Antico Setificio Fiorentino

In a style really different to the expected heavy and over-the-top Florentine Dynasty fashion, Antico Setificio Fiorentino designs and produces delicate, impressive and colourful silk creations. The showroom is a great part of the tour and will certainly put you in the mood for a Chantilly looking Ermisino silk purchase.

• Web:

  anticosetificiofiorentino.com

• Address:

  Via Lorenzo Bartolini, 4, Florence

• Phone:

  +39 055 213861

• Opening hours:

  Monday - Friday: 10AM–6PM

• Subway:

  Station S.Rosa Sn

Bini

The ultimate stop for Tuscan pastries is in Siena and its name is Bini. Watch the pastrycooks in action through the front glass-window to open your appetite and then make your choice between the piles of appetizing pastries such as ricciarelli, cavallucci and the best panforte of the area.

• Address:

  Via Stalloreggi, 91/93, Siena

• Phone:

  +39 0577 280207

• Subway:

  Station Due Porte (V. Scuola Saffi)

Ceramiche Gambone

Although his stoneware artworks are now famous and in display in museums around the world, Bruno Gambone - undisputed ceramic master in all Tuscany - has kept his generous character and authenticity. You can visit his studio in Florence, only on appointment, and purchase his pieces on location - the classic are available at a very good price.

• Web:

  www.brunogambone.it

• E-mail:

  brunogamboneitaly@gmail.com

• Address:

  Via Benedetto Marcello, 9, Florence

• Phone:

  +39 335 612 8845

Crystal and Glassware at Colle di Val d'Elsa

In the Province of Siena, you can find the medieval town of Colle di Val d'Elsa. It has been producing crystalware and glassware since the 14th century and is still nowadays the source of 90% of the Italian crystal production. You can therefore do some oriented shopping while visiting this gorgeous town.

• Address:

  Colle di Val d'Elsa, Tuscany

Dolci Trame

This boutique crammed with hats, scarfs, bags, apparels of all kinds is the cradle of the emerging designers and the luxury fashion of tomorrow in Italy. The shop also sells international names but its masterpieces - such as silk scarves and stilettos - are local.

• Web:

  www.dolcitrameshop.com

• Address:

  Via del Moro, 4, Siena

• Phone:

  +39 0577 46168

• Opening hours:

  Monday - Saturday: 10AM-1PM & 2PM-7PM

Enoteca Falorni

Enoteca Falorni is a must when it comes to Italian wine tasting. Come here armed with your curiosity and your palate to try a very large choice of Chianti wines and other local vino, and leave with a box of your favourites. The setting is incredible, and you can accompany your wine tasting with some local food as well.

• Web:

  www.enotecafalorni.it

• Address:

  Piazza delle Cantine, 6, Greve-in-Chianti

• Phone:

  +39 055 854 6404

• Opening hours:

  10:30AM–8PM