From San Gimignano: Tuscany Vespa Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting

Getting off crowded buses and onto a zippy 50cc Vespa makes this Tuscany Vespa Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting a lively, memorable way to see the Chianti region. Priced at $173 per person, this 6-hour experience departs from San Gimignano, with a well-structured itinerary that combines scenic rides, cultural stops, and authentic Tuscan flavors. The tour is ideal for those who already have motorcycle or scooter experience—a driving test confirms your confidence before the adventure begins. Travelers appreciate that small group sizes, with a maximum of 7 Vespas, keep the experience intimate and engaging.

While the tour offers magnificent views and a taste of local life, it’s important to be prepared for active riding and to carry necessary documents like a driver’s license and ID. The professional guides are praised for their knowledge and friendly approach, making safety and storytelling a priority. This tour suits adventurous spirits who enjoy scenic drives, delicious food, and wine, and who want to experience Tuscany beyond the typical bus trip.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: At $173, this 6-hour Vespa adventure strikes a balance between fun and value.
• Starting Point: The tour begins at Tuscany on Wheels in Barberino Tavarnelle, just 12 km from San Gimignano.
• Experience Level: Previous scooter or motorcycle driving experience is required, with a driving test before departure.
• Main Stops: Includes scenic rides through Chianti, a visit to San Gimignano for wine and olive oil tastings, and a Tuscan meal at a local winery.
• Guides and Group Size: Expect a small group with up to 7 Vespas, led by knowledgeable local guides like Alessandro, Lorenzo, or Vincenzo.
• Highlights: Spectacular views, photo stops, wine and olive oil tastings, and scenic routes like the Chianti Road.
• Physical Requirements: Participants must be at least 18, pass the skill check, and be comfortable on a scooter.
• Weather Policy: In case of heavy rain, the tour switches to a minivan for safety.
• Inclusions: Insurance, helmet, fuel, authentic Tuscan meal, wine and olive oil tastings.
• Not Included: Pick-up from accommodations (available on request).

Starting at Tuscany on Wheels in Barberino Tavarnelle

The adventure kicks off at Tuscany on Wheels in Barberino Tavarnelle, conveniently located near the Firenze – Siena highway, only 12 km from San Gimignano. The team offers free parking or optional paid pick-up arrangements in advance. After meeting the local guide, participants undergo a short orientation and driving test to ensure confidence on the automatic Vespa. Travelers are advised to bring all required documents, including ID or passport, driver’s license, and credit card for preauthorization.

This initial step takes approximately 1 hour and is crucial to ensure safety and comfort throughout the ride. The guides emphasize safety procedures, making sure everyone is prepared before hitting the scenic roads.

Riding Through the Tuscan Countryside and Chianti Hills

Once ready, the group ventures onto panoramic roads of Tuscany, passing vineyards, cypress trees, and traditional rural houses. The guided ride lasts about an hour, with several photo stops along the way. The guide’s storytelling about the area’s history and landscape enriches the experience, helping riders appreciate the agricultural beauty and medieval charm of Chianti.

The route emphasizes scenic vistas and authentic rural scenes, perfect for capturing memorable photos. The slow pace on hills and city streets ensures safety and enjoyment amid the rolling landscape.

San Gimignano and Wine & Olive Oil Tastings

The tour’s highlight is the stop in San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and historic charm. Here, visitors visit a local winery where owners welcome the group to explore their vineyard and cellars. The wine and olive oil tastings include three wines and extra virgin olive oil, offering an authentic taste of Tuscany’s culinary traditions.

This 1 hour and 30 minutes stop is a true highlight, blending culture with gastronomic delight. The family-run winery provides a personal touch, making the tasting both educational and delicious.

Scenic Drive to Sant’Appiano and Additional Stories

After the wine experience, the group hops back onto the Vespa for the last scenic stretch towards Sant’Appiano. Along this 30-minute ride, guides share exciting stories about the region’s history, architecture, and local legends. The drive offers another opportunity to take photos and appreciate the vivid scenery of the Chianti area.

This part of the tour emphasizes the drama of Tuscany’s landscape, with its medieval villages, vineyards, and cypress-lined roads providing plenty of picture-perfect moments.

Return Journey and Final Vehicle Check

The tour concludes with a return to the starting point in Barberino Tavarnelle. The final 30-minute vehicle check ensures that scooters are returned in good condition. Participants leave with a camera full of photos and lasting memories of their adventure on two wheels.

While the day feels full and active, the organized structure and friendly guides help keep the experience smooth and enjoyable.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour price includes orientation, driving test, insurance, helmet, fuel, lunch, wine and olive oil tastings, and the Vespa scooter. The small group size enhances personal attention and safety. Guides like Alessandro, Lorenzo, or Vincenzo are praised for their expertise and engaging storytelling.

However, travelers should note that pick-up from accommodations is not included but can be arranged. Participants must be at least 18 years old, comfortable on a scooter, and carry valid documents. Heavy rain may lead to a partial or full switch to a minivan, so checking the weather forecast is wise.

Safety and Practical Tips

Safety is a priority, with pre-departure tests and guides committed to safe riding. Riders need to demonstrate prior motorcycle or scooter experience; inexperience could mean riding double with a partner or not participating. The speed limit is 48 km/h on flat roads and 15 km/h on hills, making the ride accessible for confident riders.

Participants are advised to bring rain gear in case of light rain, and be prepared for active riding across different terrains. The scooter’s saddle height at 81 cm and max weight limit of 160 kg are also noteworthy for potential riders.

Unique Selling Points of This Tour

This tour’s standout feature is the combination of scenic Vespa rides, wine and olive oil tastings, and a local Tuscan meal. Guided by local experts, the experience showcases Chianti’s landscapes, history, and gastronomy in an engaging way. The small group format ensures a personalized and immersive adventure.

The storytelling from guides like Alessandro and Vincenzo adds depth to the trip, making each stop more meaningful. The photo opportunities are abundant, from rolling vineyards to medieval towers in San Gimignano.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers who enjoy scenic drives and active experiences. It suits those with scooter experience who want to explore Tuscany’s countryside intimately. Food and wine enthusiasts will appreciate the culinary stops, especially the lunch and tastings in San Gimignano.

Families with older children (at least 11 years old) and groups of friends looking for a fun, engaging day will find this tour a memorable highlight. It’s less suitable for those who prefer a relaxed, less active sightseeing style or inexperienced drivers.

The Sum Up: A Thrilling Way to Discover Tuscany

This Tuscany Vespa Tour with Lunch & Wine Tasting offers a dynamic blend of scenic riding, culture, and culinary delights. Starting from Barberino Tavarnelle and ending back there, the experience combines spectacular views, authentic Tuscan cuisine, and local wines in a small-group setting.

While it requires prior riding experience and carrying necessary documents, the professional guides and well-organized itinerary make it a safe and highly enjoyable choice. Perfect for adventurers who want to see Chianti from behind a Vespa, this tour promises lasting memories of Tuscany’s landscape, flavors, and stories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need previous experience to join this Vespa tour?
Yes, prior scooter or motorcycle experience is required. A driving test is conducted to confirm your confidence before the tour.

What is included in the price?
The price covers orientation, driving test, insurance, helmet, fuel, a Tuscan meal, wine and olive oil tastings, and the Vespa scooter.

Can I opt out of riding if I am nervous?
Participants unable to confidently ride may ride double with a partner, but no refunds are given if unable to ride safely.

What should I bring?
Bring all necessary documents—ID or passport, driver’s license, and credit card. A raincoat is recommended in case of light rain.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, drivers must be at least 18 years old, and passengers should be at least 11.

What happens in bad weather?
In heavy rain, the tour switches to a minivan for safety, and the itinerary is adjusted accordingly.

How long does the tour last?
The total experience is approximately 6 hours, including pre-departure procedures and vehicle check.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Tuscany on Wheels in Barberino Tavarnelle, near the Firenze – Siena highway, with options for advance paid pick-up.

Is lunch included?
Yes, the authentic Tuscan meal with wine and olive oil tastings is part of the experience.

Who are the guides?
Guides like Alessandro, Lorenzo, and Vincenzo receive praise for their expertise, storytelling skills, and safety focus.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, providing a full refund if needed.