When coming back from Tuscany it is always pleasant to take something which will keep memories of this marvelous place. Aside many souvenirs there is a wide choice of goods peculiar to this or that province of Tuscany.
Lucca, Prato, Siena and Florence are famous for their clothes which were already popular in the mediaeval times.
You can buy outstanding copies of Etruscan statuettes and various pieces from alabaster in the ancient Etruscan cities such as Volterra. The shops and workshops of the city Montelupo Fiorentino offer goods made from ceramics. Colle di Val d’Elsa is well known among the amateurs of glass souvenirs.
Elba surprises with a wide range of semiprecious stones presented in the local souvenir shops. Arezzo is the main gold processing center of Tuscany. It offers plenty of items made from gold. Porto Vecchio is the bridge in Florence that became a trade place for jewelry already 300 years ago. More over there are a lot of craft works there. Florence is not only the city of elite art but also is the city of craft. One can buy very distinctive things at the flea market which is opened daily on Piazza dei Ciompi and neighboring streets. The capital of Tuscany is also waiting for fashion lovers. Various leather goods are sold in the shops on Santa Croche square. There are elegant boutiques situated in the ancient mansions not far from Piazza di Repubblica. Gucci, Armani, Valentino, Versace and other famous fashion houses are represented here. Fashionable brand things are worth buying here but not at some bazaar as Italian law contemplates punishment not only for selling fake things but also for buying them. In Florence sales usually happen after Christmas or in the second part of the summer. The signs of sales are not always placed on windows.
Lucca started to produce its famous cigars already in XIX century and they are recognized till now. The huge range of Tuscan wines disappoints only with one fact: you are not allowed to bring more than a couple of bottles home to share all sorts of wine with your friends. Still a couple of bottles will be a good memory of Tuscan taste.
The sign “Vendita diretta” on a shop means that wine and olive oil are delivered there directly from the producer, so such shops are worth visiting.
Attention! Keep all the receipts otherwise in case of financial check you may be accused of breaking the tax laws. The sum of fine may reach 1000 euros.
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