From Florence: All inclusive Tuscany Vespa tour in Chianti

Exploring Tuscany’s rolling hills, vineyards, and medieval towns becomes truly special when experienced from the seat of a classic Italian Vespa. This 7-hour all-inclusive tour from Florence offers the chance to drive a 50cc Piaggio Vespa through Tuscany’s iconic landscapes, with hotel transfers included. For $184.61 per person, travelers get to see famous sights like San Gimignano, enjoy a wine-tasting lunch at a local winery, and explore tranquil country roads. The tour is especially suited for those comfortable with scooter riding, as a driving test is conducted beforehand to ensure safety.

While the tour offers small group sizes—limited to 7 Vespas max—it provides a mix of scenic driving, cultural stops, and authentic Tuscan cuisine. Some reviews point out the lengthy paperwork and safety checks, but these steps are designed to protect participants. The experience is best for those who appreciate guided storytelling, stunning views, and a touch of adventure in their day.

Key Points

• All-inclusive 7-hour Vespa tour departing from Florence with hotel transfers
• Drive your own 50cc Piaggio Vespa through scenic Tuscan countryside
• Visit San Gimignano, a UNESCO-listed medieval town known for its towers
• Enjoy a wine-tasting lunch with local wines and extra virgin olive oil at a Tuscan winery
• Limited group size ensures personalized attention from guides
• Requires prior scooter or motorcycle experience, with a safety check before departure

Meeting Point and Transportation Logistics in Florence

The tour starts at Italy on a Budget Tours’ office located at Via Romana, 132R, Florence. Travelers meet at 09:30 am for check-in, then depart by minivan or bus promptly at 10:00 am. The entire journey from Florence to Chianti takes approximately one hour, during which the guide shares insights about Tuscany’s scenery and history.

Participants should note that hotel pickup is not included; instead, guests are responsible for reaching the meeting point. The tour concludes back at the same meeting location around 5:00 pm, after a 45-minute ride back to Florence. This setup makes the tour accessible to those staying centrally but requires planning for transportation to the meeting point.

The Scenic Drive to Tuscany from Florence

As the minivan heads toward Chianti, the guide provides engaging commentary on Tuscany’s landscapes, history, and culture. Passengers enjoy views of vineyards, olive groves, and medieval towns. The drive not only sets the scene but also ensures travelers are relaxed and ready for the adventure ahead.

Unlike some Vespa tours that stick to nearby hills, this route takes you to an exclusive part of Chianti, close to San Gimignano. This area is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and famous medieval skyline, making it a prime spot for photography and sightseeing. The scenery is often praised as genuinely beautiful, with rolling hills dotted with vineyards and iconic cypress trees.

Vespa Safety and Orientation in San Gimignano

Upon arrival in the heart of Chianti, the group meets the local guide at San Gimignano’s headquarters. Before hitting the roads, there’s a test drive to confirm driving confidence and safety procedures. Only those comfortable with scooter riding are allowed to continue, and the process ensures everyone feels secure.

The Vespa provided is a 50cc automatic, suited for relaxed countryside riding. The maximum speed is around 48 km/h, which is sufficient for scenic touring but not for high-speed adventures. The saddle height is 81cm, making it accessible for those taller than 1.60 meters.

The safety checks and preliminary ride might take some time, but they are appreciated by those valuing safety and professionalism. The small group size means personalized guidance, and guides are praised for their helpfulness and clear instructions.

Exploring the Chianti Countryside on Two Wheels

Once on the road, the tour takes a leisurely pace through quiet, scenic roads of the Chianti region. Expect to pass fields of vines, cypress-lined avenues, and rustic farmhouses. The route is celebrated for its picturesque views and is perfect for photo stops at scenic outlooks.

Guides share stories about the area’s tradition of wine and olive oil production, enriching the riding experience with local lore. The skylines of San Gimignano often come into view, adding a historic touch to the scenic ride. Some reviews mention the hilly terrain, which is manageable but requires some confidence on the Vespa.

