Art & History
Explore Art & History with Artviva: curated cultural tours, Renaissance storytelling, expert guides and exclusive experiences across Tuscany and Italy.
Artists you can see in Italy
9 Perfect Day Trips from Florence
Non-Touristy Experiences for Florence and Tuscany
All hands up for Arnulf Rainer – great art(ist) in Venice
Project Pyramid: the rolling (& pointy) hills of Tuscany
Visiting the Pyramids … of Rome?
The Best Time to Visit Sicily: Autumn
The 3 Best Months to Visit Venice
10 Incredible Italian Women Who Made History
Around the World Following Leonardo Da Vinci
6 Reasons Why Winter is a Wonderful Time to Visit Italy
The Stumbling Stones of Rome’s Jewish Ghetto: Europe’s Oldest Jewish Community
Christmas in Italy: A Festive Symphony of Traditions and Celebrations
Discover Italy: A Comprehensive Travel Guide – Where and When to Go
Navigating Venice’s New Rules: What Travelers Need to Know
Sicily’s Storytelling Tapestry: From Puppetry to Cuntu – Mimmo Cuticchio – an Exclusive Interview
Experience La Dolce Vita: Top Tips for your Vacation in Florence with Artviva
Journey into Italy’s Heartbeat: The Unforgettable Calcio Storico
Unveiling Puglia: Luxury Villas, Tours & Experiences
Vasari Corridor Reopens 2024: A Must-See in Florence
The Art of Jewelry Making in Florence
The Ultimate Guide to Art & Craft Experiences in Italy
The Leopard – Explore Netflix’s Hit TV Series in Sicily
Tracey Emin in Florence Art Exhibition
Senior Travel in Italy: Explore in Comfort, Style and Authenticity
Florence After Hours: Private Art Experiences at the Uffizi and Michelangelo’s David
Is Sicily Safe to Visit? A Complete Guide for Travelers
Discover the Last Silk Weavers in Venice: A Living Legacy of Art and Craft
Behind @TravelBabbo: How Influencer Eric Stoen Fell in Love with Italy
Villa La Massa: A Luxury Hotel in Scenic Tuscany
Florence’s Secret Passage Reopens at Night: Vasari Corridor Night Tours
Why Booking with a Licensed Italian Tour Company Matters | Artviva
Empowering Women in Music: Lied the Way Workshop Returns to Florence
Italy Your Way: Tailor-Made Travel Packages by Artviva
Ca’ Rezzonico Palace in Venice: Step Into 18th-Century Grandeur
Pinacoteca di Brera in Milan: Five Iconic Art Pieces in one of Italy’s Finest Museums
Top 10 Cultural Experiences in Tuscany You Shouldn’t Miss
Italian Lifestyle Guide: Live La Dolce Vita Every Day
After-Hours Access to Italy’s Greatest Museums
Experience Tuscany Like an Insider
Tuscany by Regions: An Insider’s Guide – Part 2: The Tuscan Riviera
Ravenna: Italy’s Mosaic City of Light and Legend
Beyond the Mosaics: The Best of Ravenna’s Culture, Food & Soul
Ravenna’s Mosaic Marvels: The Four UNESCO Masterpieces You Must See
Corporate Events in Italy | Artviva Luxury Incentive Travel
A Journey Through History, Art, and Timeless Italian Life
Venice Gondola Rides: The Soul of the Floating City
A Taste of Venice: The Ultimate Guide to Venetian Food
Flag Throwing in Florence: a medieval spectacular
Andrea Del Sarto – “The Faultless Painter” in Florence
A Venetian Count and His Palace – Private Experience in Venice
Enjoy an exclusive encounter with a Count from one of Venice’s most ancient and noble families. Our charming Count is one of Venice’s most famous residents and has his own TV series as well as having authored numerous books. With a family as old as Venice itself you’ll enjoy personally hearing all about his authentic Venice as a personal guest in his beautiful Venetian palace.
Florence Marble Carving Sculpture Class – Learn Michelangelo’ s Techniques
Learn the secrets of marble carving in Florence with a renowned Michelangelo expert. In this private workshop, you’ll use traditional tools, explore classical techniques, and shape your own small sculpture. Beginner-friendly and weather-proof, it offers an inspiring glimpse into Italy’s artistic heritage - perfect for creative travelers seeking an authentic Florentine experience.
Renaissance Wedding in a Tuscan Castle
Celebrate a Renaissance wedding in a romantic Tuscan castle with sweeping countryside views, frescoed halls, and candlelit courtyards. Our licensed event team manages ceremony design, styling, production, entertainment, and logistics. Add a Renaissance feast, musicians, costumes for guests, dance leaders, flag wavers, trumpeters, and theatrical performers for a spectacular, immersive celebration your guests will never forget.Price on application.
