This review takes a close look at the Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Siena, an experience that promises to turn your classic Italian dreams into reality. While we haven’t done it ourselves, we’ve gathered plenty of insights from travelers who have, along with the details from the tour provider.
If you’ve ever wanted to cruise the Tuscan hills in an adorable vintage car, this might just be the adventure for you.
What we love most about this tour is the chance to see Tuscany in a different way — cruising through scenic landscapes in a tiny, charming Fiat 500, and stopping at authentic wineries and charming hilltop towns. The small-group limit of just ten people ensures a more personal, relaxed experience, and the included winery lunch offers a taste of local flavors that’s well worth the price.
Brush up on your manual driving skills and you'll be good to go. If you have driven a volkswagen beetle, pretty much the italian version. Beautiful country side. Great tour guide. Great host at the winery. Learned a lot of history of tuscany and the wine.
Of course, 1960s Fiat makes for an interesting challenge…and yes you can smell gas, but we LOVED this experience! The guide and other guests were so much fun. We bonded over laughs and poking fun at some lackluster driving moments, but this made for an experience we’ll never forget! The scenery, towns and wineries were outstanding. If we had a free day, we’d come back for the Vespa tour!
The countryside was absolutely gorgeous, we enjoyed the hill towns, winery tour and the light lunch. We’ll love telling stories about the drive in the vintage Fiat, but frankly we were worried it would break down so many times. Fortunately, my friend who drove the car was fa…
On the flip side, it’s worth noting that vintage cars come with their quirks — some reviews mention mechanical issues, and the cars might not be as smooth or reliable as modern vehicles. Plus, the tour is centered around driving and enjoying the scenery, so if you’re more into museums or structured sightseeing, this might not be your ideal choice.
This experience suits travelers looking for a fun, offbeat way to explore Tuscany, especially those who enjoy driving manual transmissions and are open to a bit of adventure behind the wheel. It’s great for couples, small groups of friends, or anyone wanting a memorable day immersed in Italian charm.
- Key Points
- Driving Through Tuscany in a Vintage Fiat
- Exploring Monteriggioni and Chianti
- The Winery Lunch: Good Food and Fine Wines
- The Return Journey and Overall Atmosphere
- Practical Details and Considerations
- What Do Travelers Say?
- Who Is This Tour Best For?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Wine Tours in Siena
- More Tours in Siena
- More Tour Reviews in Siena
Key Points
- Unique Experience: Cruising Tuscany in a vintage Fiat 500, a classic Italian charm
- Small Group: Limited to just ten participants, ensuring personalized attention
- Scenic Drive: Pass through Monteriggioni and Chianti hills, with plenty of photo-worthy stops
- Tasty Lunch: Enjoy a hearty three-course lunch paired with local wines at Poggio Amorelli
- Driver’s Skill Required: Manual driving experience is necessary, and drivers should be comfortable with vintage cars
- Weather Considerations: Tour happens rain or shine, with safety being a priority in stormy weather
- Cost & Value: At about $192 per person, it offers a memorable blend of scenery, culture, and fun driving
Driving Through Tuscany in a Vintage Fiat
Imagine yourself behind the wheel of a 1960s Fiat 500, zipping along narrow country roads lined with cypress trees and vineyards. This isn’t just a sightseeing bus tour — it’s a hands-on experience that puts you in control of a piece of Italian automotive history. And you’ll be doing this in a small caravan led by your guide, which makes the entire day feel intimate and relaxed.
The experience kicks off from Siena with a pickup included if you select that option, making logistics straightforward. Once you’re all set, you get briefed on the vehicles, which are vintage and charming but can also be temperamental. Several reviews highlight mechanical quirks, but most see this as part of the fun and charm — a reminder that you’re driving a classic car, not a brand-new model.
Brilliant way to experience the Chianti Wine Region. Easy and carefree, Unique memories made with other travellers. Special day and great Tour guide
Giorgio and Francesco were the perfect guides for an incredible experience. Loved driving the the cutest little cars. Loved the locations and the Scenery. Loved the wine tasting of Tuscany Wines. In all it was one of my favorite days in Italy.
