Florence: Countryside Vintage Fiat 500 Driving Tour

Driving through the Tuscan countryside in a beautifully restored vintage Fiat 500 offers a charming, nostalgic way to see the region around Florence. This 5-hour tour with Walkabout Tours combines relaxed driving, stunning scenery, and delicious local food and wine. With a small group of up to 10 participants, it promises an intimate and personal experience, led by knowledgeable guides who excel at sharing the history and secrets of Tuscany.

The tour begins at the Santa Maria Novella train station in Florence, where a guide holds a Walkabout Tours sign. After a brief safety and driving instruction, travelers get behind the wheel of their classic Fiat 500, each car carefully restored and ready for adventure. The experience suits those comfortable with manual stick-shift driving and who enjoy scenic drives, cultural stops, and tasting authentic regional flavors.

Key Points

• Explore Tuscany in a vintage Fiat 500 through picturesque countryside and charming villages
• Drive a classic car with expert guidance, with opportunities to swap between driver and passenger
• Enjoy scenic photo stops with views of Florence, olive groves, villas, and castles
• Sample Tuscan cheese, ham, and Chianti wine while relaxing on a private terrace with spectacular vistas
• Small-group experience limited to 10 participants for personalized attention and safety
• Includes a comprehensive safety briefing and assistance from guides who focus on making the experience both fun and secure

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point Near Florence’s Santa Maria Novella Station

The adventure kicks off right at Florence’s Santa Maria Novella train station, on the taxi stand across from the McDonald’s. The guide greets the group, and everyone receives a brief safety and driving introduction. The garage in Florence where the Fiat 500s are stored is a historic site—the former stables and coach house of a Florentine Palazzo—adding to the authentic feel.

Once familiar with the car, travelers get a short test drive to build confidence. The guides, speaking fluent English, are experienced at making all participants feel comfortable behind the wheel of these iconic 1960s cars. This process is especially helpful for those new to manual gear-shifting, ensuring safety and enjoyment from the start.

Scenic Drive from Florence’s Historic Streets to the Hills

After the initial training, the tour departs from Florence, driving through cypress-lined avenues known for their classic Tuscan charm. The route begins with a drive along narrow, stone-walled lanes that lead out of the city, offering views of historic villas and olive groves.

The guides lead the convoy of Fiat 500s through the countryside, with radio communication ensuring coordination and safety. The scenic drive offers plenty of opportunities for photo stops at viewpoints overlooking Florence’s skyline, giving travelers a chance to capture both the city and the rolling hills.

Visiting Florence’s Oldest Church and Historic Villages

The first photo stop is at one of Florence’s oldest churches, where visitors can go inside and marvel at its architectural details. This site provides a stunning backdrop for photos of the Fiat 500s with Florence in the background.

Further along, the route takes travelers through charming villages and quiet country lanes that wind past historic villas and fields of olive trees. Short stops along the way allow for landscape photography and enjoying the tranquility of the Tuscan countryside. These stops serve as refreshings points in the journey, connecting travelers with the region’s rustic beauty.

Swapping Drivers for a Full Experience

One of the most appreciated aspects of this tour is the opportunity to swap between driving and riding shotgun. After a period of driving, participants can switch seats, giving everyone a chance to experience driving a vintage Fiat 500 and enjoy the scenery from the passenger side.

This flexibility ensures that everyone gets a turn behind the wheel, which is especially valued by those who love driving classic cars. The guides are attentive at all times, offering tips and encouragement to make sure everyone feels confident on these narrow country lanes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Relaxing on a Private Terrace with Tuscan Views

Midway through the tour, travelers are treated to a rest on a private terrace with sweeping views of Tuscan hills, villas, and castles. This scenic terrace offers a perfect photo opportunity and a chance to unwind while sampling local cheeses and ham.

The tasting includes a glass of Chianti wine, adding a true taste of Tuscany to the experience. The lunch stop in this picturesque setting provides a relaxing break amid the stunning landscape, allowing visitors to appreciate the region’s culinary traditions.

Sampling Tuscan Delicacies and Wine

The tasting experience features excellent Tuscan cheeses and cured ham, paired with Chianti wine served in generous glasses. The guides help explain the regional specialties, making this a true food and wine experience.

After the tasting, the tour continues with more photo opportunities and scenic drives. The guides often take the most scenic route back to Florence, winding through vineyards and olive groves, ensuring an immersive experience in Tuscany’s winemaking country.

Returning to Florence via the Most Scenic Routes

The journey back to Florence emphasizes scenic roads, providing a relaxed end to the tour. The convoy of Fiats passes through beautiful landscapes and historic landmarks, making the return ride just as memorable as the morning’s adventure.

Guides keep the atmosphere lively and informative, sharing stories about the area’s history, architecture, and culture. The route is designed to maximize views and photo stops, so travelers can finish their experience with plenty of beautiful images.

Practical Details: Group Size, Safety, and Accessibility

This tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention and safety. The guides emphasize safety instructions and driving techniques, especially for those unfamiliar with manual gear-shifting.

Participants must present a valid driving license and be at least 18 years old to drive. The cars do not have safety belts for the rear seats, so passengers should be comfortable with this setup. The tour offers a vegetarian lunch option, although other dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Experience

This tour appeals most to adventurous travelers who enjoy driving and want to see Tuscany from a unique vantage point. It’s ideal for those interested in classic cars, with a small-group setting fostering a friendly, personalized atmosphere.

The experience also suits food and wine lovers who appreciate tasting authentic Tuscan products amid stunning scenery. It’s perfect for photographers wanting picturesque landscapes and memorable moments with their vintage Fiat.

The Sum Up: A Fun and Authentic Way to Discover Tuscany

The Florence: Countryside Vintage Fiat 500 Driving Tour offers a delightful blend of driving, scenery, and culinary tasting in Tuscany. The expert guides and well-maintained vintage cars add safety and charm to the experience, making it highly recommended for adventurous travelers and car enthusiasts.

While the drive can be challenging for beginners in manual transmission, the scenic countryside, delicious food, and fun driving make this tour a memorable highlight of any Florence visit. It’s especially suited for those who want an authentic, intimate glimpse into Tuscany’s landscapes and traditions—far from crowded tourist spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special license to join this tour?
Yes, all drivers must present a valid driving license and be at least 18 years old.

Is the tour suitable for beginners in manual driving?
Participants must be able to drive with stick-shift gears. The guides provide a brief training and support to ensure confidence.

What is included in the tasting stop?
The stop features Tuscan cheeses, ham, and a glass of Chianti wine on a private terrace with panoramic views.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately 5 hours, including driving, stops, and lunch.

Can children participate?
Yes, cars can hold up to 2 children (3-12 years), free of charge, in addition to adults.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at the Santa Maria Novella train station, with guides holding a Walkabout Tours sign.

Is this tour good for solo travelers?
Yes, the small group size makes it suitable for solo travelers seeking a social yet intimate experience.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, a vegetarian lunch option can be accommodated, though other dietary requirements cannot.

What makes this tour unique?
The opportunity to drive a restored vintage Fiat 500, combined with stunning scenery and delicious local products, creates a memorable way to experience Tuscany.

How do I book?
Reservations can be made with pay later options and full cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby