Florence to Chianti: Vespa or Topolino Tour with Winery & Lunch

Summary

Vespa rides, Chianti vineyards and rustic lunch in Tuscany

You’ll wind through Tuscany’s hills on a Vespa or Topolino from Florence, stopping for figs by the roadside and stories in tiny villages. Taste local wines in centuries-old cellars and share a rustic lunch under vines with new friends. It’s not about riding perfectly — it’s about feeling part of Chianti for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

Helmet strap digging just a bit under my chin — that’s how the day started, fumbling with it outside Via dei Vagellai while our guide Marco grinned and asked if anyone had ever actually driven a Vespa before. I hadn’t. Neither had half the group, but somehow that made it less intimidating. The engine’s little growl surprised me (louder than I’d guessed), and then we were weaving out of Florence, past stone walls and laundry flapping from tiny balconies. Sunlight kept flickering through olive branches as we picked up speed toward Chianti. At one point, Marco slowed down just to point out some wild poppies — “They’re everywhere this time of year,” he said, which sounded almost like an apology for how beautiful it all was.

The countryside felt unreal: vineyards in neat lines, old farmhouses with faded shutters, cypress trees standing straight like sentinels. There was this moment when we stopped near a little church — Santa Maria a Cintoia, I think? — and you could smell fresh-cut grass mixed with something sweet from someone’s kitchen nearby. A local waved at us (I waved back too late). We got off our Vespas and stretched; I tried to say “grazie” to an old man selling figs by the road and he laughed, handing me one anyway. Honestly, I still think about that taste — sticky and warm from the sun.

I didn’t expect to care about terracotta tiles but Impruneta changed that for me. Our guide led us into a workshop where hands moved clay like it was dough; there was dust everywhere but nobody seemed to mind. Lunch came after: long wooden tables set under vines, glasses clinking as bottles of Chianti Classico made their way around. The olive oil tasted grassy — sharper than what I’m used to at home — and someone at my table tried to explain the difference between regular wine and “the real stuff.” Not sure I understood but it felt right just listening.

The ride back to Florence was quieter; maybe everyone was full or just letting the hills sink in. My arms were tired from gripping the handlebars but I didn’t want it to end yet. If you’re thinking about a day trip from Florence to Chianti on a Vespa or even the little electric Topolino (which looked ridiculously fun), don’t stress about being perfect at driving — they’ll look after you either way. And yeah, bring your driver’s license… learned that one the hard way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chianti Vespa tour and lunch

• Meet tour leader in Florence
• Drive to Chianti countryside
• Enjoy scenic Chianti route
• Visit charming Chianti village
• Guided tour in Impruneta
• Lunch with wine and oil tasting
• Return drive to Florence

Top questions

How long does the Vespa tour from Florence to Chianti take?

The drive each way is about 35 minutes; expect several hours total including stops for winery visits and lunch.

Is lunch included on this Chianti Vespa tour?

Yes, an authentic Tuscan lunch with wine tasting is included during the tour.

Do I need experience driving a Vespa for this tour?

No previous experience is required but it helps; guides will help assess your comfort level before departure.

What happens if it rains during the Vespa tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; if riding isn’t safe due to weather, you’ll continue comfortably by minivan instead.

Are helmets provided for the Vespa ride?

Yes, helmet rental is included for all riders on this day trip from Florence to Chianti.

Can I join if I don’t want to drive a scooter?

If you can’t drive safely or prefer not to ride, you can join as a passenger or travel in a support vehicle like the minivan or Tuk Tuk if available.

Is there an age requirement for driving?

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license to drive; passengers can be as young as 13.

Does this tour include wine tasting at a winery?

Yes, there’s a guided visit of historic cellars with wine and olive oil tastings included.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip transportation from central Florence, helmet and fuel for your Vespa or electric Topolino ride through Chianti, guided stops in villages like Impruneta with terracotta workshops, entry into renowned winery cellars for tastings of local wines and olive oil, plus an authentic Tuscan lunch before heading back in comfort.