We had the best time ever! Matilda was so knowledgeable and great fun. Francis was amazing and giving me the confidence i needed. I hadnt driven a manuel for many years, but it all came back to me. The winery was lovely. Francis and Matilda even drove my daughter and i home as it was on his way. So very kind. I would highly recommend this tour!!!
You can also read our reviews of more wine tours in Siena
Exploring Monteriggioni and Chianti
Your first stop is Monteriggioni, a tiny medieval walled town that’s great for wandering and soaking up history. The walls, ramparts, and small shops give a real sense of stepping back in time. As one traveler put it, “The scenery, towns, and wineries were outstanding,” capturing the essence of what this tour offers.
From there, the drive continues through the rolling hills of Chianti, a landscape dotted with vineyards, rustic villas, and olive groves. The wide-open views and twisting roads are what make this drive special. Multiple reviews mention the scenic beauty and how the drive itself is a highlight, with one noting it’s a “beautiful countryside” that’s great for a leisurely cruise.
The Winery Lunch: Good Food and Fine Wines
At Poggio Amorelli, the group gathers for a three-course lunch paired with wine tasting. The menu features starters like crostini with tomato or olive pâté, followed by pasta with tomato sauce, and a dessert of biscotti with Vin Santo.
Reviewers consistently mention the good food, with one describing it as a “hearty Tuscan three-course lunch,” while others point out the wine tastings are generous and well-selected.
At first didn’t know what to expect! I was worried we would be super hot in these vintage Fiat cars because of the no air conditioning but surprisingly with sunroof and open windows it was fresh breeze in July! Loved all the spots and the wine on the tour was fantastic! The on…
Loved driving the little Fiat 500, of course it’s an old classic car which doesn’t drive as smooth as a normal car but that’s part of the experience and charm. We loved every single bit of it! The only improvement we can think of, is either to change the description of the lu…
Diego drove our fiat and was great ! But by the time we got to winery we got only 2 sips of wine and some cheese and meats that would have never filled anyone ! Winery was a waste of time
A few reviews note that the lunch isn’t a full sit-down affair but more of a tasting platter, which is consistent with the description. Still, the wines receive praise, and the owners’ hospitality makes the visit memorable. Many enjoy the opportunity to learn about local wines, which adds depth to the experience.
The Return Journey and Overall Atmosphere
After the winery, the group heads back toward Siena, often with a quick stop in Monteriggioni for some final photos. The entire day averages around six and a half hours, packed with scenic drives, cultural stops, and good company.
What really comes through from travelers’ comments is that the guides are a huge part of the experience. Several reviews love the knowledgeable, enthusiastic guides who keep things fun, share local insights, and manage the vintage cars smoothly. One reviewer said, “Diego drove our Fiat and was great,” emphasizing how important the guide’s personality and competence are to the overall enjoyment.
Practical Details and Considerations
The tour is priced at $191.58 per person, which is a fair value considering the combination of driving experience, sightseeing, lunch, and wine tasting. It’s worth noting that most travelers book about 68 days in advance, so if this sounds appealing, plan ahead.
Even when we had a good time. The Fiat 500 we arranged for the tour many of them were out of service. They give us a Polaris when we asked if there had another type of car in order to us not to loose the tour. (The Fiat need maintenance. )
Was able to spend the wonderful day with my son, on his birthday, and his family. My wife and I were trying to find a surprise that he would never figure out. It worked.
Amazing way to travel through the landscape of the Chianti region in Tuscany and the car was fun to drive. Our guide, Paolo, was very friendly and informative. Definitely recommend this trivandrum a great way to spend my birthday
Participants need to have a valid driver’s license and be comfortable with manual gear shifts — the cars are vintage, manual transmission only. The maximum group size of ten travelers ensures plenty of attention from the guide, but it also means the experience is intimate, not crowded.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected during booking, but be aware that without this, you’ll need to meet the group at the specified location in Badesse. Also, the activity runs rain or shine, with safety a priority if weather conditions are severe.
While the experience is generally suitable for most travelers, it’s not recommended for children under 12, and drivers must be at least 18 years old. Be prepared for some mechanical quirks — a few reviews mention car issues — but most see these as part of the charm of vintage driving.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Siena
What Do Travelers Say?
