The main cities for shopping are the main ones on any travel itinerary: Rome, Milan, Venice and Florence all offer the most prestigious designers and manufacturers in the world.

Like the city, shopping in Rome is varied. The city's most exclusive and high-end boutiques reside near the famous Spanish Steps. These shops, like the high percentage of those found in the famous shopping districts of Italy, are designed for the obscenely wealthy. Rome is full of remnants of the past - from the ruins to the art to the ancient cathedrals and town squares – and the shopping is no different, with a vast accumulation of antiques awaiting your perusal. The interminable street of Via del Corso is a focal point of any Italy shopping tour, and contains a number of chic boutiques (and plenty of less-chic ones for the budget conscious) that cater mostly to the vibrant Roman youth. Rome also has the widest selection of neighborhood markets, where you can find everything from fresh fruit to hand-crafted goods.

The next stop on any Italy shopping tour is Florence. Florence resembles Milan, shopping-wise, as it offers high fashion boutiques and numerous leather shops. Where Florence makes a name for itself, however, is the wide variety of top jewelry, gold and silver goods. Other shops located on the Ponte Vecchio offer famous handmade shoes, jewelry, leather goods and silver goods. Cheaper - but still highly regarded - pieces of Florence's famous products are also available throughout the city, and can be found on nearly any Italy shopping tour.

Milan is without doubt one of the main centers for shopping in Italy, whether you are looking for high fashion, antiques, furniture or home accessories, shopping in Milan will provide it for you at any price. As one of the fashion capitals of the world it is only to be expected that its piazzas offer a wide assortment of leading designers. Armani, Gucci, Prada, Valentino and Versace all have stores within the city.

ITALIAN OUTLETS

Valmontone Outlet is situated just 30 min from Rome. Recently opened (just six years) this outlet has over 200 stores in a lovely setting just off the A1 Napoli - Roma autostrada. It's the biggest outlet in Italy. It offers men's, women's and children's clothing, sports accessories, footwear, household items, cosmetics, watches, household appliances, products for fixed-line and mobile phones, furnishing accessories, optical products, and gift items.

Soratte Outlet Shopping is situated 30 min to the north of Rome. With a foot in legend and a look into the future, inside the natural reserve of Parco del Monte Soratte, you can enjoy the best shopping experience . Large stores over a very large surface amidst green areas, always open, offering 30%-70% discounts all year round, opening your eyes on the world of fashion. A breath-taking view all around, to admire porticos, fountains, squares, theme gardens. A window-shopping tour, with an ancient style architecture, replicating the famous models of the Spa, Circus and Amphitheatre. What else do you need to discover the charm of shopping?

Valdichiana Outlet Village, a great shopping centre designed to reflect the atmosphere of a real Tuscan village, was the first outlet centre to be built in Tuscany. Its squares, roads, open galleries, terraces and bridges create a wonderful ambience where to enjoy a day-trip in Tuscany, specially reflected by its covered arcades that lead to the main square, Piazza Maggiore, where people meet to chat, have a coffee, greet their friends and go shopping, just like in one of the Tuscan towns. Valdichiana offers 90 shops, of the categories of products which satisfy even the most demanding customers; men's, women's and children's clothing, sports accessories, footwear, leather items, household items, perfumes, watches, rugs, household appliances, household linen, furnishing accessories, sunglasses and gift items.

One who loves dressed very well and likes Italian style and important brands have to visit The Mall Outlet. Building in Incisa Valdarno, Outlet The Mall is close to Florence and simple to reach with A1 highway. Walking throw the outlet is possible find all the most important shops of all the most important brands Valentino, Fendi, Salvatore Ferragamo, Giorgi Armani, ones who love shopping can find best cloths and accessory at a very good price. Into the shops you will find professional staff which will help you with advice and information, if you will need it. If you decide to spend all day into the Outlet there are restaurants and bar in which you can take an espresso or have your lunch. Into the outlet is possible buy clothes, bags, shoes and accessories. Gucci, Fendi and Emanuel Ungaro shows their jewels in wide and refined spaces. Shops are close each other, so you can visit all without lost of time, and they overview on the beautiful Valdarno countryside.