Falconry and Medieval Games at a Tuscan Castle
Enjoy a day of Tuscan tradition in the grounds of a historic castle. Expert falconers demonstrate the ancient art of falconry while guests enjoy medieval games, archery, and outdoor activities. Ideal for families, celebrations, and corporate events. Available at castles, historic venues, or private villas. Optional costumes, banquet, trumpeters, flag wavers, theatrical performers, and Renaissance-style entertainment.Price on appliaction
Palio Siena-Exclusive Private Viewing Window & Contrada Dinner
Step beyond the ordinary tourist experience into the heart of one of Italy's most passionate medieval traditions. The Palio di Siena transcends sport to become a profound expression of community identity, fierce neighborhood rivalries, and centuries of Tuscan heritage. Our exclusive package places you directly within this cultural phenomenon through privileged access to a private viewing window overlooking Piazza del Campo and an authentic Contrada dinner.
Exclusive VIP Opera Night in a Florentine Palace
A sophisticated Italian opera evening presented in a magnificent frescoed palace in Florence. Exceptional singers and musicians perform beloved arias in an atmospheric setting lit by candlelight. Guests enjoy fine wine, aperitivi, and glamorous surroundings. Ideal for VIP groups, corporate events, anniversaries, and luxury travellers. Every detail can be customised, from repertoire and staging to musicians, decor, and hospitality services.
Classical Concert in a Candlelit Chapel – Florence or Tuscany
Enjoy an intimate classical concert inside a small candlelit chapel in Florence or the Tuscan countryside. Listen to a string quartet, harpist, or vocal ensemble perform masterpieces of Italian and European music. Optional aperitivi, wine tasting, or a full banquet can be arranged after the performance. A beautiful and unforgettable cultural experience.
VIP Renaissance Costume Ball in a Florentine Palace
Step into Florence’s grandest tradition: a Renaissance costume ball held in an exquisite frescoed palace. Guests dress in elegant period attire and waltz, promenade, and dance to live classical music performed by exceptional musicians. With candlelight, orchestral moments, refined choreography, and theatrical touches, this is an unforgettable gala evening. Perfect for corporate celebrations, VIP groups, anniversaries, weddings, and special events. Fully tailored to your needs.
Unique Renaissance Feast & Fireworks Experience
Exclusive VIP Dancing Around Florence Flash Mob Experience
Imagine stepping into a Renaissance city that suddenly becomes your private dance floor. On the Exclusive VIP Dancing Around Florence Flash Mob Experience, you and your guests slip on silent disco headphones while dance leaders in Renaissance inspired costumes guide you through simple choreography. Only your group hears the curated playlist, so the streets remain peaceful while you move together in perfect time, laughing and celebrating in some of Florence’s most atmospheric settings.
Lunch & Winery Tour at a Noble Tuscan Estate
Step into the timeless beauty of Chianti’s countryside at Villa le Corti, the historic estate of the noble Corsini family. This exclusive Artviva experience blends fine wines, history, and Tuscan cuisine in one unforgettable day. Walk through sunlit vineyards, descend into centuries-old cellars, and enjoy a leisurely lunch where every course pairs perfectly with estate wines.
Class and Chaos – Private Palermo Tour
Uncover Palermo’s magnetic contrasts on this exclusive Artviva experience. With a passionate local guide, explore elegant opera houses, vibrant markets, and winding historic lanes that reveal the city’s layered past. Enjoy private access to Teatro Massimo as you journey through Palermo’s fusion of grandeur and grit, an inspiring encounter with Sicily’s most captivating city.
Exclusive Palermo Botanical Garden Tour
Discover the Exclusive Palermo Botanical Garden Tour. Step into Palermo’s historic Orto Botanico, a serene world of exotic flora, neoclassical beauty, and Enlightenment-era curiosity. On this private Artviva experience, wander shaded avenues, explore elegant pavilions, and admire rare species from across the globe. Guided by a botanical expert, uncover the garden’s aristocratic roots and scientific legacy in one of Europe’s most enchanting green sanctuaries.
Livorno Cruise Ship Shore Excursion: Return Transfer to Florence
Enjoy an easy transfer directly from your Livorno cruise ship dock to Florence. Can be combined with any of our experiences in Florence
Fun Gilding Workshop in Florence – A Traditional Artisan Experience
Discover the art of traditional Italian gilding in a historic Florentine workshop. Guided by a master artisan, learn how gold leaf is applied to wood, prepare surfaces, and create your own gilded piece to take home. A fascinating, hands-on experience perfect for art lovers and curious cultural explorers.