Reviews paint a mostly positive picture, with many praising the scenery, the guides, and the wine. For example, “Brilliant way to experience the Chianti Wine Region,” and “Loved driving the the cutest little cars,” capture how enjoyable and memorable this adventure is. Travelers also appreciate the small-group setting, which allows for more personal interaction.
All! The Fiat and Vespas and two guides. All friendly and created a great time. GREAT JOB!! Route was scenic and explanation of where we were and wine tasting and food were very well thought out.
The scenery and luncheon/wine tour, and all the stops were great! Driving these windy roads is exciting and takes skill. The guide Diego was absolutely the best- considering these cars are Vintage by age only- it took a special person to deal with all the mechanical issues with grace and patience! He was kind, beyond helpful, and fun and went out of his way to make sure everyone was happy! If you like adventure and you don’t need perfection of a Collector’s car, do this! It’s a trip to remember.
The tour was fantastic. Fabio, the tour guide, was fabulous! Everyone had a fabulous time. HOWEVER, – The information on Viator is not accurate! Under “what’s included”, they state “hotel pickup and drop off on request”. However, we had to pay $100 euros from central Siena (5 mike drive) for pick up/drop off. Didn’t get the cost until too late to cancel.
Some concerns are raised about the mechanical condition of the Fiats. A couple of reviews mention that many cars were out of service or had issues, which could be disappointing if you’re expecting a smooth ride. Others highlight that the cars are old and may require patience and a sense of humor.
The lunch, described as light but tasty, complements the drive without feeling overly formal. And many reviewers say they’d do it again or recommend it for a special occasion, especially if they enjoy driving or want a different way to explore Tuscany.
Who Is This Tour Best For?
If you’re someone who loves driving manual cars and wants a hands-on experience, this tour is a fantastic choice. It suits travelers looking for an active, fun day that combines scenic beauty with a touch of nostalgia. It’s especially good for couples, small groups, or anyone who appreciates a quirky, memorable way to see Tuscany.
However, if you prefer a fully guided, no-driving experience or are worried about vintage car reliability, this might not be your best pick. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children or have mobility restrictions, consider whether the stops and driving might be less suitable.
Final Thoughts
The Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Siena offers a charming way to see Tuscany that’s more about participation than mere sightseeing. You’ll love the chance to drive a piece of Italian history, enjoy spectacular views, and taste the region’s wines in an authentic setting. The small-group format ensures a cozy, personal vibe, and the guides are generally praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
While the vintage cars may have quirks, most travelers see this as part of the adventure — a reminder that sometimes the journey isn’t just about the destination, but the stories you create along the way. This tour provides a playful, engaging way to experience Italy’s countryside, great for those who want to add a little excitement to their trip.
If you’re craving a mix of scenic drive, cultural stops, and good wine with a side of nostalgia, this could be just the experience you’re looking for. Just be sure you’re comfortable with manual driving, and keep an open mind about the vintage cars’ quirks. It’s a day that’s likely to leave you with plenty of stories and a big smile.
Vintage Fiat 500 Tour from Siena: Tuscan Hills and Winery Lunch
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have driving experience?
Yes, you must have experience driving a manual transmission, as the vintage Fiat 500s are stick-shift only. You should also be comfortable with vintage cars, which might not have the smoothness of modern vehicles.
Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is not available for children under 12 years old, and drivers must be 18 or older. The activity involves driving vintage cars, which isn’t ideal for young children or those with mobility issues.
What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the vintage Fiat 500 rental, a guide, a winery tour, a three-course lunch, wine tasting, water, and fuel. If you opt for hotel pickup and drop-off, that is included as well.
How long does the tour last?
It’s approximately 6 and a half hours, including driving, stops, lunch, and sightseeing. Expect a full but relaxed day exploring Tuscan hill towns and vineyards.
What should I wear?
Since the cars are open-top, wear comfortable shoes and bring sunglasses. Wear weather-appropriate clothing; the tour runs rain or shine.
Are there any safety concerns?
The cars are vintage but checked thoroughly before each tour. The guide manages safety closely, but mechanical issues can occur, so patience and a sense of humor are recommended.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the tour. No refunds are given if you cancel less than 24 hours beforehand or if the tour is canceled for safety reasons due to weather.
In the end, this tour offers a blend of driving, sightseeing, and tasting that’s great for those eager to see Tuscany from a different angle — with a little vintage flair.
