Three days. One bench. One leather master. One thing you made.
You spend three days as the apprentice of Franco, a master leather artisan in San Gimignano. His shop, his bench, his hours. You leave with a piece you cut and stitched yourself.
- Cut, stitch and finish a wallet, bag or belt by hand
- Three nights' lodging and every lunch and dinner included
- One to two apprentices only. Never a group.
- No experience needed
From $990.00 USD, all-inclusive · Free to inquire, no card required
From the first sketch to the finished piece.
Gli Aminti is a working shop, so no two days run exactly the same. What does not change is the work. Over three days you go through Franco's whole process, all six steps, by hand.
Concept
Start with what you want to make. Decide before you cut.
Drawing
Sketch the form by hand on paper at full scale.
3D realization
Build a paper mock-up. Hold it. Adjust the line.
Paper pattern
Finalise each piece as a pattern that will be transferred to leather.
Cutting
Cut the leather by hand. The first cut is the most decisive moment of the week.
Stitch and finish
Saddle-stitch by hand. Burnish edges. Stamp with your name.
You open and close the shop with Franco every day. You work the floor when tourists walk in. You eat lunch and dinner at a local trattoria and sleep three nights in a pensione steps from the workshop.
Inquiring costs nothing and requires no card. We confirm with Franco within 48 hours, and only then do we send a quote. Date changes are free up to 60 days before you travel.
Gli Aminti is a working shop, not a showroom.
Every belt, bag and wallet on those shelves was cut, stitched and finished by the same hands that hand you the receipt. Franco and Michela have done this on the same street for more than twenty years.
"This is for the most curious of minds, the restless ones who come alive when the world opens from the inside."
Who it is for
Franco has a beautiful atelier filled with knowledge and wonderful stories. This is an excellent opportunity to experience San Gimignano as a local.
$990 covers more than you think.
Lodging and meals are in. You book your own flight.
Included
- Three full days with Franco in the atelier
- Workshop access, all tools, leather and materials
- A finished piece, stamped with your name
- Three nights at a pensione near the shop
- Lunch and dinner each day at a local trattoria
Not included
- Flights and ground transport to San Gimignano
- Breakfast
- Personal expenses, drinks and shopping
- Travel insurance
Request your dates
Tell us when you want to step in.
Inquiring is free and no card is required. We check availability with Franco and reply within 48 hours with a real answer. You pay only after we confirm your dates.
- Free to inquire, no card required
- You speak to Anna Patricia, not a chatbot
- Date changes free up to 60 days before
- Solo apprentices welcome — most come alone
Message us on WhatsApp.
The fastest way in. Ask about dates, what you would make, whether you are too much of a beginner. You are not.
Chat on WhatsAppFree. No card, no commitment.
Prefer to book directly? Reserve your dates now
Common questions, plainly answered.
Do I need experience?
No. Franco works with adults of all levels. What matters is curiosity, presence, and willingness to slow down. Technical skill comes from being in the room.
When do I pay?
You submit your request, we confirm availability within 48 hours, and only then do we share a quote and payment link. Inquiring is free.
What if my dates change?
Date changes are flexible up to 60 days before your start date, no charge. Inside 60 days we work case by case with Franco.
I am traveling solo, is that fine?
Yes. Most apprentices come alone. Group size is one or two, so you will not be lost in a crowd. This trip is especially well suited to solo travelers.
Is travel insurance included?
No. We require apprentices to carry their own travel insurance covering trip cancellation and emergency medical care. We can recommend trusted providers on request.
What exactly does the $990 cover?
Your three days with Franco, all tools and materials, your finished piece, three nights' lodging near the shop, and lunch and dinner each day. Flights, breakfast, personal expenses and travel insurance are not included.