Perfume in a 1700s apothecary sounds perfect. In this small-group class at Antica Erboristeria San Simone, you’ll learn how Florentines have been turning rare plant essences into scents for centuries, then build your own in guided steps. I especially liked the hands-on bottling (you leave with a 30ml perfume) and the setting, with glassware and ampules that make the whole process feel like Renaissance “alchemy.” One possible drawback: if you want more deep, continuous instruction in English, you may find the language time can be brief.

You’ll spend about 2 hours making choices, mixing, and finishing your bottle, with a coffee or tea break included. At 15 people max, the vibe stays relaxed, and you get enough attention to get your proportions right. Price-wise, it’s not a cheap souvenir, but it’s one of the better deals in Florence for a finished fragrance you can actually wear, not just sample.

Key things to know before you go

• Historic 1700s apothecary setting that fits the story of Florentine perfumery
• Make-and-take 30ml bottle plus a certificate signed by the master perfumer
• Personalized formula building, guided by staff based on what you like
• Small group size (max 15), so you are not lost in a crowd
• Coffee or tea break included during the workshop
• English is available, but expect instruction to be practical, not a long lecture

Antica Erboristeria San Simone: Your starting point on Via Ghibellina

This experience meets at Via Ghibellina, 190, 50122 Firenze FI. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you’ll want to navigate there yourself, then return to the same spot when it ends. The good news: it’s near public transportation, so you can plan it as a simple part of your day without booking a whole cab around it.

I like this format for Florence because it keeps things easy. You’re not committing to complicated routing. You show up, get your bearings in a real apothecary space, and get to the fun part fast: smelling, choosing, and creating.

The 1700s apothecary workshop: where the story feels real

Once inside, the workshop atmosphere is the kind of detail that makes this class more than a routine “DIY” activity. You’re in a historic setting, and you’ll see the kinds of tools and materials that match the apothecary world: glassware, ampules, and rare essences arranged like you’ve stepped into an old laboratory.

This matters, because perfume is sensory. The place you learn in affects how you experience the scents. Instead of sniffing in a bright retail aisle, you’re surrounded by an environment designed for concentrated, careful work. That makes it easier to focus on differences between notes, and it makes the process feel grounded in the craft rather than a quick gimmick.

The Florence perfumery history: practical context, not a huge lecture

You’ll get an introduction to the history of perfumery in Florence and how Renaissance-era roots shaped the way scent was made and used. The goal here is not to overwhelm you with dates. It’s to connect what you’re doing in the room to a local tradition.

You should also think of this as a crash course in how fragrance is structured. In plain terms, you’ll learn how to choose ingredients and transform them into a special fragrance. Some participants have said they wanted more theory, so manage expectations: the teaching is present, but the workshop still centers on making the scent.

In practice, you’ll walk away with a better sense of why the same perfume can smell different on skin after some time, and why your drop choices matter.

Choosing your ingredients: turning preferences into a formula

Here’s the core of what you came for: you create a personalized fragrance. You do it from a kit of essences, and the process is guided, not random.

What I find helpful is the way the class turns your likes into a measurable result. You’re able to select scents you enjoy, then staff help translate that into the number of drops needed for your final blend. That takes the guesswork out. If you’ve ever bought perfume where the bottle sounded perfect but the scent disappointed, this is the opposite experience. You build the scent from your own preferences, with professional guidance steering the proportions.

If you want a specific flower note

Some people aim for a particular ingredient, like gardenia. If there’s a scent you want that isn’t in the standard set, they may offer it for an extra charge. So if you have a “must-have” note in mind, keep it realistic and flexible.

A quick reality check on sampling

The room is set up for group work, which means you may not get unlimited sampling of every possible essence. If you’re the type who wants to test dozens of tiny vials until you find the one perfect oil, you might feel your options are more limited than what a big “take samples” experience would offer. Still, the class is designed so you don’t spend the entire session circling without deciding.

Mixing, bottling, and the signature 30ml takeaway

After you choose and the staff help calculate your drops, the workshop moves into the blending and bottling stage. You’ll end up with 30ml of your own personalized perfume, which is the right size for real use. This isn’t a cosmetic mini you’ll forget in a drawer.

