Florence: Vespa Tour of Tuscan Hills & Lunch at Country Estate

Summary

Florence Vespa ride through Tuscan hills with lunch stop

You’ll join a small group for a guided Vespa tour from Florence into the rolling Tuscan hills, stopping at places like San Miniato al Monte and Piazzale Michelangelo before sharing a rustic lunch at a country estate near Pian dei Giullari. Expect laughter, local stories, open-air riding — and maybe an unexpected sense of belonging along the way.

What’s the experience like?

It started with Marco handing me a helmet and grinning like he knew what I was in for. He asked if I’d ever driven a Vespa before — I said yes, but honestly, not since college, and never on these winding Tuscan roads. The group was small, just ten of us, which made it feel more like friends than tourists. As we rolled out of Florence, the city noise faded behind us and I caught the faint smell of cypress mixed with exhaust. Marco kept up a running commentary about the neighborhoods we passed — he pointed out San Miniato al Monte perched above us and joked that its steps could cure any hangover (not sure if that’s true, but he seemed convinced).

The first real stop was Piazzale Michelangelo. You hear about the view but standing there above Florence with the sun just starting to warm the stone, it hit different. Someone in our group tried to say “bellissimo” and got it all wrong; everyone laughed, even a couple of locals nearby who were having their morning coffee on the wall. After that, we wound up into Pozzolatico — tiny village, quiet except for our engines and some distant church bells. There’s something about riding a Vespa through Chianti that makes you feel like you’re in an old film. The air tasted dusty-sweet and I kept thinking how close everything felt — vineyards right up against olive groves.

Lunch came at this old country estate near Pian dei Giullari (apparently Galileo lived nearby — Marco told us twice). We sat outside under some crooked trees while plates of bruschetta, pasta, cheese and salami landed on the table. The bread was rough and chewy in that good way; wine poured freely but not too much since we still had to ride back. There was this moment when everyone went quiet for a second — just forks scraping plates and birds somewhere overhead. I didn’t expect to feel so at home with strangers.

The ride back into Florence was quieter — maybe everyone was full or just soaking it all in. My hands smelled like olive oil from lunch and my hair probably still does after that helmet (not complaining). If you’re thinking about a day trip from Florence to see Tuscany by Vespa, I’d say do it for those little moments between stops more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vespa tour and Tuscan meal

• Check in and depart
• Pass Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
• Pass Pozzolatico village
• Pass Chianti scenic landscapes
• Stop at Villa del Poggio Imperiale
• Visit San Miniato al Monte basilica
• Pass Pian dei Giullari and country estate
• Enjoy Tuscan meal with wine
• Ride back to garage
• Bus return to starting point

Top questions

Do I need previous experience to join this Florence Vespa tour?

Previous scooter experience is recommended for safety but not strictly required; guides may assess your ability before departure.

Is lunch included on this day trip from Florence?

Yes, lunch is included at a country estate near Pian dei Giullari with bruschetta, pasta, cheese and salami board plus wine.

What sights will we see on the Vespa tour?

You’ll pass San Miniato al Monte, Piazzale Michelangelo, Pozzolatico village, Chianti countryside and Pian dei Giullari.

How long does the Florence Vespa tour last?

The tour lasts around 4 hours including stops for sightseeing and lunch.

Is there a minimum age or license requirement?

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license (original only) to drive your own Vespa.

Are vegetarian options available for lunch?

Vegetarian options are available but gluten-free or other dietary needs cannot be accommodated.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is limited to 10 people for a more personal experience.

What’s included

Your day includes Vespa rental (automatic), helmet, third party insurance and fuel coverage; an experienced guide leads you through Tuscany’s scenic routes with stops at key viewpoints before you enjoy lunch with wine at our country estate near Florence. Return transport back to your starting point is also provided after your ride ends.