Undiscovered Tuscany: Legends and Castles of the Casentino Valley – Private Tour
Step into the hidden beauty of Tuscany’s Casentino Valley on this private tour. Discover off-the-beaten-path castles, fascinating legends, and savor a gourmet lunch with wine tastings. Experience Tuscany’s untouched charm with a historical twist.
Chianti Castles Tour with an Italian Count – Private Tour
Explore medieval Chianti castles on a private tour led by an esteemed Italian historian and count. Visit storied fortresses, learn about noble Tuscan lineages, and take in panoramic vineyard views. The experience concludes with a refined tasting of Chianti’s finest wines, offering an elegant blend of history, culture, and the celebrated flavors of Tuscany.
Private Modena Gourmet and Supercar Valley Tour
Experience the best of Italy’s Supercar Valley on a private gourmet and automotive tour in Modena. Explore the Ferrari and Lamborghini museums, visit an artisanal Parmigiano Reggiano dairy, and enjoy a tasting of traditional balsamic vinegar. The day concludes with an exclusive lunch, creating the perfect blend of world-class engineering and exceptional Emilian cuisine for car and food enthusiasts alike.
Florence For Kids-A Tour with The Great Michelangelo
Join the legendary Michelangelo as he comes to life to guide your children through the streets of Renaissance Florence. This engaging and educational 3-hour tour allows kids to experience history firsthand while exploring famous sites and learning all about the great artist’s life and achievements. Perfect for families with children, this tour brings Florence’s rich past to life in an unforgettable way.
The Godfather Movie Tour – from Taormina
Step into the cinematic world of The Godfather on an exclusive private tour through Sicily’s most atmospheric filming locations. Wander through picturesque hilltop villages and timeless countryside landscapes where unforgettable scenes were brought to life. With expert storytelling that reveals behind-the-scenes history and cultural context, this elegant experience follows the legacy of Don Corleone through the landscapes that inspired the iconic saga.
Becoming Michelangelo – an Exclusive Experience with a World Renowned Expert
Follow in the footsteps of Michelangelo as we visit the places he lived and the paths he trod. You’ll learn all about the secrets of his work with a world-leading PhD scholar, a published Michelangelo expert and an artist who is able to pass off his own work as Michelangelo’s.
On this introduction to the genius of Michelangelo we hear all about his masterpieces – and witness the greatest sculpture in history.
Exclusive Private Dinner with a Noble Family in Their Tuscan Castle
Enjoy an exclusive evening with an ancient Tuscan noble wine making family and a delicious dinner and wine tasting in their stunning hill top castle. As the sun sets over the rolling hills, you'll be welcomed into the warm embrace of their historic residence, where centuries-old traditions and modern hospitality blend seamlessly.
The Best of the Medici Villas Tour – Tuscany
Discover how Medici played a key role in instigating the Renaissance. Visit the Tuscan villa housing one of the greatest collections of still-life artwork. See amazing frescoes that decorate these Renaissance residences. Hear astonishing Renaissance gossip fit for the tabloids. See where mistresses were not-so-secretly kept by prominent figures.
Early Morning Uffizi Gallery Tour – Skip the Line
Begin your morning with privileged priority access, stepping into one of the world’s most important art collections while the galleries are calm and bright. Your expert ArtViva guide sets the pace so you can savor the works that changed the course of art, with ample time to look closely and ask questions.
Artists, Authors and Aristocrats with ArtViva
Let us organize a captivating evening for you in Florence with our wine tasting and speaker event. Join distinguished patron presenters, renowned experts, artists, authors and aristocrats who will inspire, inform and entertain your college, conference or incentive group.
Underground Milan Tour: The Strange, the Gothic, and the Eerie
Step beyond Milan’s classic highlights and uncover the city’s intriguing hidden treasures on this 90-minute walking tour. Explore the hauntingly beautiful San Bernardino alle Ossa, the atmospheric crypt of San Giovanni in Conca, and the Renaissance marvel of Santa Maria presso San Satiro. A captivating journey into Milan’s lesser-known masterpieces and secret corners.
Ancient Roman Life & Ostia Antica Tour
Discover the vibrant daily life of ancient Rome on a private tour of Ostia Antica, the remarkably preserved harbor city near Rome’s port. Walk through centuries-old streets, baths, shops, and mosaics as your expert guide brings the past to life. A fascinating journey into everyday Roman culture, shaped by the meticulous 19th-century excavations that revealed this extraordinary site.
