Make your own scent in old Florence.

This perfume masterclass pairs a 1700s apothecary workshop with hands-on blending guided by a master perfumer, so you leave with a custom 30ml signature fragrance and a signed certificate. I love that it’s structured like a real workshop (you choose notes, then they help you balance them), and I also like the setting at Antica Erboristeria San Simone, with glassware and rare ingredients you can actually smell and understand. One thing to consider: the “history” angle is real, but some people want more theory and more English depth than they get.

The class runs about two hours with a small group (max 15), and that keeps the pace friendly and personal. Still, the menu of scents is limited to what they set out on the tables, so if you expect to sample an endless buffet of essential oils, you might be surprised by how many choices you get.

Key takeaways before you go

• Historic apothecary atmosphere at Antica Erboristeria San Simone, with rare essences and lab-style tools.
• Guided blending, not guesswork: you pick notes, and the perfumer helps dial in the balance.
• Take-home reward: you bottle a 30ml fragrance plus a signed completion certificate.
• Small group feel with a max of 15, so you’re not lost in a crowd.
• English-led class, but instruction depth can vary by group.
• One clear practical tip: arrive about 10–15 minutes early to avoid starting late.

Inside Antica Erboristeria San Simone’s 1700s perfume workshop

Your experience begins at Via Ghibellina, then you head to Antica Erboristeria San Simone. This is not a modern classroom vibe. It feels like you’ve stepped into an older Florence—one where apothecaries and alchemists worked with glassware, ampules, and strange-smelling bottles that look like they belong in a lab.

The workshop matters because it changes how you pay attention. When you’re surrounded by the tools of perfume-making and rare essences, your choices feel grounded. Instead of “smell stuff and hope,” you start thinking like a blender: What does this smell do? Is it sharp or soft? Does it feel light or heavy?

Also, the room is practical. One small detail that pops in reviews: people appreciated that there’s air-conditioning, which is no small thing in Florence.

The master perfumer intro: Florentine roots you can actually use

Before you start mixing, you meet the master perfumer in the workshop. You get an introduction to the history of perfumery in Florence, tied to the Renaissance-era apothecary tradition.

That history isn’t just decoration. It sets up how Florentine perfumers think: perfume grew from practical ingredient knowledge—what grows locally, what works together, and how to build a scent that lasts. Even when the class focus is hands-on, you’ll still hear the idea that perfume is made from ingredient families, and that balance is the whole game.

Some guests expected a deeper dive into Florentine perfumery than they ended up getting. If that’s your main goal, go in with realistic expectations: you will learn enough to make a good blend, but this is still primarily a creation workshop.

Language is another factor. The class is offered in English, and that’s a big plus for independent travelers. But a couple of people noted that English instruction may be shorter than what Italian speakers receive. If you’re picky about detailed explanations, plan to rely on your nose as much as the spoken details.

How you create your personal fragrance (and why it works)

Here’s the core of the class: you build a custom fragrance from a kit of essences, then you bottle it into your own 30ml container.

In practice, the experience feels like this:

• You’re seated at a table with a set of scent options presented for you to sample.
• You choose the fragrances you like.
• The team then helps determine the right mix by adjusting the number of drops based on professional guidance.

That “they help with the drops” part is important for value. If you’ve ever bought perfume-making kits, you know the risk: amateurs can create something that smells fine at first sniff, then turns flat or unbalanced once mixed. Here, you get the fun of choosing while still getting guardrails.

You’ll also hear a basic framework for how perfume composition works. Some guests specifically mentioned the class explained the idea of base, heart, and top notes—how the opening impression differs from what lingers, and why a well-made perfume doesn’t just smell good once. Even a simple explanation changes your choices. You start thinking beyond “I like this smell” and toward “I want this to lead into that.”

One more detail: the scent set is not unlimited. A critical review described about 20 dropper vials available at the table. That doesn’t ruin the class, but it does mean you’re not going to smell everything in the store. Treat it like a curated menu.

What the itinerary feels like hour to hour

The flow stays simple, which is a compliment. This is a two-hour experience designed so you can choose, mix, and leave with your bottle without burning your whole afternoon.

You start with a welcome and store visit to Antica Spezieria Erboristeria San Simone and its artisanal lab. That sets the tone and gives you context for what you’re about to do. Then you get the introduction to perfumery in Florence and start sampling.

After you select your notes, there’s a waiting period while the team mixes your perfume. The group stays seated and the process moves across the tables. If you’re the type who dislikes “sit and wait” experiences, this may feel long—but it’s also part of why the final blend can be consistent and properly portioned.

One practical timing tip from experience: the “be there” time can be about 10 minutes before the listed start. I’d personally aim for 15 minutes early. Florence timing can be flexible, but your nostrils won’t be if you miss the intro.

