Florence is a wonderful city that offers so many historic sights and cultural venues regardless you’re a Florence first timer or a seasoned Medici aficionado. Florence is also a renowned romantic getaway and perfect for a special holiday so it makes sense to treat yourself to one of these memorable Florence boutique hotels, stylishly decorated with absolutely gorgeous atmosphere and breathtaking locations.

Hotel River

The elegant and classy River hotel is located on the Arno River and provides some exceptional views over Santa Croce (in the centre of Renaissance Florence). This lovely hotel is a great place to stay when visiting Florence as it offers that special Florentine charm combined with the excellent location close to the main Florence must see sights. In the 19th century this was the grand home of a family of Florentine aristocrats. The whole building has been carefully renovated in a classic high end Italian style with some wonderfully romantic touches such as the intricate cast iron beds and antique furnitures.

Villa Mangiacane

You will enjoy the magic of Tuscany in this romantic family run hotel set right in the heart of the colorful Tuscan countryside. At Villa Mangiacane guests are surrounded by picturesque olive groves, vineyards and rolling lush hills. This luxury property, built in the 15th century, was once the magnificent stately home of the world renowned Machiavelli family. This luxury property has been fully renovated to provide the elegance and grandeur of its long history and offers some stunning luxury suites and spacious public areas to relax and unwind in after a long day under the Tuscan sun.

Palazzo Magnani Feroni

Staying at the Palazzo Magnani Feroni hotel makes a breathtaking experience from the moment you reach enter. This stunning historic building used to be the grand residence of a powerful Florence family but has now been transformed into a beautiful small luxury hotel. The beautiful façade opens up to reveal an elegant and exquisitely decorated interior complete with the standard of antiques you would expect to find locked away in museums and art galleries. There is also a stunning terrace where guets can relax over a light dinner and enjoy great views out over the Renaissance sky line of Florence. Treat your beloved ones to a well deserved holiday at this amazing 5 star hotel which offers some of the best accommodation in Florence.

Hotel Villa Stanley

Stay away from the crowds of Florence by choosing the stylish Villa Stanley hotel. Villa Stanley is conveniently located in the peaceful Florence suburbs offering a convenient place to stay whilst visiting Florence and the Tuscan countryside. This lovely 4 star hotel is set within a well tended park and provides a historic and relaxing experience with easy access to both the city and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Guests will enjoy the traditional 18th century style décor and taste some fine Tuscan delicacies at the hotel delicious restaurant.

Palazzo Vecchietti

Palazzo Vecchietti hotel is located in one of the classic Florentine stately homes and offers its guests stylish and elegant surroundings. This is a very private hotel that provides top class luxury amenities such as a personal butler service and some stunning views out over the city of Florence. The stylish Italian décor and classical architecture of this 15th century palace are combined with a wonderful ambience to provide a rich taste of Florentine noble culture and history.

Guest post by Escapio.com

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in providing personalized Italy travel services designed for the independent traveler visiting Italy with family and children, with his/her business partners or simply on his/her own! Based in Rome, Italy Nancy Aiello Tours offers a wide range of top quality Italy travel services for the demanding Italy visitor who wants to enjoy Italy art and history, Italian food and made in Italy shopping in comfort and style. We are glad to offer our privileged guests private Italy transfers by fully insured a/c Mercedes Benz limo and minivans, Italy V.I.P. concierge services, Italy accommodation tips, Italy tour planning services, private guided skip the line Italy museum private guided visits, and more.

Italy Private Guided Tours with Nancy Aiello Tours of Italy

Ciao from Italy:-)

Nancy Aiello @ ItalyTravelista.com

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© Photos courtesy of Escapio.com

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When in Florence treat yourself to one of these memorable Florence boutique hotels with top quality service, atmosphere and memorable Florence locations to enjoy the best Florence has to offer.

Related posts:

1. Tuscany Top 5 Boutique Hotels & Restaurants | Italy Travel Tips

Whatever type of vacation you’re looking for, anything from a beach holiday to a city break, Italy is a fantastic destination that caters for all needs. Flying to Italy from the UK is no problem at all, with regular routes from Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Edinburgh and London airports. If you’re someone who plans ahead, booking flights to Italy a few months in advance can save you lots of money.

