Archive for 'Activities'

We have been discussing Italian fashion on the blog all this week, introducing new brands to all of those fashion lovers who are planning vacations in Tuscany. However, there is one thing that all fashion fans can agree makes everything better – a good bargain! Fortunately, Tuscany is actually one of the better regions to holiday in if you are after a bargain. There are several outlet centres located around Tuscany and they are lovely places to shop. The word “outlet” can evoke depressing images of unorganised bargain basements but these outlets are nothing like that. They are pretty, well-designed, well-stocked and well-organised.

One of the finest examples is the Barberino Designer Outlet in Barberino di Mugello, which is the original outlet village in the McArthurGlen Designer Outlets group. The centre itself is incredibly charming. Located just off the motorway, 30 minutes from Florence and a couple minutes from the small town of Barberino di Mugello, it consists of over 100 stores and brands and is built to look like a picturesque Tuscan village.

When I was recently in Tuscany on holidays, I had every intention of not shopping. I mean, I really don't need new clothes, do I? Yet, despite my promise to myself that I wouldn't buy anything, I caved pretty quickly and had to strike a new bargain. I was allowed to buy two items of clothing and that was it; no more and no less. This sated my mad desire to buy everything in sight but just barely. As I couldn't completely indulge my passion (or afford to!), I merely took mental note of all of the stunning Italian brands that I had never heard of before so that I could report them back here.

Here are more of the brands that I spotted, which are musts for fashion lovers to check out on their next holiday in Tuscany!

Continuing on from the last post in this series, I am living vicariously through these articles and, potentially through you, as there were so many new brands that I discovered while in Italy. I couldn't believe that there were so many beautiful labels that were utter news to me! As a fashion fanatic who was on holidays, it was very hard to hold back but I did manage to control myself. That doesn't mean that I didn't take note, however! Here are more of the brands that I spotted, which are musts for fashion lovers to check out on their next holiday in Tuscany!

I tried to promise myself that I wouldn't buy any clothes this time around on holidays but as Italy is one of the fashion capitals of the world and I'm fashion obsessed, it was too difficult. Instead, I made a deal with myself: I could buy a maximum of two items. I stuck to this bargain but it was not easy as I discovered lots of new, amazing Italian brands that I had never heard of before. If you are another style addict, like myself, visiting Tuscany, these are the brands you should check out to bring home pieces that no one else around you will have!

Lake Massaciuccoli is a lake in the Province of Lucca, Tuscany, that is home to a wildlife oasis in a marsh. While the wildlife and vegetation may have shrunk substantially since the 20th century, the lake is still an area of great natural beauty and bounty. There is much to see and do and the surroundings are pretty alright too.

A boardwalk extends over the edge of the lake and all around it, allowing you to readily and comfortably explore the flora and fauna that can be seen blooming and frolicking around the lake.

Not a particularly challenging walk, it offers a chance to get out and about and stretch your legs in a wonderfully scenic setting, without having to take on an incredibly strenuous hike; something that those with younger kids, limited mobility or less will, to appreciate.