in Florence, the math can work out in your favor—especially because you’re not just buying an off-the-shelf scent. You’re getting something personalized, plus the experience itself is a meaningful souvenir.

If your budget is tight, you may decide the “experience” portion is the splurge and the bottle is the payoff. If you love fragrance already, this price starts to feel more reasonable because you’ll actually use what you make.

Who Should Book This Perfume Masterclass in Florence?

This is a great fit if you want:

• A hands-on activity that feels different from typical Florence sightseeing
• A wearable souvenir (30ml bottle)
• A creative workshop where the staff help you make something that’s likely to turn out well
• A small-group experience in an atmospheric setting

It can also be a nice choice for parent-child travel. The class is designed to be approachable, and the process of smelling and building a scent naturally holds attention.

You might want a different option if:

• Your main goal is lots of deep, technical perfume instruction in English
• You want an extremely large selection of sample oils to explore freely
• You’re okay with spending less time creating and more time shopping for finished products

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few small things will make your experience smoother:

• Plan to arrive a little early to settle in.
• Wear clothing with neutral scents (perfume or strong deodorant can interfere with your nose during selection).
• Expect the class to focus more on creation than a long lecture.
• If you’re sensitive to strong smells, tell the staff right away so they can guide you through the pacing.

Also, it’s a mobile-ticket activity in English. Service animals are allowed, and the location is near public transportation, which helps if you’re hopping between sights.

Should You Book This Florence Perfume Workshop?

I’d book it if you want a memorable Florence activity that results in something you can use at home. The combination of a historic apothecary setting, real staff guidance, and a 30ml take-home bottle is the core value. The small group size helps it feel personal, not crowded.

Skip it or shop around if you expect a long English lecture, a huge oil sampling menu, or an experience that feels like private perfumery lab time. This is a well-run class aimed at making a great custom scent in a fun, guided way.

If you’re going for a creative, wearable Florence souvenir, this is one of the more satisfying options in the city.

FAQ

How long is the Florence perfume masterclass?

It runs about 2 hours.

Where does the class meet in Florence?

The meeting point is at Via Ghibellina, 190, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What do I get at the end of the class?

You’ll bottle your own fragrance in a 30ml bottle and receive a completion certificate signed by the master perfumer.

Is the class offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is there coffee or tea included?

Yes. The workshop includes a break with complimentary coffee, tea, or water.

Do I need proof for participation due to COVID rules?

For participants over 12, you must present proof of full vaccination, proof of first vaccination at least 15 days ago, proof of infection in the past 6 months, or a negative test taken no more than 48 hours before the activity starts.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time. Changes within 24 hours aren’t accepted, and cancellations made less than 24 hours before start time aren’t refunded.