ronnie56

Hi All,

(First I apologize if I posted this twice but I think the first time I wasn't in the Italy forum)

I am in the final stages of planning a two week trip to Italy with my family.

We will travel around by train, no plans to rent a car. I was hoping to do an excursion out of Florence using public transportation if possible (as opposed to hiring a car/driver).

If we end up with a free day (or half day ) I was looking for some ideas for excursions. One option is just to wander the city and soak up the beauty of the place, but DD(age 16) is dying to visit some shopping outlets she has heard of outside the city (Gucci? other?).

Now I could care less about shopping in general(I don't even shop much here in the U.S.!), and have read lovely things here about a short visit to Fiesole, but I may have to break down and find a way to take her on this shopping excursion. Does anyone know about these outlets (or, dare I say, a mall?) and how one would get there without a car?

Also, son(age 11) hates shopping, so hubby might take him to Pisa while I take DD shopping. Any advice for us on where to go and how to get there? Are these destinations doable in a half day?

Any advice (or suggestions) would be appreciated. Thanks.

Steve_James

Ronnie - The Prada outlet (Space) is at Levanella near Montevarchi.

Here are some links:

http://www.outlet-firenze.com/
http://www.outlet-firenze.com/mappa_outlet.htm

http://www.touritalynow.com/italy_ar...ping_italy.php
http://www.arttrav.com/florence/travel-info/shop.htm


- The Mall

http://www.outlet-firenze.com/
http://www.outlet-firenze.com/the_mall.htm

http://travel.guardian.co.uk/activit...085480,00.html

http://www.outlet-firenze.com/shuttl...et_firenze.htm (- shuttle service)

http://www.enjoyflorence.com/english/outlet_List.html
http://www.enjoyflorence.com/english/outlet_Tours.html


http://www.arttrav.com/florence/travel-info/shop.htm
http://www.tours-italy.com/florence/outlet_stores.htm


http://www.lorilorenzo.com/storia/storia.htm :

Lungarno De Nicola, 15
Firenze
Tel. 055-6503204

Strada in Casentino
Arezzo
Tel. 0575-500190

Hope this helps ...

Steve

P.S. If you put 'Florence outlets' in the search box you'll find lots of threads ...

Steve_James

Other day-trips options are Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa, Lucca, Bologna, ... to name a few

Steve

ronnie56

Steve and others, thank you for the shopping outlet threads and other advice...a wealth of info. Since I will have already spent a good while in Siena, S.G., touring wineries, sightseeing Florence and Rome, this may be an excursion we consider. While shopping holds absolutely no interest for me, DD will be very happy. At least the public transportation looks doable.

I'm afraid it may be too hot in July to rally the family to ride bikes or do any strenuous hiking, but the picnic idea or walk back from Fiesole (possibly very early or very late in the day) really appeals. I had another thought. Are there any boat excursions/tours in Florence, using the Arno to get to or see something scenic? I had heard that you can do this in Rome on the Tiber (out of Trastevere), and wondered if there was something similar in Florence. Sometimes it is cooling and refreshing to be on water, not to mention that it gives you a whole different vantage point.

Finally, one last question -- about Lucca. Would someone mind describing what I might see and do that is unique to Lucca, keeping in mind that I have two kids who will by this point have already been to numerous Tuscany villages, churches, museums, wineries, etc. earlier in this trip? If it is another scenic and charming Tuscany town, I personally would love a visit, but I think I am looking to do something else, simply to provide a little break for the kids. Thank you again...I can't tell you how helpful this board has been to me in the planning of my trip.

nixon74

Hey Ronnie,

Two of the best out of Florence excursions included I BIke Italy--a 19 mile bike tour of Tuscany--through Fiesole and other areas, but with the kids it may not be ideal, although Fiesole is quaint. Be sure to make it to the wine bar/cafe at the top of town...easy to get there by bus.

My other favorite was cinque terre. We took the train from florence to Pisa and switched there for cinque terre. There are 5 towns connected by an ancient footpath...its a full day hike from the furthest town to the end. If you dont want that much of a workout, you could maybe just go to vernazza, the middle town and the most picturesque. if the weather is nice, you can hit the beach.

If you just want to see some other local cities, Lucca is great as is Siena

Mario06

Some info about Lucca:
http://www.tuscanweb.com/news/?ID=189

If is to hot you can visit Florence Gardens and have picnic there:
http://www.tuscanweb.com/news/?ID=79

or this can be interesting:
http://www.tuscanweb.com/news/?ID=218


Enjoy your stay!

Traviata

ronnie,

If you are looking at Lucca and Pisa, not far is a public beach area, Tirrenia...the kids might like this....it isn't a pretty place to my eyes, but, it is the beach and would be a change from the sightseeing for them...don't know about public transportation as we have a car....