The ride duration in this area is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the landscape and take photos. Travelers should be prepared for winding country roads and occasionally slightly challenging terrain.

Wine Tasting and Tuscan Lunch at a Local Winery

One of the highlights is a visit to a charming winery. The welcoming owners guide guests through their vineyards, explaining the wine production process. This stops offers an authentic taste of Tuscany with a delicious lunch paired with local wines and extra virgin olive oil.

The lunch experience lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes. The meal is described as generous and flavorful, giving a genuine taste of Tuscan culinary traditions. Guests appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to sample multiple wines, often up to seven different varieties.

The wine and olive oil tasting is a major part of the tour’s appeal, providing a culinary dimension that complements the scenic riding experience. The setting, often praised for its beauty and authenticity, enhances the overall value of the day.

Final Scenic Drive to Sant’Appiano and Return to Florence

After lunch, the Vespa takes travelers through more winding roads to Sant’Appiano, a picturesque village surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. The final leg offers breathtaking views and a chance to fully soak in the Tuscany countryside.

The last riding segment lasts about 1 hour, with the chance for more photo opportunities and enjoying the rural atmosphere. The Vespa allows a sense of freedom and connection with the landscape, which many reviews describe as unforgettable.

The tour then heads back to Florence, arriving around 5:00 pm, with a short ride that leaves plenty of time for shoppers or dinner plans afterward.

Tour Inclusions and Practical Tips

The tour’s price includes roundtrip transportation, a helmet, and the 50cc Vespa with automatic transmission. Guests also receive a Tuscan lunch with wine and views of San Gimignano. The small group size (up to 7 Vespas) ensures personalized attention from guides.

Participants should bring driving licenses, passports, and a credit card for a deposit. A mandatory driving test is conducted, so prior scooter experience is necessary. The tour is suitable for drivers aged 18+ and passengers aged 11+.

Weather considerations are important; light rain typically doesn’t halt the tour, but heavy rain may lead to a rerouted experience by minivan. The Vespa max speed is around 48 km/h, with hill speeds around 15 km/h.

The Experience’s Strengths and Limitations

The personalized guidance, scenic routes, and excellent wine tasting make this tour a memorable way to explore Tuscany. The small group size enhances interaction and safety, while the beautiful stops at San Gimignano and the winery add cultural depth.

However, potential participants should be aware that lengthy paperwork and safety checks can extend the start of riding, requiring patience. The tour requires prior scooter experience—not suitable for complete beginners. Also, some reviews note that waiting times and group size may vary, and there are restrictions on younger passengers.

This tour offers a genuine combination of adventure, scenic beauty, and Tuscan flavors, best suited for those comfortable on a scooter and eager to experience Tuscany’s countryside from a different perspective.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous scooter experience to join?
Yes, prior scooter or motorcycle experience is required. A safety test is conducted before the tour to ensure participants can drive confidently.

Are hotel pickups available?
No, the tour does not include hotel transfers. Guests meet at the Italy on a Budget Tours office in Florence.

What is included in the price?
The price covers roundtrip transportation, helmet, Vespa scooter, Tuscan lunch with wine, views of San Gimignano, and a professional guide.

Can I ride the Vespa if I’m under 18?
No, the minimum age for drivers is 18, and passengers must be at least 11 years old.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If there is light rain, the tour proceeds as planned. In case of heavy rain, the experience may be replaced with a minivan tour.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, from check-in at Florence to return.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, but only for drivers over 18 and passengers over 11. Participants should be comfortable on a scooter and in good physical condition.

What are the stops during the tour?
Stops include San Gimignano, a winery, and Sant’Appiano, with plenty of time for sightseeing, photo-taking, and enjoying the scenery.

What makes this tour different from others?
Its small group size, exclusive route near San Gimignano, authentic wine and olive oil tastings, and personalized guide attention distinguish this experience.

Is it worth the price?
Given the full-day experience, scenic riding, delicious lunch, and small group setting, it offers good value for adventure and cultural enjoyment in Tuscany.