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

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tuscany’s rolling hills and charming villages, a Vespa tour might be just the adventure you’re after. This half-day experience combines the thrill of zipping through scenic roads on a Vespa with cultural stops that include wine and olive oil tastings, plus a delicious Tuscan meal. We’ve looked into this tour to help you decide if it’s the right fit—and here’s what you need to know.

What we love about this tour is how it offers a more personal, intimate way to see Tuscany’s countryside compared to crowded bus trips. Plus, the chance to ride a Vespa on scenic roads—not just look at pictures—really makes it stand out. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that driving a scooter requires confidence and previous experience. If you’re new to scooters or motorcycles, this might not be the best fit unless you’re comfortable with the basics.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want to see Tuscany’s landscapes firsthand, enjoy authentic food and wine, and don’t mind a bit of a thrill. It’s also a solid choice for those who love a mix of activity, culture, and scenic beauty. If you’re traveling with a partner or friends who share your zest for exploration, this could easily become a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Personalized experience: Small group tour with up to 12 travelers means plenty of space and attention.
• Scenic routes: Ride through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages with plenty of photo opportunities.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable tour leaders share stories and history along the way.
• Well-balanced itinerary: Combines riding, sightseeing, and a delicious Tuscan meal.
• Includes all essentials: Helmets, insurance, fuel, and the Vespa are covered, making it hassle-free.
• Requires prior scooter experience: Participants must pass a driving test; not ideal for complete beginners.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The tour kicks off in Barberino Tavarnelle, conveniently located just outside San Gimignano. You’ll meet the team, park your car (free parking available), and undergo a quick safety briefing and driving test. This is a smart step—ensuring everyone feels comfortable before hitting the scenic roads. The group is capped at 7 Vespas, so expect a friendly, small-group vibe that encourages interaction and personalized attention.

The Drive Through Tuscany

Once cleared to go, you’ll head into the beautiful Tuscan countryside. The routes take you through rolling hills and past vineyards, olive groves, and historic farmhouses. The guide shares stories and insights about the area, making the ride not just a photo-op but also an educational journey. Expect plenty of stops to capture the views—think cypress-lined roads and sweeping vistas that make for perfect Instagram shots.

Several reviews highlight how spectacular the scenery is. One reviewer mentioned, “We saw spectacular views and he gave us a nice history of what we were seeing.” The sense of freedom on a Vespa, combined with the picturesque surroundings, creates an engaging and memorable experience that’s far more immersive than just riding in a car or bus.

San Gimignano and the Winery Experience

Your first major stop is in San Gimignano, famous for its medieval towers and charming atmosphere. Here, you’ll visit a local winery where the owners welcome you for a guided tour of their property. The highlight is the Tuscan meal, which includes three wines and extra virgin olive oil tastings—an authentic treat that many reviews praise as “magnificent” and “off the charts.” The wine and olive oil are local, high-quality, and served in a relaxed, friendly environment.

This part of the tour is praised not just for the tastings but also for the knowledgeable hosts and the authentic experience. As one reviewer put it, “the winery host was super funny, the food tasty, and the curated wine superb.” It’s a relaxed yet informative tasting that showcases the region’s culinary heritage.

The Scenic Return and Final Stop

After lunch, you’ll hop back on your Vespa for the journey to Sant’Appiano, a scenic village filled with charming sights and stories. The guide keeps the atmosphere lively and informative, sharing tales about the local area. The ride back is often described as a “scenic drive,” and many say they end the day with a camera full of photos and a heart full of happiness.

Returning and Final Check

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, where you’ll do a quick check of the Vespa and collect your documents. The total experience is around 6 hours, with approximately 4 hours of actual riding and sightseeing, plus prep and wrap-up time. The tour is designed to be flexible enough to accommodate different paces and comfort levels, but note that drivers must be confident—anyone unable to pass the initial driving test might have to ride double or sit out.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• The Vespa scooter (50cc with automatic transmission)
• Helmets, insurance, and fuel
• A guided tour with a local leader
• Safety briefing and driving test
• Wine and olive oil tastings
• Authentic Tuscan meal with three wines
• Small group size (max 7 Vespas)

Not included:

• Pick-up from your accommodation (but this can be requested)
• Personal expenses or extra drinks outside tastings

The package offers good value considering the all-in price of $173, especially given the number of activities, tastings, and the small-group attention. Remember, a driving license and prior scooter experience are necessary, so if you’re a nervous rider or new to scooters, it’s worth considering whether this adventure is suitable for you.

The Experience Review from Travelers

Multiple reviewers rave about the guides—calling them knowledgeable, polite, and funny. One said, “Vincenzo was our guide and he was wonderful,” highlighting how important a good guide is to making the day enjoyable.

The scenery is consistently praised as “off the charts”, with many noting that the views are what you’d expect from Italy—vineyards, hills, and medieval villages. The wine and food are also a highlight, with several reviews calling the tastings “magnificent” and the lunch “off the charts.”

Some travelers, like Michael W., appreciated how safe and well-guided the experience felt, especially with the pre-departure test and instructions. The small group size was also a plus, allowing for a more personalized experience.

The Practicalities

Timing-wise, the tour runs about 6 hours from start to finish, with the riding portion being roughly 4 hours, depending on stops and pace. The max speed of the Vespa is about 48 km/h, so don’t expect a high-speed race—this is more about enjoying the scenery at a relaxed, comfortable pace.

Participants must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license. The tour is not suitable for children under 11, and the Vespa’s seat height and weight limit mean it’s geared toward those of average height and weight. The company recommends bringing all necessary documents, including ID and a credit card for preauthorization in case of damages.

The Sum Up

This Vespa tour in Tuscany offers a lively, engaging way to experience the region’s landscapes, cuisine, and culture. It’s perfect for travelers who are comfortable on a scooter and looking for a more personal, active adventure. The combination of scenic drives, wine tastings, and authentic Tuscan food makes for a memorable day that balances fun with culture.

If you value guided experiences with knowledgeable hosts, great scenery, and a dash of adrenaline, this tour checks all those boxes. However, if you’re new to riding or not confident on a scooter, you might want to consider whether this adventure suits your comfort level.

Overall, it’s a fantastic option for those wanting to see Tuscany from a different perspective—on wheels, with good company, and plenty of local flavor.

FAQs

Do I need previous experience to join this tour? Yes, prior scooter or motorcycle experience is mandatory. You will need to pass a driving test conducted by the team before the tour begins to ensure you’re confident and able to ride safely.

Can I ride double if I’m not comfortable driving alone? Yes, if you’re unable to pass the test or feel unsure, you can ride double with a partner. However, the driver must still meet the experience requirements.

What documents do I need to bring? You must carry your physical ID or passport, driver’s license, and credit card for preauthorization. No photocopies or pictures are accepted.

Is the tour suitable for children? The minimum age for participants is 11, and drivers must be at least 18. It’s not specifically designed for children, but older kids or teenagers comfortable on a scooter could enjoy it.

What if the weather is bad? The tour can go ahead in light rain, but in case of heavy rain, it might be canceled or replaced with a minivan version. Bringing rain gear is recommended.

How long does the entire experience take? Expect about 6 hours total, including prep, riding, stops, and wrap-up. Actual riding and sightseeing are approximately 4 hours.

If you’re craving a fun, scenic, and flavorful way to explore Tuscany, this Vespa tour offers an experience that’s both lively and authentic. Just make sure you’re comfortable with riding, and you’ll likely come away with stories and photos to cherish.