Best of the Catacombs and Appian Way Tour
Journey beyond Rome’s walls along the ancient Appian Way, the storied “Queen of Roads.” Explore remarkable aqueduct remains, hidden burial grounds, and the engineering that sustained the city for centuries. Then venture underground into the Catacombs of San Sebastiano or San Callisto and visit the Tomb of Cecilia Metella. A captivating look at Rome’s ingenuity, history, and sacred spaces.
Urban Opulence: The Best of the Borghese Gallery & Garden Tour
Discover the extraordinary treasures of the Borghese Gallery on a private tour showcasing masterpieces by Bernini, Caravaggio, Titian, Raphael, and Canova. Admire exquisite sculptures and paintings up close before strolling through the villa’s enchanting gardens, adorned with fountains, statues, and sweeping vistas. An elegant journey through Rome’s finest art collection and one of its most beautiful historic landscapes.
An Enchanting Evening: Venice Gondola Ride and Serenade
Glide through Venice’s enchanting canals on a private gondola ride accompanied by live serenade. As the sun sets across the lagoon, enjoy sweeping views, soft twilight reflections, and the gentle rhythm of the water. This atmospheric journey offers an unforgettable romantic interlude, blending music, tradition, and the timeless beauty of Venice at dusk.
Sex, Drugs & Renaissance Public – A Scandalous Florence Walking Tour
Explore the tantalising history and drama in the history of Florence. You'll hear stories of scandal and infamy during this unique adults-only tour of the city. Fame and fortune of the Renaissance wasn't without its dark sides and you'll hear about the infamous reputations and epic rumors: From the outrageous lifestyles of the rich and famous to their crimes of passion, hear all the naughty details behind the names that rocked the world of this high society in Renaissance Florence.
Highlights of the Venice Biennale – The Best of the Best: Full-Day Private Tour
Explore the finest installations, pavilions, and exhibitions of the Venice Biennale on a private full-day tour. Guided by an art expert, you’ll discover the most captivating works, gaining insights into both the artists and the event’s global impact. Perfect for art lovers seeking an exclusive and curated Biennale experience.
Chapel of the Magi in Florence Tour – Private Tour
Discover one of the Renaissance’s most breathtaking treasures - the Chapel of the Magi inside Florence’s Medici Riccardi Palace. Adorned with Benozzo Gozzoli’s luminous frescoes depicting the Procession of the Magi, this intimate masterpiece reveals the splendor of Medici Florence. Enjoy a private guided visit to uncover its history, symbolism, and artistic brilliance in a truly exclusive setting.
Fiat 500 Driving Tour – Florence & Tuscany
Few feelings match the charm of cruising Tuscan lanes in a classic Fiat 500. With Artviva, your day starts in Florence and soon opens to cypress-lined hills, vineyard views, and a relaxed rhythm that invites you to breathe in the countryside.
Highlights of Rome in 1 Day – Walking Tour
Step into two thousand years of history as your expert guide navigates Rome’s grand spectacles and hidden corners. From triumphal arches and storytelling ruins to sunlit piazzas and lively fountains, this private itinerary delivers the city’s greatest hits with context, comfort, and style.
Best of Puglia Tour: Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni
Discover the best of Puglia on a private full-day tour from Lecce, exploring the UNESCO Trulli of Alberobello, the elegant lanes of Locorotondo, and the whitewashed hilltop beauty of Ostuni. With an expert guide, enjoy curated tastings of regional specialties and scenic stops throughout the Valle d’Itria. A beautifully paced day of architecture, culture, and authentic Puglian flavors.
The Original Da Vinci Code Art Detective – Exclusive Florence Experience
The world's leading art detective, and real life Dan Brown Da Vinci Code character will be your guide for 2 hours in this exclusive experience. The only person in the world to have inspected and searched for the mysterious missing Leonardo Da Vinci masterpiece lying hidden for centuries beneath another painting, has caused scandal and hope in his controversial examinations of artworks, challenging their provenance and unfolding deeper mysteries in art history.
Faenza: An Italian Escape
Enjoy a two-day escape to the Etruscan city of Faenza, nestled in the foothills of the Apennines and celebrated worldwide for its ceramics. Visit renowned museums, artisan studios, and local wineries, and savor a traditional pasta lunch in the countryside. The experience includes an overnight stay in a charming boutique hotel— an inspiring journey into art, history, and rural Emilia-Romagna.
Masterpieces of the Vatican St. Peter’s & Sistine Chapel Tour
Experience the grandeur of the Holy City on a private tour of the Vatican with pre-reserved entry for seamless access. Your expert guide leads you through the Vatican’s magnificent galleries, historic halls, and remarkable masterpieces, sharing insights that bring its cultural and spiritual legacy to life. An elegant, memorable introduction to one of the world’s most extraordinary collections.
