Hi everyone,

Well, i'm finally in london and leaving for italy to start my journey soon. I have one section that remains incomplete and that is how to coordinate the outlet shopping visits to prada and gucci in the outskirts of florence.

I was thinking of either joining a tour - but this is very limited in time and I am afraid being a shopaholic I will overshoot the time limit...

or

renting a car and driving out ourselves. We can then do some sight seeing of tuscany as well.

Could anyone advise the way to get from florence to the outlets and any recommendations on where to pick up the car from, which rental agency to go with. There are just two of us. Thks for your advise.

Wait for my report once i'm back. I'm doing paris, cologne, venice, florence and rome!

Thks all!

Hi Lenore,

If I were you, I wouldnt bother with the outlets. They are very disappointing. You are much more likely to find anything you want in Florence, a shopper's heaven!!!

The outlets arent what they used to be.

Enjoy Italy.

Hi Lenore,
I have been to the outlets many times. I was there last October. The Prada outlet is very large called "Space". They give out numbers to get in.
The Gucci outlet is now in a center with a lot of other Italian designers like Tods, Hogan, and many others. If you like to shop you should go.
My suggestion to you is to hire a driver for the day to do the outlets. I have driven to them a couple of times and they are not easy to find.
You really need a whole day to shop. Remember an outlet is an outlet. It is prior seasons merchandise, but with designers you can get a value.
If you are looking for 2005/2006 merchandise shop in Florence, Rome or Venice. But one other thing I have learned. If you see something you really like buy it, as you probably won't see it again.
Good Luck and have a great time.

Anyone able to provide driving information on how to get to the outlets? any landmarks to note etc?

Lenore - These links might help

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

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

Steve

Lenore, you might want to post this question at slowtrav.com. Or do a search for this topic on the Slow Travel message board. Bill and Patty Sutherland, formerly of Texas, have a business near Pienza called Tuscan Women Cook and seem very knowledgeable about the outlets. I have never been but have read their advice to other travelers.

See my recent post which included a visit there:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...iz01&fid=2

You have to be flexible about what you want as most things have limited sizing and/or availability.

Diz01