We’ve all felt the change in the air as autumn makes its presence known. Some of us are not quite ready to shake off the summer and, for others, the season of chestnuts, potato tortelli, porcini mushrooms and, of course, truffles, has been one long countdown! Now that it’s here, take the time to set off on a Tuscan adventure to witness the changing leaves and the air that’s redolent with seasonal favourites.
Make the most of the Mugello by embarking on one of the itineraries recommended by McArthurGlen Barberino Designer Outlet. The travel book brings together the must-sees in the area, detailing the rich cultural and natural heritage embraced by the likes of Giotto and Beato Angelico. Traces of the Renaissance and Medici past are omnipresent in the castles, villas, monasteries and churches that dot the landscape, with hidden gems tucked around every corner. The relatively rural area has been enthusiastically curated into itineraries that ensure visitors can enjoy its every treasure, with the ATLAS travel book put together by McArthurGlen Barberino Designer Outlet with Accademia de La Felicina designed to celebrate the territory that’s home to the centre. The content is written by two locals: Carlo Ducci, previously Features Director at Vogue Italia and Casa Vogue, and Elisabetta Boni, a local freelance journalist. All the routes are accompanied by beautiful watercolour maps designed by Australian expat Lisa Brancatisano.
The four itineraries are present in the printed guidebook ATLAS Mugello Itineraries, but excerpts can be easily accessed on the Barberino Designer Outlet website in English and Italian. Each route starts from the A1 highway – Barberino di Mugello, the ideal gateway to the territory, and can be explored via car in two to four hours, the perfect duration for a family drive! Of course, you may be tempted to linger for longer and dive deeper into the cultural treasures, so stretch it into a whole weekend with the guide detailing plenty of options for how to spend your time, divided into four main categories: activities & views, cultural points of interest, gastronomy, and accommodations.
Medici enthusiasts will be fascinated by the Medici Legacy Itinerary that goes from Barberino to Vicchio and back, taking in sculptures by Maestro Giuliano Vangi, Trebbio Castle and the Bosco ai Frati Convent, with other highlights including the Medici Fortress of San Martino and the idyllic Lake Bilancino, where kayaks and other watersports await. Other itineraries detail routes for all-round fun, as well as those dedicated to adventure, art, and nature, so there’s truly something for everyone.
Bringing together shopping, culture and culinary delights, the perfect day out starts with shopping for your favourite designer brands that are up to 70% off, all year round, with more than 120 boutiques to choose from in the open-air centre that’s just 30 minutes from Florence. With cafés, restaurants and free parking, the reasons to visit are endless! Opening hours are Monday to Sunday, 10am to 8pm, with all the necessary health and safety measures in place to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