Rome is considered by many to be the cultural capital of Europe, if not the world. Italy’s capital is home to some great architectural wonders such as the Great Colosseum, the Piazza della Repubblica, the Trevi Fountain, and the Sistine Chapel. Located in the heart of the capital is the Vatican City, and St Peter’s square is something you simply have to visit when in the vicinity. The sheer beauty of the city makes it an ideal place for a romantic break abroad.

In addition to Rome, Italy is full of other vibrant and must-see cities. There is Milan with its beautiful cathedrals, Naples with its unique architecture, Venice with its network of waterways, and the Roman edifices of Verona. . Nearly all of Italy’s cities boast a rich historic heritage and are distinctive in one way or other, take Pisa, for example, with its Leaning Tower.  You can get cheap flights to Verona and all of Italy’s other major cities from the links below.

What’s so fantastic about Italy is that there is also so much to do outside of the country’s great cities. With the Alps to the North and the Appennine Mountains forming the peninsula’s backbone, the country houses some astounding places of natural beauty. Throughout the country there are some scenic lakes, of which Lake Garda is perhaps the most well known, as well as some quintessential small towns and villages.

The country’s mountainous region also makes it a great location for all kinds of outdoor sports and activities. Whether you’re keen to go bungee jumping, rock-climbing or kayaking, there will plenty of opportunities for you. Keen on Skiing? Italy has some fabulous skiing resorts, such as those at Alagna Valsesia and Courmayeur, that offer some amazing pistes.

While you’re in the country it’s definitely worth taking a trip to the iconic ruins at Pompeii. Having been buried under the ash an eruption at Mount Vesuvius, the city is near-perfectly preserved to present the best depiction ever of life in the Roman Empire.

If you’re someone who enjoys more of a quieter holiday, then Italy has a coastline that stretches some 7,600 kilometers that is strewn with secluded golden beaches. If you’re enjoying a family holiday, then there are plenty of beach resorts such as San Remo that cater for adults and children alike.

Whatever you’re after, Italy has it. It’s a fantastic country that boasts a friendly and accommodating atmosphere as well as some of the most beautiful buildings and landscapes anywhere in the world. And what’s more, there are plenty of budget airlines that will take you there for a very reasonable price.

Guest post by cheapflights.co.uk

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in providing personalized Italy travel services designed for the independent traveler visiting Italy with family and children, with his/her business partners or simply on his/her own! Based in Rome, Italy Nancy Aiello Tours offers a wide range of top quality Italy travel services for the demanding Italy visitor who wants to enjoy Italy art and history, Italian food and made in Italy shopping in comfort and style. We are glad to offer our privileged guests private Italy transfers by fully insured a/c Mercedes Benz limo and minivans, Italy V.I.P. concierge services, Italy accommodation tips, Italy tour planning services, private guided skip the line Italy museum private guided visits, and more.

Italy Private Guided Tours Tour Italy at your family pace with Nancy Aiello Tours of Italy

Ciao from Italy

Nancy Aiello @ ItalyTravelista.com

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© Copyright 2010, Cheapflights.co.uk and Nancy Aiello Tours

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Related posts:

1. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!
2. Travel to Italy | Fashion Outlets and Slow Food Restaurants in Italy
3. Travel to Italy | Tour Rome in 48 Hours

Siena Medieval Piazza del Campo | Torre del Mangia | Tower of Siena

The hill top town of Siena located in Tuscany and listed by UNESCO as World Heritage Site is one of the most charming places to visit in Italy. Sienna is world famous for the Palio, the stunning Torre del Mangia and the outstanding Duomo but when in Siena visitors should not miss the opportunity to visit the Crete Senesi, where Tuscany reveals its truest and most beautiful identity.

Crete Senesi Art of the Landscape | Tours from Siena

The Crete Senesi, the clay hills of Siena, offer a remarkable landscape of rolling hills that adopts the form of the senses and communicates with the force of emotions. This is an interesting journey through one of the most celebrated landscapes in the whole Italy. The Crete are a sea of greyish waves not  softened by woods or trees to be found just outside Siena when driving towards the south. Here, along the via Cassia, overlapping the ancient via Francigena, we find the 14th c.  walls of Buonconvento known for an interesting Sacred Art museum and a museum dedicated to sharecropping . From here we climb to the Abbey of  Monte Oliveto Major dramatically set at the edge of a steep slope of clay. This is one of the most visited monuments in Tuscany thanks to its religious and artistic heritage. The frescoes in the kiosk, the inlaid choir or the library are not to be missed. San Giovanni d’Asso is the capital of Tuscan truffles. The village castle is now the first museum in Italy  dedicated to these noble and expensive bulbs. Asciano is the most important town in the Crete area with its interesting Romanesque church and Archaeological and Art museum.

Clay Hills of Siena | Romantic Tuscany

Siena is separated from the Crete by a few miles and hundreds of curves, now and then its turreted profile appears on the horizon.

Siena Profile from the Crete | Travel Tuscany

The crete of Siena is a portrait that varies from red to purple in fall, becomes gray as the sky in winter, evolves to brilliant green in spring, and finally shows a dazzling yellow in summer when the wheat is already high, this is a borderland where the colors of the Crete meets with the green shoulders of Chianti offering incomparable views in this sea of land of endless wheat fields dotted with hamlets, farms, vineyards, churches and winding roads.

Memorable Colours | Crete in Siena

The appearance of the clay hills changes with the season and sunlight but the most fascinating phenomenon here is that it is enough just to walk the same street in the different directions to discover a whole different world.

Crete with a View | Hill Top Farm in the Crete Area

All the streets of these hills provide excellent spots to take pictures, to observe, to wonder, to meditate, to paint, and to fall in love!

Hills of Siena | Siena Countryside | Enjoy Tuscany Landscapes

What to See

ASCIANO – The 14th Century Abbey of Monteoliveto Maggiore the most important monastery in the Siena area, the 11th Century Saint Agata’s Basilica, the Gothic church of San Bernardino home to the Etruscan Museum and the late Gothic Church of Saint Francis, Piazza del Grano with its 15th Century travertine fountain by Paolo Ghini.

Weekly Market on Saturday | Asciano Crete Market – Second Sunday of every month

Unique Landscape of Tuscany | Crete Senesi | Clay Hills of Siena

RAPOLANO TERME – Porta dei Tintori, Piazza del Castellare, the Romanesque Church dedicated to Saint Bartolomeo, the breathtaking view over Siena’ s tower. Weekly Market on Friday

A View of the Crete from Rapolano Terme | Landscapes of Tuscany

SERRE DI RAPOLANO – The gorgeous historical center, the outstanding medieval architectural complex of Palazzo della Grangia, and its surrounding gems such as the villages of Armaiolo and Poggio Santa Cecilia, and the 12th Century Castle of Madanella.

Best Restaurants Around the Clay Hills of Siena

Da Mario | Buonconvento | Euro 25

Da Roberto Taverna in Montini | San Giovanni d’Asso | E.30

Il Conte Matto | Trequanda | Euro 35

Modanella | Modanella | Euro 35

La Pievina | 9 Via Lauretana Asciano | Euro 50

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips or pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Enjoy Tuscany!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Private Guided Vatican and Rome Tour, Siena and Tuscany wine tasting tours, and Italy Tours for the value conscious travelers and family visiting Italy with children.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing this article please contact Nancy Aiello Tours for consent & info.

Nancy Aiello Tours of Tuscany | Travel to Tuscany

Related posts:

1. Tuscany Top 5 Boutique Hotels & Restaurants | Italy Travel Tips

Outlet Shops in Italy

Shopping in Italy, after museums and monuments, is another great reason to travel to Italy. Italy’s hottest places to shop are the hidden-away designer outlet malls offering Italian top quality brands and Made in Italy’s Fashion at 30 to 75% off their original store prices.
This short list of Italy’s outlets is guaranteed to make your designer-loving heart go a-flutter and give you major mileage for your buck! And after a long day of glorious shopping afford your feet and credit card a well-deserved break by sampling tasty Italian food in a Slow Food Restaurant.

