The Apprenticeship Series
Step into the life of a Tuscan leather artisan.
Three days inside a real working atelier in San Gimignano. You arrive when Franco arrives. You leave when Franco leaves.
Step into the life of
Franco and Michela. Two decades, one shop.
Franco and Michela have made leather by hand on the same street in San Gimignano for more than twenty years. Gli Aminti is a working atelier, not a showroom. Every belt, bag and wallet on the shelves was cut, stitched and finished by the same hands that hand you the receipt.
For three days you do not browse the shops of San Gimignano. You are inside one of them.
What you will do
A real working day, not a workshop.
You open the shop with Franco in the morning and close it with him at night. Between those two moments, you cut, stitch and finish a piece by hand and you take it home.
- Open and close the shop with Franco, every day
- Cut, shape, stitch and finish a wallet, small bag or belt
- Work the shop floor when tourists walk in
- Eat lunch and dinner with the family at a local trattoria
- Sleep three nights in a pensione steps from the workshop
The six steps
From the first sketch to the finished piece.
Step 01
Concept
Start with what you want to make. Decide before you cut.
Step 02
Drawing
Sketch the form by hand on paper at full scale.
Step 03
3D realization
Build a paper mock-up. Hold it. Adjust the line.
Step 04
Paper pattern
Finalise each piece as a pattern that will be transferred to leather.
Step 05
Cutting
Cut the leather by hand. The first cut is the most decisive moment of the week.
Step 06
Stitch and finish
Saddle-stitch by hand. Burnish edges. Stamp with your name.
Who it is for
This is not for tourists. It is for the most curious of minds — the restless ones who come alive when the world opens from the inside.
No leatherwork experience required. What you do need is patience, curiosity and the willingness to spend a full working day on your feet in a small Tuscan shop.
What is included
What you take home, and what you bring.
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
At a glance
- Location
- San Gimignano, Tuscany, Italy
- Duration
- Three days, shop hours (≈9–7)
- Group size
- One to two apprentices
- Price
- From USD $990, all-inclusive
- Language
- Italian and English
- Best season
- Year-round (limited availability July–August)
- Not included
- Flights, breakfast, and personal expenses.
Booking is request-based. We confirm availability within 48 hours.
What’s Included
● Hands-on participation in the coffee harvest
● Learning alongside experienced farm workers
● Breakfast each morning
● Basic lunch each day
● Accommodation, depending on the option selected
● Pre-arrival information and booking coordination
Dinner is not included.
You may choose the stay that best fits your travel style:
Option 1
Stay at the coffee farm
Included in the price
Option 2
Stay at a lodge in town
Included in the price
Option 3
Book an Airbnb or lodge of your choice
Not included unless otherwise arranged
These can be scheduled separately and are not included in the apprenticeship price.
Coffee-related
● Coffee tour
● Additional coffee tour
● Cupping experience in Boquete
● Specialty cupping in Panama City
Adventure
● Hike Volcán Barú
● Volcán Barú by 4x4 off-road jeep
● Boquete Tree Trek hanging bridges
● Boca Chica fishing trip
● Lost Waterfalls hike
Culinary
● Chocolate-making class
● Brewery tour and sampling