My small village outside Milan has no
pizzeria and no convenience stores, but it’s got an artisan who turns
out the most stunning handcrafted cellos you’ll ever see. Tucked into a
cobblestone alley off the main street, his humble studio is a mosaic of
sawdust, hand tools, strings, and planks of wood waiting to be turned
into masterpieces of song.
The image of the old-world artisan laboring on a unique, handmade item is one of the most evocative for American travelers to Europe. Across Italy, the tradition of handcrafted products, or prodotti artigianali, thrives in quaint studios and shops that transgress time. From supple leather bags to blown glass, colorful ceramics, stunning wrought iron furniture, and of course, scrumptious food, Italy is synonymous with quality goods and time-honored workmanship. Made in Italy is an information-packed tour showcasing the most typical, handcrafted products from each of Italy’s 18 regions. This is not a simple shopper’s guide. Rather, it leads the visitor beyond the tourist traps and souvenir shops to learn about the traditions and artisans behind extraordinary regional products like Tuscan terracotta, Murano glass, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Alpine copper cookware. You'll learn what makes the regions and their world-class products special, and find out how to bring home great values in your suitcase. Read what people say about Made in Italy. For more information about Made in Italy, please e-mail or call (203) 500-4818.
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