Castel Guelfo Outlet City

Castel Guelfo Outlet, just a short ride from Bologna and the Riviera of Romagna, is the ideal place for quality bargain shopping in the Emilia Romagna Region. At Castel Guelfo Outlet there are over 70 outlets selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, sportswear, accessories and cosmetics, with huge discounts on over 100 leading Italian and international brands. Castel Guelfo Outlet also features cafés, restaurants, children’s dedicated areas and lots of events designed to entertain families with kids.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Trattoria E’ Parlamintè | Via Mameli 33 | Imola
Best Bets: Culatello Ham | Meat Sauce Hand Made Tagliatelle | Rosemary Beef

Hostaria 900 | Viale Dante 20 | Imola.
Best Bets: Chianina Carpaccio | Tortellini in light broth | Lamb Rack

The Place Luxury Outlet

The Place Luxury Outlet is less than an hour’s drive from Milan or Turin showcasing the most prestigious Italian Fashion Designers such as: Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Gucci, Sergio Rossi, La Perla and Vogart Sunglasses. The Place Outlet offers a wide selection of elegant clothing, Italian-Made shoes and classy accessories for both men and women, as well as a café and a fine restaurant that specializes in excellent Piedmont cuisine. A visit to The Place will transform a day of shopping into a true luxury experience!

Slow Food Restaurant:
Restaurant Baracca | Via Sant’ Eusebio 12 | Biella
Best Bets: Cold Cuts | Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce | Cheese Ravioli

Veneto Designer Outlet

Veneto Designers Outlet is strategically located at less than one hour drive from Venice. The design inspiration for this outlet comes from the palazzos of the surrounding Veneto region paying homage to the classic Italian style. The buildings are laid out along streets, plazas and squares, some of which are lined with covered archways to give you the Venice feel, less the Gondola. There are over 140 stores including major fashion brands like Armani, Aspesi, Bikkembergs, Borbonese, Jill Sander, Les Copains, Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Valentino, and Costume National.
As added bonus in July and August Veneto Region will be the venue for Veneto Jazz Festival 2009 with an international star-studded program.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Osteria Cà D’Oro Detta Alla Vedova | 3912 Cannaregio Ramo Cà D’Oro | Venice
Best Bets: Busara Spaghetti | Liver Venetian Style | Polenta

Trattoria Dalla Marina | 652 Cannaregio Fondamenta San Giobbe | Venice
Best Bets: Gnocchi | Seafood | Tripe

Serravalle Designer Outlet

Serravalle Designer Outlet is located about halfway between Milan (80 kilometers) and Genoa (50 kilometers) and since its opening in September 2000 over 20 million conscious value fashion victims have visited these Made in Italy’s Mecca. The biggest and most impressive factory outlet in Europe, with a sales area of 40,000 square meters, consists of 180 stores, selling designer-label clothing, shoes and accessories, plus cafés, restaurants, fast food outlets, and a children’s playground.
Stores include Bulgari, Brooks Brothers, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, La Perla, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Frette, Ferragamo, Versace, Benetton, Bassetti, Mandarina Duck and much more.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Restaurant Cappelverde | Via San Pio, 26 | Alessandria
Best Bets: Pesto Lasagna | Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce | Meat Sauce Agnolotti

Trattoria Razmataz | Via Bellini 24 | Alessandria Best Bets: Cheese Platter | Oxtail with Barbera | Tripe

Shop 'til You Drop for the Latest Fashion Items

The Mall or Gucci Factory Outlet

The Mall Outlet, set in the Tuscan Hills, is often referred to as the Gucci outlet and is located just a thirty-minute drive south of Florence on the way to Leccio. The Mall was opened on August 2001 and has since expanded now offering Italian and international luxury labels like Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Armani (3 shops), Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Diesel, Zegna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Hogan, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Pucci, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Saint Laurent …. need more reasons to visit The Mall?!
The Mall is bargain hunting at it’s finest, very popular with tourists, expect busloads of Japanese shoppers, so arrive early as it is likely that you’ll have to queue your way out. For a break head to the on-site restaurant for tasty Tuscan food and wine.

Prada Outlet in Tuscany

Space or Prada Outlet | Via Levanella Becorpi | Montevarchi (AR)

Some 35 minutes away from either Arezzo or Florence, in the middle of nowhere, housed in a depot as big as an hangar, Prada Outlet, also known as Space is a not to miss experience for the value conscious fashionista! This is a shopping Mecca where you’ll find great bargains not only on Prada most coveted items but also on labels like Miu Miu, Car Shoe, and Church. It’s very easy to rack up a bill in the hundreds, but keep in mind you’d never find prices like this in a Prada store. This is by far my favorite factory outlet in Italy!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Antica Trattoria da Guido | Via Madonna del Prato 85 | Arezzo
Best Bets: Cold Cuts | Ribollita Soup | Rabbit stuffed with Artichokes

