Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region and is one of the country’s most beautiful and important cities. Full of beautiful, Renaissance-style buildings, including wonderful churches and enormous palaces. The foundation of Florence dates back to Roman times. In 59 BC Florence begins to grow as a Roman town and… STOP!!!

If you want to know more about Florence history, info points and internet are at your disposal. It is pretty interesting but never changes… What is really important about this enchanting city is its dynamic. In the Renaissance period Florence became the heart of fashion thanks to Michelangelo, Leonardo, Botticelli and Raphael. Moreover, the construction of Duomo (at least of the Dome) completed in the middle of 15th century and a lot of people were coming here to see it.

Nothing has changed since that time. People are coming to Florence in search of Gucci, ice-cream and naked David (Michelangelo’s sculpture, Galleria dell’Accademia). Maybe, after reading Dan Brown’s “Inferno” the are more curious about Palazzo Vecchio and Dante Alighieri. But not all of 12.500.000 tourists that visit Florence every year know how to combine the real cultural pleasure with shopping rush. The whole impression of the city can be spoiled by the life-long queues and overcrowded center of the city.

Especially if we are talking about Russian tourists. Most of them travel by bus, so-called euro trip. In 10 days they want to see the whole Europe, make wonderful pictures and do shopping for all family members that are waiting them at home. If they are lucky enough, they can see Duomo, the queue to Uffizi gallery and, probably, pay 50 euro for a glass of wine and pasta in the most expensive and disgusting restaurant… Basta. No time for quality shopping, no time for relishing beautiful views and places. Another variant is shopping tour. On the Russian websites people who mostly have never been in Italy offer you 2 days in Florence, personal shopper, incredible discounts and 20-euro dinner with bistecca fiorentina and a bottle of wine! Marvelous!

But let’s face the truth: it’s hardly possible. At least because only the raw meat for the bistecca costs more than 20 euros.

Florence was made to be admired by people. That is why it inspires designers. That is why here you can find the best of the best: from handmade leather shoes to brand and luxury clothes.

It is essential: find out how to go shopping, taking into consideration not only luxury shops and sales, but also the cultural aspect of the question. When Duomo is talking to you, you simply have no right to ignore it.

Who knows, maybe once research is completed, this guideness gonna come up with a cute booklet? Let’s see. We’ll see.

And we’ll explore.