Custom Tours in Tuscany

Everyone knows that Florence is a great place to shop; the problem is knowing exactly where to find the most exclusive of treasures.

Hidden behind the endless flow of street life and congestion we can still find workshops where craftsmen carve masterpieces out of wood, where fine linens are stitched and adorned, where hand-painted ceramics are designed one at a time. We'll navigate you through the sea of leather shops for the highest quality and on-the-spot tailoring, as well as introduce you to seamstresses/tailors for made-to-fit designer clothing.

We'll take you directly to the factories and ateliers where everything can be custom ordered for a fraction of U.S. prices! See how exquisite handcrafted items are made according to centuries-old traditions. We can arrange special demonstrations and make shopping appointments in ateliers that are not open to the public, but will sell to you at wholesale prices.

INSIDER SHOPPING!

__________________________________________________________________

Fine Art—Galleria Masini, the oldest art gallery in Florence, established in 1870, specializes in original contemporary oil paintings. They have the city’s largest selection of typical Italian landscapes. Original art is duty free and they ship worldwide. Piazza Goldoni, 6R. www.masiniart.com

Ceramics—This family-run workshop hand-paints each beautiful piece in a farmhouse located just outside of Radda (from Radda, it is on the Chiantigiana road towards Siena). They offer a wonderland of ceramics in Renaissance and modern styles, from dishes to platters to giant vases. The Rampini's have a magnificent new showroom on Borgo Ognissanti, 34. Open all day from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Credit cards accepted but they give a discount for personal checks or cash.

Leather—We will direct you to the best quality and prices on leather coats, belts, purses, briefcases, wallets and Missoni sportswear. They will do same-day alterations, deliver to your hotel or ship to the U.S. They have designer names as well as their own high-quality, no brand-name (less expensive) lines. Click here and print out this coupon for a 10% discount and free gift.

Antique Estate Jewelry—Lui e Lei, is a tiny shop located on the corner of SS. Apostoli and Piazza del Limbo (close to Ferragamo), is run by Judy Gualtieri, an elegant Italo-American with a fine eye for exquisite, one-of-a-kind pieces from the early 1800's to the 1940's. She is extremely reputable and her things pieces are often appraised for much higher than their sale price. You can find her there in the afternoons, 3:30 to 7:30 pm, Mon through Sat. Tell her we sent you! Bring your checkbook.

Bed linens and tablecloths—We thought we died and went to heaven when we found this factory that designs and produces unbelievably gorgeous cotton and linen sheets, pique coverlets, duvet covers, tablecloths, runners and place mats for big names like Frette, Christian Dior, Bergdorf Goodman, etc. Only here, you pay half of the U.S. prices! The factory is off the beaten path, but your Custom Tours guide can help you find it.

Artisan Studio—Marbleized Paper and Bookbinding—Enrico Giannini Studio, via dei Velluti, 10/r (off of Via Maggio). Enrico is a 5th generation master craftsman who designs one-of-a-kind photo albums, guest books, jewelry boxes, and much more. His creations are timeless, beautiful and extraordinarily well crafted. He is responsible for the marbleized paper revival in Florence, which has been imitated all over the world. Enrico has been featured on the Martha Stewart Show. He used to design for the family business on Piazza Pitti, but has recently set out on his own. If you want to see one of the single best artisans in Florence at work, pay him a visit! Workshop classes can be arranged. Visa/ MC accepted.

Gold Jewelry on and near the Ponte Vecchio—Not all of the shops are alike! We will direct you to the best quality, selection and price.

Handmade designer Gold Jewelry (outside Florence)—We can make a special trip to a family atelier, located 25 minutes south of Florence. We can't tell you the name of this top European jewelry designer who has been making limited edition, patented pieces for over 15 years and can now be found in very high end stores across the USA. He has won every top design award in the past few years (Town & Country, De Beers, The Italian Oscars, etc.). Each piece is painstakingly constructed entirely by hand by a team of master goldsmiths. We can visit them in their 15th century home (an enormous treat in itself!) and see their sample collection. Their home/atelier IS NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and they do not speak English, but we may arrange a visit during a Chianti day, or by special advance appointment.

Wine Shipment—Our contacts can help you purchase and ship wine back to the USA. This isn't as easy as it sounds—let an expert do it!

The “Outlet Malls”—Combine one with a winery visit or hill town, or opt for a an all-day shopping marathon!

The Mall outlet (30/35 minutes south east of Florence) Brands: Agnona, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Emanuel Ungaro, Ermnegildo Zegna, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Hogan, I Pinco Pallino, La Perla, Loro Piana, Marni, Salvatore Ferragamo, Sergio Rossi, Stella McCartney, Tod's, Valentino, Yohji Yamamoto, Y's, Y-3, Yves Saint Laurent.
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 10.00 am to 7.00 pm - Sunday 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm.

Prada Outlet - (45 min south of Florence straight driving - 20 min
starting from The Mall). Open: Monday - Saturday 9.30 am to 7.00 pm, Sunday 2.00 pm to 7.00 pm

Barberino McArthur Glen Designer Outlets (30/40 minutes north of Florence) This new outlet (2006)was designed according to characteristic Mugello and Tuscan Renaissance architecture. Brands: Prada, Pollini, Missoni, Guess, Bruno Magli are among the prestige designers.

To explore some of our other tour offerings, click on any of the categories below.

~ Top of Page ~