Enoteca La Torre di Gnicche | Piaggia San Martino 8 | Arezzo
Best Bets: Onion Soup | Pappa al Pomodoro | Zolfini Beans

Fidenza Village Outlet

Fidenza Village is one of Italy’s most popular outlet shopping centers, a lineup of 90 upscale stores and boutiques with famous designer outlets including Versace, Calvin Klein, D&G, Duvetica, Furla and Trussardi. Fidenza Village, midway between Milan and Bologna also offers, for a fee, expert style consultant services to guide customers towards exciting new looks.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Trattoria Ai 2 Platani | Via Budellungo, 104 | Parma
Best Bets: Parma Ham of course | Balsamic Vinegar Gnocchi | Cotechino

Trattoria Antichi Sapori | Via Montanata 318 | Parma
Best Bets: Culatello Ham | Ricotta Ravioli | Pork Knuckle

Barberino Designer Outlet

Barberino Designer Outlet is located just 20 minutes from Florence and less than an hour from Bologna, located in the beautiful natural environment of Valle della Sieve, resemble a Renaissance town. Here you can choose from more than 100 fashion stores including D&G, Jean Paul Gaultier, Les Copains, Missoni, Cavalli, Ferrè, Polo Ralph Lauren and Diesel, selling clothing, shoes, sports, accessories and much more. Avoid Sunday afternoon when it gets very crowded with locals and families. The good news for avid shoppers who don’t like driving, like me, is that there are daily shuttle services to/from Florence.

Slow Food Restaurant:
Ristorante Marisa | Via del Lago 21 | Barberino del Mugello ( My Favorite for a tasty Chianina Steak!)
Best Bets: Cold Cuts | Beans Soup | Chianina Beef

Castel Romano Designer Outlet

Castel Romano Designer Outlet, half an hour drive south of Rome, is one of two Designer Discount Outlet Malls travelers can reach easily from Eternal City. Castel Romano Designer Outlet is a very big mall, selling everything you could wish for, in a modern and tasteful environment. Since its opening in 2003 over 11 million visitors have come here to save money and find excellent bargains in the over 100 stores that offer the most prestigious Made in Italy brands like Trussardi, Ferrè, Malo, Valentino, Burberry, Valentino, Diesel, D&G, Zegna, Ferragamo, Roberto Cavalli, Etro, and more so!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Ristorante Da Vittorio | Via Musco, 29 | Rome
Best Bets: Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe | Lamb | Roman Artichokes

Osteria Priscilla | Via Appia Antica 68 | Rome (Great Location!)
Best Bets: Amatriciana Gnocchi | Tagliatelle with Wild Boar Sauce | Tripe

Fashion District Valmontone Outlet

Fashion District Outlet is located in Valmontone about 40 km away from Rome, in the Roman Castles area famous for the locally produced Frascati White Whine. Spreading out on 45,000 square meters, it hosts 180 shops with a wide and wild choice of style and fashion including brands like Mariella Burani, Elena Miro, Luisa Spagnoli, Cacharel, Calvin Klein, Papermoon, Francesco Biasia, Coccinelle, Antica Murrina, Lamborghini and a lot more. A good news for avid shoppers who love shopping rather than driving is that there’s a daily shuttle bus to/from Rome Termini making sure you shop ’til you drop!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Ristorante Cacciani | Via A. Diaz 13 | Frascati
Best Bets: Tonnarelli Artichokes and Bacon | Lamb | Roman Chicken

Ristorante La Scuderia | P.le Sforza Pallavicini 1 | Genzano di Roma
Best Bets: Beans Soup | Ricotta Cheese Ravioli | Roman Tripe

Tod’s Outlet | Della Valle Factory Outlet | 134 Corso Garibaldi Casetta D’Ete | Ascoli Piceno

Up to 50% Discount on Tod’s shoes and clothing, Hogan, Fay and Koss

Bargains during Sales Season in Italy

Italy Shopping Tips:

Hire a Local Personal Shopping Guide:  An expert personal shopper understands your needs and your budget. A local personal shopping guide knows all the stores, all the tricks and provides insights and Italy shopping tips. You will be treated like a star on your Italy shopping trip. When in Rome I strongly recommend to contact Stefania Troiani, a very professional and fun personal shopping guide in Rome.