Private Visit of the Last Gold Beater of Venice – Battiloro Artisan Workshop
Enjoy visiting the Venetian workshop of the last hand gold beater in Europe.
He hand beats gold ingots into pure gold leaves, lighter than feathers. His workshop is in the renaissance home of the great master Titian-one of the greatest masters of Italian art. The workshop is in the tiny back lanes in off the beaten track of non touristy Venice.
The Last Silk Weavers in Venice: Artisan Workshop Visit
Step into the ancient and exclusive workshops on the Grand Canal of the last silk weavers of Venice.
Experience the genius of the first ‘computer’ ever invented. Enjoy learning about the ancient silk trade that brought riches to Venice with this famous workshop with the oldest still used looms. See stunningly beautiful and richly coloured opulent silks in a myriad of colors.
See the velvet silk patterns made for all the great Italian fashion houses and watch exquisite silk patterns made for the Kremlin and other great monuments.
The Church of Santa Croce in Florence – Italy’s Pantheon of Greatness
Uncover the rich history and stunning art of Santa Croce, one of Florence’s most revered sites. Led by an expert guide, this private tour highlights iconic tombs, frescoes, and breathtaking architecture for a memorable journey through Florence’s past.
Tuscany’s Most Beautiful Hilltop Towns: Volterra, Monteriggioni & San Gimignano – Private Tour
Explore the breathtaking hilltop towns of Volterra, Monteriggioni, and San Gimignano on a private day tour. Discover the history, legends, and beauty of these iconic Tuscan villages with a knowledgeable guide. Enjoy a wine tasting and a delicious Tuscan lunch at a local trattoria. Transfers from Florence or other locations available on request.
Life in Medieval and Renaissance Florence Tour – Private Tour
Step into Florence’s fascinating past with our "Life in Medieval and Renaissance Florence Tour." This immersive experience uncovers the daily lives of Florence’s medieval and Renaissance residents, from navigating the challenges of the Black Plague to enjoying the art, faith, and social customs of the time. Highlights include visiting iconic sites like Palazzo Davanzati, Basilica of Santa Croce, Orsanmichele, and the exterior of Santa Maria Novella where Boccaccio’s Decameron tells tales of young Florentines meeting during the tumultuous days of the Black Plague.
Machiavelli in Tuscany with an Italian Count-Day Tour with Lunch and Wine Tasting – Private Tour
Step into the world of Niccolò Machiavelli with a private tour in Tuscany. Visit sites linked to the renowned philosopher with an Italian historian Count descended from Machiavelli. Enjoy a guided wine tasting, and indulge in a traditional Tuscan lunch with views of the Chianti countryside.
Palazzo Strozzi – Strozzi Palace Contemporary Art Tour
Enjoy a private contemporary art tour inside the magnificent Renaissance Palazzo Strozzi, Florence’s leading venue for modern exhibitions. Explore innovative installations, sculptures, and digital works in a stunning architectural setting. Exhibitions change regularly, making every visit unique. Conclude your experience with a relaxed glass of Prosecco in a famous bar.
The Most Beautiful Gardens and Views in Florence Tour
Explore Florence’s breathtaking gardens and iconic views from San Miniato and Florence’s hilltop gardens. Enjoy the serene beauty of Boboli, Bardini, and Rose Gardens before concluding your journey in the charming San Niccolò quarter, where you can savor an authentic Florentine meal.
Science in Renaissance Florence – A Galileo Tour
Dive into Florence’s scientific heritage with a private Science Tour, exploring Galileo’s impact and the clash of beliefs during the Renaissance. Discover the city’s most significant sites related to astronomy, time, and religious influence, ending with an in-depth visit to the Museum of Galileo.
Private Walking Tour: The Godfather of the Renaissance – Medici Family and Florence
Step into the world of the Medici with "The Godfather of the Renaissance" tour, a private journey through Florence’s historical sites that reveal the rise of one of history’s most influential families. Perfect for lovers of history, art, and the Medici legacy, this tour uncovers Florence’s Renaissance past in unforgettable detail.
Private Mosaic Workshop and Iconic Mosaic Tour with Local Artisan in Ravenna
Explore Ravenna’s most famous mosaics with a guided 1-hour tour of the main mosaic site in the city center, followed by a hands-on Private Mosaic Workshop with a local artisan. Perfect for art lovers, families, and even team-building events, this experience connects you deeply with the art of mosaic-making.