Italy
Artisan Lace. Cities throughout Umbria are prized for their master lace makers. You can still find craftspeople at work in the street creating intricate patterns. Visit Aracne de Mari Mirella (Corso Mazzini Vicolo Primo, 2, tel. +39 074 346 085), a shop in the heart of Spoleto, to find selections of locally produced work,
Artisan Olive Oils. The volcanic, mineral-filled soil of the Umbria region ensures that the olives grown here are rich in flavor. Artisanal olive mills, resting in the shadows of Saint Francis' cathedral, produce some of the finest olive oils in all of Italy. Stop in at Enoteca Hispellum (Via Cavour, 13-35, tel. +39 0742 651766) in Spello and ask the friendly staff to help you pair a fresh loaf of bread with the right olive oil.
Basket and Hemp Weaving. Admire the olive trees that surround Umbria's Bevagna, but be sure you make it into the small hamlet to find a rich tradition of basket and hemp weaving. Arrive during the Mercato delle Gaite festival in June to watch artisans demonstrate their trade streetside, or visit one of the local stores to buy a handcrafted blanket you can fit in your luggage.
Handblown glassware. On the island of Murano, just north of Venice, artisans in local factories such as Mazzega Srl (Fondamenta da Mula, 147) create original hand-blown glass items such as bowls and vases, which are for sale in local shops and factory stores. Countless factories and shops along Fondamenta dei Vetrai (Glass Street) welcome visitors for walk-in tours, which can also be arranged by any Venetian hotel.
Leather goods. Florence is known as a center for leather goods. At the Scuola del Cuoio (tel. +39 055 244 533; e-mail info@leatherschool.com), located in the Piazza Santa Croce, you can take a guided tour of the workshops or drop by to watch artisans at work. Leather items are available for purchase at the shop next door. In Rome handmade briefcases, bags, and wallets in every shape and color are available at Alfonsi Dario (via dei Chiavari 40/41; +39 06 6819 2188).
Majolica Ceramics. Visit the Museo Regionale della Ceramica in Deruta to discover the home of an ancient ceramic making tradition. Handcrafted pottery lines store shelves in this small village on the outskirts of Perugia in Umbria. Watch masters at work in the basement of Ceramiche Sberna (Via Tiberina, 146, tel. +39 075 97 102 06) and then choose a piece to take home from the shop upstairs.
Silk products. The Como region of Italy is known for manufacturing fine silk products. It's possible to get silk for discounted prices at warehouses and outlets, such as major silk producer Ratti's factory stores, at two different locations. There is one larger outlet just outside Como that sells menswear and women's wear (Via Vivaldi 6, Cadorago; tel. +39 031 886 6280). The other location, in Como, sells only ties, scarves, and fabrics (Via Cernobbio 17, Como Villa Sucota; tel. +39 031 576 000).
Woodworking. Master craftsmen in central Italy have long turned the wood from their squat olive forests into artistic masterpieces. Artisans are known for their exquisitely handcrafted musical instruments, highly detailed furniture, and colorful children's toys. Make a stop at Fragile (Via dei Priori, 70, tel. +39 075 573 6120) in Perugia to pick up a locally crafted masterpiece.
Custom-made shirts. Men's dress shirts tailored from Albertelli's (Via dei Prefetti 11, Rome; +39 06 687 3793) vast selection of fabrics; measured, cut, and sewn on the premises.
