From Florence: Tuscany Vespa Tour with Lunch & Wine

If you’re dreaming of exploring Tuscany’s rolling hills on two wheels, this Vespa tour from Florence might just be what you’re looking for. It promises a full day of scenic riding, charming medieval towns, and delicious food and wine — all in a small group for a more personal experience. While we haven’t gone on it ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect.

What really sets this tour apart is the chance to zip through the countryside on your own Vespa, enjoying the freedom and fun of open-road riding. Plus, it includes stops at renowned spots like San Gimignano, and a visit to a local winery for tasting authentic wines and olive oils. Our favorite aspects? The passionate guides and stunning vistas. But it’s worth noting that this tour is best suited for confident scooter riders, as previous experience and a valid driver’s license are required.

If you’re comfortable on a scooter and eager to see Tuscany from a different perspective, this adventure offers a blend of scenic riding, cultural insight, and culinary delights. Family travelers might need to consider the age restrictions and the requirement for previous scooter experience, but for most travelers craving a lively, immersive day, this could be a highlight.

Key Points

• Scenic riding on your own Vespa through the Tuscan hills
• Expert local guides share stories and insights about the region
• Beautiful stops at San Gimignano and other off-the-beaten-path locations
• Authentic Tuscan lunch paired with wine and olive oil tasting
• Small group size (limited to 14 participants) creates a personalized experience
• Requires previous scooter experience and a valid driver’s license

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why You Might Love This Tour

This trip offers a unique way to see Tuscany—by Vespa. We love the freedom of riding along winding country roads, feeling the breeze and hearing only the hum of your scooter. The way the guide shares stories about Tuscany’s history and culture adds depth to the experience, making it more than just sightseeing. Plus, reaching an exclusive area of Chianti, away from tourist crowds, gives you a sense of discovery that’s hard to match.

The highlight for many is the visit to a charming local winery. The owners welcome you warmly, allowing you to stroll through vineyards and learn how Tuscany’s famous wines and oils are made. The tasting of these products, accompanied by a delicious Tuscan lunch, is a real treat — authentic, flavorful, and satisfying.

Many reviews mention how well-organized and engaging the guides are. A consistent praise is the attention to safety and comfort, especially during the test drive to ensure everyone feels confident on the Vespa. The scenic views, the charm of the countryside, and the friendly, knowledgeable guides make the day memorable.

What to Expect: The Day in Detail

Meeting Point and Start

The adventure begins early at Italy on a Budget Tours’ office in Florence, where you’ll check in around 9:30 am. Bring your driver’s license, ID, passport, and credit card. The tour departs promptly at 10 am, and the first part involves a short bus ride outside Florence—about 40 minutes—while your guide lays out the day’s plans and shares interesting tidbits about Tuscany. This drive is a lovely way to start soaking in the scenery; rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves stretch out on every side.

Safety and Test Drive

Once you arrive in Chianti, you’ll meet your local guide at the headquarters. Here, you’ll undergo a quick test drive, so they can confirm you’re comfortable handling the Vespa. This step is important, especially for those who haven’t ridden a scooter before. The maximum weight limit is around 160 kg (about 353 lbs), and the speed is modest—up to 48 km/h (about 30 mph)—so don’t expect racing. If you’re new or uneasy, you can ride double with a partner, but no refunds are issued if you’re unable to ride solo.

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Riding Through Chianti’s Hills

After the safety briefing and a short practice, you’re off! The route takes you along quiet, scenic roads through the Chianti countryside, where the iconic cypress trees, lush vineyards, and rustic farmhouses create a postcard-perfect backdrop. The guided ride lasts about two hours, with plenty of photo stops to capture the vistas and charming villages like San Gimignano’s skyline coming into view.

Discovering Hidden Gems

Unlike other tours that stick to busy hillsides, this experience is designed to take you to quieter, more exclusive areas, away from crowds. This means you’ll enjoy a more authentic and peaceful side of Tuscany. Your guide’s engaging stories about the towns and countryside make the ride more meaningful, as you recognize the significance of each site.

