Florence Travel Answers

if you're talking bout the "Outlet Firenze" I've just looked it up and it is actually on the outside of Florence - approximately 45 mins from Florence. I notice there are special tours which depart from Livorno's ships such as the one below: siteseeings.com/tour_295.htm... I personally don't think you'll have time any other way than this. Homer

Hi, thanks for your prompt reply. The MALL outlet I am referring is as below: http://www.themall.it/ So from your personally experience, if only 6 hours commute time from city of Florence to the Mall outlet. We won't have enough time for that, right? Thanks again!

unless you don't get a car there is high risk you won't be back on time, anyway not a lot of time left at Leccio Reggello. you've also to consider trafic close to port in late afternoon/evening.

Journey time by road Livorno > Leggio Regello is at least 1.5 hours...butI suppose you could, if you were desperately keen, hire a car for the day. You can get to The Mall by train from Florence. Train to Rignano Sull’Arno-Regello takes about half an hour, departures roughly hourly, one-way fare 3 euro. From there you would need a short take ride to The Mall (see their website for more info). Train times, details and fares in English here; trenitalia.com/homepage_en.h... There is also a shuttle bus from Florence, although you will need to contact the website directly for information. info@themall.it Whether you think doing this is worthwhile is up to you...there is the potential for perhaps an hour or so in The Mall. But ships don't wait.....

Thank you all for your advise!! Currently I can search the suitable tour from the "Siteseeing" company which recommend by Homanded. May I asked is this tour company a reliable one and are their price reasonable? Many thanks! Bonnie

I don't think Homer 'recommended' that specific tour...he just noted that tours existed. I can't say whether the company is reliable or not, I'm afraid, and all such private excursions are expensive imo. But you have plenty of alternatives. Here's another company: italylimo.com/shore-excursio... and another: driverinrome.com/florence_sh... and another: privateshoretrips.com/livorn... And there are even more if you google 'the mall livorno excursion'. But whether you will find The Mall worth all the money you spend on the tour I cannot say. Outlets like this vary hugely from day to day in what they have available, and it's always a gamble as to whether you'll find anything you actually want to buy at a price that is worthwhile. Perhaps you might do better exploring Florence's San Lorenzo leather market and its many designer (& other) shops?

Correct. No, I've not personally recommended a tour, was just pointing out an example of one. Neither Ed nor I are shoppers so we personally avoid anything to do with shopping. Having said that, and noting how gorgeous both mens and women's fashions were in Italy, I can understand those who are prone to shopping wishing to spend some time doing so. Homer

Thanks for the advice and having the triple thought I think will pass the MALL this time. Rather take the 6 hours to discover the beauty of Florence. Would like to have a quick question, is there any yummy food I can take during my few hours there. Believe I won't have time for a restaurant dining so any quick bite will be prefect. Thank you!

You will find umpteen places selling tranci (slices of pizza with a zillion-and-one potential toppings), panini, tramezzi (sandwiches) and so on, as well as plenty of cafe/bars which will serve you a quick snack. So there is no need to worry about going hungry! I enjoyed this cafe/bar in Piazza Santa Maria Novella (opposite the railway station): La Bambola: "Perfectly good cafe/bar" - Florence Restaurant Tip by leics And there's a very popular cafe/snack place on Via Panzani (from SMN station to the Duomo) selling tranci, panini, sandwiches etc which has been busy with take-away and eat-in customers every time I've wandered past (must be at least 10 times over 4 visits). It's at the station end of Via Panzani, on the right as you look towards the Duomo. And, of course, you will have time for at least two gelati (ice-cream) during your 6 hours, possibly more. For the most superb 'Fantasia' flavour (vanilla with glace cherries, nuts, chocolate chunks etc etc) seek out Vivoli, tucked away near the Bargello district..it's supposed to be the best gelato in Florence: Vivoli: "Still the best ice-cream in Florence" - Florence Restaurant Tip by leics But, to be honest, any ice-cream you come across is likely to be delicious.