Hitting the Sales: Twice a year, in January and July, outlets sell off seasonal stock at further reduced prices and you can enjoy an additional discount!

Tax Back: Non-EU residents can claim a tax refund (Approx. 14% Net) on VAT if they spend over €175 in any one day in one shop, and if they live outside the EU for more than six months in the year.

Have a Plan: Because you never know exactly what you may find at a Designer Outlet Mall, have a checklist of items you are looking for.

Be Smart: Clothing, no matter how cheap, is still a waste of money if it never gets worn. Ask yourself if you really have a reason to wear it in the next year.

Check the Web: Before departure visit the Outlet Official Website to check for on-going sales and clearance.

Ready? Take your pick – Italy has it all!

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it! Buon Viaggio!

Ciao from Rome:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Join me on Twitter!

© Copyright 2009, Nancy Aiello Tours

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, based in Rome, specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

New articles are published on our site weekly, sometimes daily. To keep up to date with our news, tips and current events, please sign up for ItalyTravelista free RSS feed.

If you are interested in publishing a version of this article on your website please contact us for consent and further info.

Made in Italy with Style!

Related posts:

1. Travel to Italy: Fashion Outlets and Slow Food Restaurants-Part One-
2. Travel to Italy | Rome Guide to the New Best Restaurants
3. Travel Italy at Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Shopping in Italy, after museums and monuments, is another great reason to travel to Italy. Italy’s hottest places to shop are the hidden-away designer outlet malls offering Italian top quality brands and Made in Italy’s Fashion at 30 to 75% off their original store prices.
This short list of Italy’s outlets is guaranteed to make your designer-loving heart go a-flutter and give you major mileage for your buck! And after a long day of glorious shopping afford your feet and credit card a well-deserved break by sampling tasty Italian food in a Slow Food Restaurant.

Castel Guelfo Outlet City- Official Website: www.outletcastelguelfo.it

Castel Guelfo Outlet, just a short ride from Bologna and the Riviera of Romagna, is the ideal place for quality bargain shopping in the Emilia Romagna Region. At Castel Guelfo Outlet there are over 70 outlets selling men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, sportswear, accessories and cosmetics, with huge discounts on over 100 leading Italian and international brands.
Castel Guelfo Outlet also features cafés, restaurants, children’s dedicated areas and lots of events designed to entertain families with kids.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Trattoria E’ Parlamintè- Address: Via Mameli, 33. Imola
Best Bets: Culatello Ham, Meat Sauce Hand-Made Tagliatelle, Rosemary Beef.

Hostaria 900- Address: Viale Dante 20, Imola.
Best Bets: Chianina Carpaccio, Tortellini in light broth, Lamb Rack.

The Place Luxury Outlet- Official Website: www.theplaceoutlet.com/inglese

The Place Luxury Outlet is less than an hour’s drive from Milan or Turin showcasing the most prestigious Italian Fashion Designers such as: Ermenegildo Zegna, Agnona, Gucci, Sergio Rossi, La Perla and Vogart Sunglasses. The Place offers a wide selection of stylish clothes, Italian-Made shoes and classy accessories for both men and women, as well as a café and a fine restaurant that specializes in excellent Piedmont cuisine.  A visit to The Place will transform a day of shopping into a true luxury experience!

Slow Food Restaurants:
Restaurant Baracca-Address: Via Sant’ Eusebio, 12. Biella
Best Bets: Cold Cuts, Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce, Cheese Ravioli.

Veneto Designer Outlet- Official Website: www.mcarthurglen.it/noventadipiave

Veneto Designers Outlet is strategically located at less than one hour drive from Venice.
The design inspiration for this outlet comes from the palazzos of the surrounding Veneto region paying homage to the classic Italian style. The buildings are laid out along streets, plazas and squares, some of which are lined with covered archways to give you the Venice feel, less the Gondola. There are over 140 stores including major fashion brands like Armani, Aspesi, Bikkembergs, Borbonese, Jill Sander, Les Copains, Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Valentino, and Costume National.
As added bonus in July and August Veneto Region will be the venue for Veneto Jazz Festival 2009 with an international star-studded program.
Official Website: www.venetojazz.com

Slow Food Restaurants:
Osteria Cà D’Oro Detta Alla Vedova-Address: Cannaregio 3912-Ramo Cà D’Oro. Venice
Best Bets: Busara Spaghetti, Liver Venetian Style, Polenta.