The Winery Stop

One of the tour’s most appreciated moments is the visit to a local winery. The owners warmly welcome you to explore their vineyards and production areas. Here, you’ll learn about how wine and extra virgin olive oil are produced—an experience many reviews describe as “authentic” and “intimate.” The tasting session features some of Tuscany’s best wines, paired with a tasting of seasonal produce and olive oils. The hospitality and quality of the food and drinks get high praise, with visitors describing it as “delicious” and “fabulous.”

The Final Ride & San Gimignano

After lunch, you’ll hop back on your Vespa and continue through the scenic countryside, heading toward San Gimignano. The medieval town’s famous towers create a striking silhouette against the sky, and the panoramic views from the surrounding hills are breathtaking. You’ll enjoy another scenic ride, with opportunities to pause and photograph the landscape or explore the town’s narrow streets if time allows.

Return Journey

In the late afternoon, the group boards the bus for the 30-minute ride back to Florence, arriving around 5 pm. Before you leave, there’s a quick vehicle check, and you’ll have plenty of photos and memories to bring home.

Is It Worth the Price?

This tour offers a lot in one day: scenic riding, cultural insights, wine and olive oil tastings, and the chance to see key Tuscan towns. While the price might seem high compared to typical day trips, the experience’s personalized nature—small groups, guided stories, and hands-on activities—adds value. Many reviewers say they felt it was worth every euro, especially considering the quality of the guides and the exclusivity of the locations.

The experience is best suited for travelers who are comfortable riding a scooter, as previous driving experience and a valid license are required. It might not be ideal for those with limited mobility or pregnant women, but for most adventurous, confident travelers, it’s a memorable way to connect with Tuscany’s landscapes and flavors.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour For?

If you love the idea of exploring Italy’s countryside on two wheels, this tour hits the spot. It combines the thrill of riding a Vespa with the tranquility of Tuscany’s rolling hills and the pleasure of sampling local wines and foods. The small group size means it feels intimate and personalized, with plenty of opportunity for questions and photos.

However, it’s important to note that this isn’t a leisurely sightseeing bus tour with lots of stops; it’s an active, engaging day on a scooter. If you’re not confident riding or don’t have previous experience, this might not be the best fit. But if you’re eager for adventure, enjoy scenic drives, and appreciate good food and wine, this tour could turn into one of your favorite memories from Italy.

FAQ

Is previous scooter experience required? Yes, a driving test is conducted to verify confidence and safety on the Vespa. If you’re not comfortable riding, you can ride double, but no refunds are given if you can’t ride solo.

Do I need a driver’s license? Absolutely. You must have a valid driver’s license recognized in Italy to participate.

What is the minimum age? Drivers must be at least 18, and passengers at least 15.

Can I ride if I’ve never ridden a scooter before? It’s not recommended unless you’re confident in your riding skills. The test drive ensures you’re comfortable handling the Vespa.

What should I bring? Your passport or ID card, driver’s license, comfortable shoes, and a credit card for extras or deposits.

How long is the tour? The full experience lasts about 7 hours, including travel, stops, and lunch.

What’s included? Vespa riding, safety briefing, guided tour, wine and olive oil tasting, and a traditional Tuscan lunch.

Is it suitable for families? The tour is designed for adults and older teens comfortable with scooter riding. It’s not suitable for pregnant women or mobility-impaired travelers.

What is the group size? Limited to 14 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What happens if it rains? The weather can affect the tour; reviews mention that guides try to make the best of it, and some stops may be adjusted if needed.

In all, this Vespa tour from Florence offers a lively, picturesque way to see Tuscany’s most beautiful corners, taste authentic flavors, and enjoy the thrill of riding through history. It’s perfect for confident scooter riders who love scenic drives and authentic experiences—just be prepared for a full day on two wheels.

You can check availability for your dates here: