The Story About Us

The Story About Us

Since 1996
We were the first tour operator to create high-quality small-group tours.
Small groups
When we say small groups, we really do mean it. Maximum sizes are from 7-15 people
Local expertise
Our tours are all created with the help of passionate locals to take you off-the-beaten path.
Responsible tourism
We are proud to stand by the ethical standards of Responsible Tourism.
Most recommended
With features on BBC World, CNN, The History Chanel, and Now This.

Artviva: Your Gateway to Authentic Italian Experiences

At Artviva, we believe that travel is more than just seeing new places—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture, connecting with the locals, and creating unforgettable memories. With over 20 years of experience based in Florence, we offer unique and authentic experiences all over Italy.  When you choose Artviva, you’re choosing a company that truly knows Italy, inside and out. We’re not just a name on a website—we’re here on the ground in Florence, ready to assist you and ensure your journey is seamless from start to finish.

Why reserve with Artviva? Trusted for over 20 years.


 Founded in 1996, Artviva has evolved from a small theater company into Italy’s most highly acclaimed tour operator. With over two decades of experience, we have perfected the art of creating unique travel experiences that blend deep cultural knowledge, passion, and storytelling.

Our long-standing reputation is built on thousands of satisfied travelers who return year after year, knowing they can trust us to deliver authentic and insightful experiences throughout Italy.

florence kids tour
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Expert Guides – The Best in Italy

Our team of expert guides is the cornerstone of Artviva’s success. We work with the most knowledgeable and engaging professionals, including art historians, local authors, artists, and even aristocrats who have an intimate connection to Italy’s rich history and culture. 

Our guides don’t just give you facts; they bring Italy to life, sharing hidden stories, local secrets, and their personal passion for the places you visit. With Artviva, you get more than a guide—you get a local friend who is eager to show you the real Italy.

Highly Recommended and Widely Acclaimed

Artviva is proud to be the most recommended tour operator in Italy, endorsed by every major travel guide including Rick Steves, Lonely Planet, and The New York Times. Our tours have been featured on the BBC, CNN, Discovery Channel, and the History Channel, consistently highlighted for their quality, depth, and creativity.

 When you choose Artviva, you’re choosing a company that’s trusted by travel experts and loved by travelers from around the globe.

Mobile Group Tour
Sustainable Travel
Ethics Code Fiavet 2018
ASTA_American-Society-of-Travel-Agents

Fully Licensed and Compliant for Your Safety

Your safety and peace of mind are our top priorities. Artviva is a fully licensed travel company in accordance with Italian and European consumer protection and safety laws. This means you can book with confidence, knowing that your experience is compliant with all regulations and safety standards.

Our on-the-ground presence in Florence means we are here to assist with any needs, changes, or emergencies, ensuring that your travel experience is as smooth and worry-free as possible.

Experiences, Not Just Tours

We don’t just offer tours; we create experiences that engage, inform, and entertain. Whether you’re exploring the art-filled streets of Florence, discovering hidden gems in Rome, enjoying a luxury villa retreat in Tuscany, or embarking on a private adventure on the Amalfi Coast, every Artviva experience is designed to immerse you in the local culture.

 Our small-group philosophy, with a maximum of six guests, guarantees a more intimate and personal journey, where you can connect deeply with both the guide and your fellow travelers.

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Privacy Policy

EU's new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into effect on May 25, 2018. We want to let you know we’ve updated our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions

Information about the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

We inform you that for the establishment and execution of the contract with you, when you book one of our services our organization comes into possession of some of your data, also acquired verbally, qualified as personal by the European Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR).According to the law, this treatment will be based on principles of correctness, lawfulness, transparency and protection of your privacy. According to article 13 of the GDPR 2016/679, therefore, we provide you with the following information: Nature of the data processed:We process your data:• Anagraphic, fiscal and of an economic nature necessary for the performance of contractual relationships with you, whether current or future;• Spontaneously supplied by you for the personalized execution of the current or future contract, bearing in mind that there is no obligation on your part to supply them. The data are processed with your express consent (Article 24 letter a, b, c Privacy Code and Article 6 letter b, and GDPR) accepting - with a click in the box at the end of the completion of the form - the terms and conditions of the service we perform.All data will be used solely and exclusively to fulfill:• Pre-contractual, contractual, post-contractual and tax obligations arising from relationships with you;• To the obligations established by law, regulations, community legislation or an order of the Authority.We are not in possession of your data that can be classified as sensitive, particular or of a judicial nature (articles 9 and 10 of the GDPR). Purpose of the processing and duration:Your data are processed for the entire duration of the relationship contract and also subsequently, for contractual requirements and related fulfillment of legal obligations and taxation, and for effective management of financial and commercial relationships. The Data Controller will process personal data for the time necessary to fulfill the aforementioned purposes and in any case for no more than 10 years from the termination of the relationship for the purposes of service. Methods of processing: The processing will be carried out with both manual and / or computerized tools telematics with organizational and elaboration logistics closely related to the purposes themselves and however in order to guarantee the security, integrity and confidentiality of the data in compliance with the organizational, physical and logical measures provided for by the provisions in force. Obligation or right to provide data:As regards the data that we are obliged to know, in order to fulfill the obligations established by law, their non-conferment by you involves the impossibility of establishing or continuing the relationship, to the extent that such data are necessary for execution of the same. Scope of knowledge of your data: The following categories of subjects may become aware of your data, as managers or processors, appointed by the undersigned company:• Data controller;• Accounting and billing staff;• Those involved in the marketing and execution of services. Communication and dissemination:Your data will not be disseminated to third parties by us for their provision or consultation.Your data may be communicated by us to entities, as far as their respective and specific competence is concerned and in general to any public or private entity with respect to which there is obligation for us (or faculty) recognized by law or secondary or community legislation) or need for communication, as well as to our consultants, within the limits necessary to carry out their duties at our office organization, after our letter of appointment imposing the duty of confidentiality and security. Rights of the interested party: In accordance with Art. 7 of Legislative Decree 196/03 of the Articles of the GDPR 679/16: 15 / Right of access, 16 / Right of rectification, 17 / Right to cancellation, 18 / Right to limitation of treatment, 20 / Right to portability, 21 / Opposition right, 22 / Right to oppose the automated decision-making process of GDPR679 / 16. You can exercise your rights by writing to the Data Controller with an email to: [email protected] Withdrawal of consent: With reference to Art. 23 of Legislative Decree 196/03 and Article 6 of GDPR 679/16, you can revoke the consent given at any time. Owner and manager of the treatment: The data controller is PIER CARLO TESTA, Director of the company "The Original & Best Walking Tours" with registered office in Via Sassetti 1 in Florence (Italy). The Data Processor, who can be contacted to exercise  rights and / or for any clarificationsregarding the protection of personal data, can be reached at: [email protected]
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