You’ll also receive a certificate of completion signed by the master perfumer. The signature is more than decoration. It’s a nice touch that reinforces that you did something crafted and intentional.

One more thing to plan for: scent develops. Even when the blend is finished that day, many people notice the perfume changes after it has time to rest and integrate. If you’re taking it home as a gift, consider giving it a “preview” sniff now, then a second sniff later after it settles.

The coffee or tea break: a needed pause in a scent-focused session

At some point during the workshop, you’ll get a break with complimentary coffee, tea, or water. This is surprisingly important. When you’re smelling lots of different notes close together, your nose needs resets. The pause helps you return to the room with better focus, and it makes the whole experience feel more comfortable instead of a nonstop sensory sprint.

If you get headaches from strong odors, use the break as your reset and take it slow with your last few selections.

Language and pace: English is offered, but don’t expect a long lecture

The class is offered in English, and that’s a big plus for visitors who don’t speak Italian. The tone, though, is practical. It’s designed to get you creating your fragrance, so the instruction is aimed at guiding decisions, not delivering an extended history talk.

A common theme from participants is that some language explanation can feel brief. If you care a lot about the deeper “why” behind each step, I’d treat this as a fun workshop with strong hands-on time rather than a full perfume education course. You’ll still learn enough to understand your own finished scent and how to talk about it.

Also, if you’re lucky enough to meet staff who are quick with explanations (one staff member named Elena is mentioned positively by participants), you’ll likely feel more confident navigating the choices.

Price and value: is $84.69 worth it?

At $84.69 per person for about 2 hours, the value depends on what you expect from the experience.

Here’s what you’re getting that justifies the price:

• A made-for-you 30ml bottle of fragrance
• A signed certificate
• Guidance from a master perfumer and staff support in choosing and balancing drops
• A real historic apothecary environment, not a sterile classroom
• A small group setting, plus coffee or tea included

Is it “cheap”? No. But it’s not overpriced for Florence when you compare it to buying a quality perfume that already has your taste in mind. The big difference is personalization. You’re not just selecting a scent off a shelf. You’re building it, and that creates a souvenir you can wear long after your trip ends.

If your goal is purely a history lesson, you might feel you could get more from a museum or a guided walk. But if you want a memorable, sensory craft with a useful result in your bag, this price is easier to justify.

Who should book this perfume masterclass

This is a great fit if you:

• Love scents and want to understand what you’re actually smelling
• Want a creative activity that feels special without being physically demanding
• Are looking for a unique Florence souvenir you can use, not just photograph
• Want a group-friendly experience with enough structure that it works solo too

It’s also a solid pick for family time and couple time, since the workshop is designed so most people can participate. Just note the age-related requirement: participants over 12 must show proof related to vaccination, prior infection, or a recent negative test, based on the rules listed for this activity.

Timing and getting there without stress

Plan on arriving a bit early. Many classes run at the practical start time, not exactly to-the-minute perfection. Give yourself a cushion, especially if you’re coordinating transit or walking in from the center.

Bring curiosity, not a rigid plan. Most people start with preferences, then end up surprised by how well different notes combine once the proportions are guided. And when you step out, you’ll have something tangible that smells like your own choices, made in Florence.

Quick reality check: because there’s no hotel pickup, your day needs to be flexible around the meeting point, not the other way around.

Should you book this perfume masterclass?

If you want a Florence activity that’s creative, scent-based, and actually gives you something to take home and use, this is an easy yes. I’d book it if you like the idea of leaving with a 30ml personalized fragrance, a signed certificate, and the kind of guided decision-making that helps you create a balanced blend.

Skip it, or at least temper expectations, if you’re looking for hours of deep lecture, or if you want limitless sampling. The class is designed for making, not tasting everything in sight.

If you’re celebrating something, it also works beautifully as a shared experience. And because it’s max 15 people, it usually feels personal rather than chaotic.

FAQ

How long is the perfume masterclass in Florence?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Is the class offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What do I take home at the end of the class?

You take home a 30ml bottle of your personalized perfume and a certificate signed by the master perfumer.

Where do I meet for the workshop?

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

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you’re responsible for transportation to and from the meeting point.

How many people are in the group?

The class has a maximum of 15 travelers.