Trattoria Dalla Marina-Address: Cannaregio 652-Fondamenta San Giobbe. Venice
Best Bets: Gnocchi, Seafood, Tripe.

Serravalle Designer Outlet- Official Website: www.mcarthurglen.it/serravalle

Serravalle Designer Outlet is located about halfway between Milan (80 kilometers) and Genoa (50 kilometers) and since its opening in September 2000 over 20 million conscious value fashion victims have visited these Made in Italy Fashion Shops. The biggest and most impressive factory outlet in Europe, with a sales area of 40,000 square meters, consists of 180 stores, selling designer-label clothing, shoes and accessories, plus cafés, restaurants, fast food outlets, and a children’s playground.
Stores include Bulgari, Brooks Brothers, Diesel, Dolce & Gabbana, Hugo Boss, La Perla, Lacoste, Roberto Cavalli, Prada, Frette, Ferragamo, Versace, Benetton, Swatch, Bassetti, Mandarina Duck and much more.

Slow Food Restaurants:
Restaurant Cappelverde-Address: Via San Pio, 26. Alessandria
Best Bets: Pesto Lasagna, Chilled Veal in Tuna Sauce, Meat Sauce Agnolotti.

Trattoria Razmataz-Address: Via Bellini, 24. Alessandria
Best Bets: Cheese Platter, Oxtail with Barbera, Tripe.

The Mall or Gucci Factory Outlet- Official Website: www.themall.it

The Mall Outlet, set in the Tuscan Hills, often referred to as the Gucci outlet, is a thirty minute drive south of Florence on the way to Leccio. The Mall was opened on August 2001 and has since expanded now offering Italian and international luxury labels like Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Armani (3 shops), Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Burberry, Diesel, Zegna, Fendi, Ferragamo, Gucci, Hogan, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Pucci, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod’s, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Yves Saint Laurent …. need more reasons to go?!
The Mall is bargain hunting at it’s finest, very popular with tourists, expect busloads of Japanese shoppers, so arrive early as it is likely that you’ll have to queue your way out. For a break head to the local restaurant for tasty Tuscan food and wine.

SHOPPING TIPS:

Hitting the Sales: Twice a year, in January and July, boutiques and outlets sell off seasonal stock at reduced prices to make way for incoming collections and you can enjoy an additional discount!

Tax Back: Non-EU residents can claim a tax refund (around 14 per cent) on VAT if they spend over €175 in any one day in one shop, and if they live outside the EU for more than six months in the year.

Have a Plan: Because you never know exactly what you may find at a Designer Outlet Mall (orange, chiffon-ruffled blouse, anyone?), have a checklist of items you are looking for. The sheer volume of items can be distracting, but if you know you need a black turtleneck, it will be easier to scan the shops for what you want.

Be Smart: Clothing, no matter how cheap, is still a waste of money if it never gets worn. See a cute dress you may wear if you ever go on a cruise? Ask yourself if you really have a reason to wear it in the next year.

Ready? Take your pick – Italy has it all!

Ciao from Italy!

Nancy Aiello
www.NancyAielloTours.com
twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

Related posts:

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Rome is the capital of Italy and one of the world’s greatest historic cities.
For hundreds of years, Rome was the supreme power of Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Rome lies on the banks of the Tiber river in central Italy.
Ancient Rome was built on seven hills. Today the Eternal City encompasses about 20.
The Coliseum, a huge half-ruined amphitheatre, is one of the chief landmarks.
The Vatican City, in the centre of Rome is home to St. Peter’s Church, the world’s largest Christian church and impressive example of Renaissance architecture.
The Trevi Fountain, completed in 1762, is very popular with tourists as it is said that visitors who throw coins into the fountain will someday return to the Eternal City. It also features in a famous scene from Italian director, Federico Fellini’s film La dolce vita.
Throughout Rome there are many beautiful squares, connected by busy streets. The heart of Rome and its commercial centre is around the Piazza Colonna.
People-watching is a popular occupation here as Romans and visitors alike sit in outdoor cafes or stroll through some of the open-air markets.

Pasta. It is said that pasta was first brought to Italy by the ancient Greeks. The first form was called makaria, which is probably what we know as macaroni.

There are an estimated 400 known shapes in existence and a Spaghetti Historical Museum in Pontedassio shows the history of the food.