Coffee break and the small-group vibe (max 15)

Between choosing notes and bottling, you get a break for coffee or tea (complimentary coffee, tea, or water). It’s not just a perk—it’s a reset. When you smell multiple essential notes back to back, your nose gets tired. A sip helps you keep your selection sharper.

The small group size (max 15) is also a big deal. You’re not crowded around one mixing station. You can ask questions, and you’re not spending the whole time waiting for someone to clear out so you can smell a vial.

If you’re traveling solo, that matters too. A few guests said it’s fun to do solo and also works well in pairs. It’s creative, not awkward. People tend to compare choices in a friendly way because everyone is making their own different scent.

The take-home part: 30ml bottle plus a signed certificate

By the end, you bottle your perfume and take home a 30ml fragrance. That’s the perfect size for everyday use: you can bring it with you without it feeling like a tiny souvenir, and it’s large enough to wear enough times to actually learn how it develops.

You also get a certificate of completion, signed by the master himself. That adds a personal touch that you don’t get from typical store shopping. It also helps if you’re gifting this experience, because it feels like you participated in something—not just bought a product off a shelf.

One extra benefit mentioned by some guests: they liked that they can remember or reorder later. The class outcome includes the blend you made, and at minimum you’ll have something tangible to reference when you want to reproduce the scent.

Price and value: is $84.69 worth it?

At $84.69 per person for about 2 hours, this sits in the “experience souvenir” category. You’re paying for four things:

• The location and setting (a historic workshop environment)
• The guided blending help (drops and balance managed by the team)
• The materials outcome (you leave with a 30ml bottle)
• The certificate and overall structure

Is it cheaper than buying perfume in Florence? Usually, no. But it can be better value if you count the experience as the product. You’re not only buying scent—you’re making something personal, learning a bit about note structure, and walking away with a story you can smell.

That said, a couple of lower ratings called out limited sampling and wanted more instruction or more theory. So here’s the tradeoff: if your main goal is deep educational perfume chemistry, this may feel light. If your goal is to make a scent you actually like (with help), it’s a strong fit.

Who this class suits best (and who should choose something else)

This experience is great for:

• People who love perfume and want a hands-on activity in Florence
• Couples and friends who want something different than museums
• Families, including kids, because the process is sensory and creative
• Solo travelers who like structured activities where you still get personal attention

It can be less ideal for:

• If you want a long lecture on Florentine fragrance history, you might feel it’s too short.
• If you expect the widest possible sampling of rare oils, you may find the table options limited.
• If you’re very sensitive to language nuance, note that English instruction may be shorter for some groups.

One review tip that’s worth repeating: if you want a specific ingredient and it’s not on offer, ask. There are cases where an extra scent may be available for an additional charge (one guest mentioned adding Gardenia for about €10). That’s not guaranteed, but it’s a smart question.

Practical tips for enjoying your class in Florence

A few small things can make the experience smoother:

• Arrive early (about 10–15 minutes) so you don’t miss the start window.
• Bring your curiosity more than your expectations. The class is hands-on and nose-led.
• If you’re choosing scents, try to think in terms of roles (opening vs lasting) even if you only get the basics.
• Drink the coffee or tea during the break. It helps reset your smell fatigue.
• If you’re sensitive to strong odors, tell the team early. You’re in control of what you choose, and they’ll guide you on balance.

You’ll also want to plan around the fact that the class ends back at the meeting point on Via Ghibellina. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so build that into your afternoon.

Should you book Perfume Masterclass in Florence?

Book it if you want a fun, hands-on Florence souvenir and you like the idea of making something personal instead of just buying a bottle.

Skip it (or consider a different workshop) if you mainly want a long, detailed perfume lecture or if you’re expecting a huge menu of scent samples with lots of time to compare dozens of oils.

For most people, the best decision rule is simple: if you enjoy smell-based activities and you’re happy to learn by doing, this class is a very worthwhile use of a couple of hours in Florence.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the perfume masterclass?

It runs for about 2 hours.

Where does the class take place?

The meeting point is Via Ghibellina, 190, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The workshop is at Antica Erboristeria San Simone.

How much does it cost?

The price is $84.69 per person.

What language is the class taught in?

The class is offered in English.

What do I take home?

You bottle your own 30ml personalized perfume and receive a certificate of completion signed by the master perfumer.

Is there a break during the workshop?

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

How big is the group?

There is a maximum of 15 travelers.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you’ll need your own transportation to and from the meeting point.

Do I need a COVID test or vaccination proof?

Yes. Guests over 12 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 within 48 hours before the activity starts.

Is it possible to join if I’m bringing a service animal?

Service animals are allowed.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.