This all aside, however, pasta is not the staple diet of the Italians as its popularity portrayed. As in many other European countries each region has its own culinary specialty. The sausages of Bologna, the prosciutto (salted ham) of Parma and the minestrone of Milan are just few examples.

Most Italians would not order pasta when they go out to eat but take advantage of some of the finest fruits, vegetables or seafood in Europe has to offer, within their own country.

Shoes. Italian have a reputation for being stylish and well-dressed.
Indeed they spend more on clothes and shoes than any other 27members of the EU. In fact it amounts to 10% of their total expenditure . It is no surprise then perhaps, that these industries are so important to their economy. Italy is Europe’s largest producer of shoes, and the world’s second largest (behind China). Coupled to this, is the industry’s reputation for quality and design. Shoes from Italy have a cachet that cannot be matched by any other country. Perhaps this is in part a reflection on how the Italian shoe industry operates. Traditionally, most firms are small and family run. Until recently, the Gucci firm was a perfect example of this. Their company was set up by Maurizio Gucci in Florence at the turn of the century, and it has grown and diversified ever since. Its famous loafers were worn by the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Grace Kelly in the 1960s, and in 1980s the firm reiterated its old philosophy of craftsmanship and quality to a new generation, and is enjoying continued success today.

Art. Italy was the birthplace of some of the greatest names in art and sculptures.
Italian artists played important roles in early Christian art and in the style of the Middle Ages.
Giotto, an artist of the early Renaissance, was part of a revolutionary movement in painting which began showing the human body as three dimensional and did not limit the subject matter to merely religious themes. Renaissance painters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Raphael and Botticelli also made their works more realistic and introduced changes in the use of colour. Many of Michelangelo’s greatest paintings decorate the ceiling and the front wall of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel. He is widely regarded as the most eminent artist of the Renaissance. Among the best-known modern Italian artists are the painters Giorgio de Chirico and Amedeo Modigliani, the sculptors Giacomo Manzù and Marino Marini and the architect Gino Coppedè.
Every year, countless visitors come to Italy to see some of the priceless art collections and magnificent architecture, Rome and Florence being the two most popular destinations.

Pavarotti has become one of the most famous international opera stars this century. He has also helped to revive its popularity.
Born in Modena, Italy in 1935, Luciano Pavarotti made his professional debut in Reggio Emilia in 1961.

He was widely admired for the warmth and flexibility if his voice, the security of his high notes and the intensity of emotions in his singing. Pavarotti has concentrated almost entirely on Italian operas and songs and his most popular song is a version of Nessum Dorma.

One of the best-selling classical music albums of all time is a recording of the 1994 concert in Los Angeles given by Pavarotti, Jose Carreras and Placido Domingo “The Three Tenors”.

Ciao from Rome!

Nancy Aiello

www.NancyAielloTours.com

For more…Follow me on twitter.com/ItalyTravelista

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Travel Italy At Your Own Pace with Nancy Aiello Tours!

Nancy Aiello Tours is a tour planning company based in Rome, Italy that strives to provide highly personalized private tours of Rome and the Vatican State, Florence, Venice and Italy’s hidden gems for the value conscious travelers.

Nancy Aiello Tours specializes in private tours of Rome and the best of Italy has to offer with official licensed Italian tour guides including private transportation with fully licensed and insured a/c mercedes benz to discover not only the most famous Rome landmarks & museums but also the lesser known and off the beaten path Rome and Italy treasures.

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours, a small boutique Italy travel planning company based in Rome advises solo travelers, families visiting Rome with children and cruise passengers touring Italy with fun and informative private Italy tours combined with personalized VIP Italy travel services to enjoy Rome,Italy as the Romans do!

Please, let us know how we can assist you in making your Italian trip an unforgettable memory of a lifetime.

Would you like to share your Italy travel tips or pictures with us? Please write us your comment and we will be happy to post it!

Ciao from Italy:-)

Nancy Aiello

ItalyTravelista.com

Follow ItalyTravelista on Twitter

© Copyright 2009 Nancy Aiello Tours All Rights Reserved.

Since 1997 Nancy Aiello Tours is based in Rome and specializes in Tailor-Made Private Guided Vatican, Rome & Italy Tours for Leisure & Business Travelers.

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Travel to Italy in Comfort and Style with Nancy Aiello Tours

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