Florence: Vintage Fiat 500 Self-Drive Tour & Tuscan Meal

Summary

Drive a classic Fiat 500 through Florence’s hills to lunch

You’ll take the wheel of a vintage Fiat 500 and follow your local guide from Florence into Tuscany’s rolling hills, stopping for city views at Piazzale Michelangelo and stories at San Miniato al Monte. The tour wraps up with lunch on a private terrace — expect laughter, fresh pasta, and those postcard landscapes you’ve seen in dreams.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you’ve driven stick before?" our guide grinned, handing me the keys to this tiny, cherry-red Fiat 500. I laughed — sort of nervous, honestly — because these cars are smaller than you’d think, and the clutch felt like it had its own personality. We started out from Florence, winding up past scooters and locals who actually waved at us (maybe out of nostalgia? Or maybe just because we looked ridiculous in our little convoy). The city faded behind us pretty quick, replaced by that soft green of olive trees and cypress shadows.

Piazzale Michelangelo was our first real stop — everyone talks about the view but seeing Florence laid out like that, morning haze still hanging over the Duomo... it hit different in person. Our guide Marco pointed out San Miniato al Monte up on the next hill and told us about its Romanesque mosaics. I tried to repeat "Pian dei Giullari" after him — Li laughed when I butchered it. There was this smell of warm stone and rosemary in the air, plus someone’s espresso drifting from an open window nearby.

The drive itself was half the fun (okay, sometimes more nerve-wracking than fun), especially as we got into those narrow lanes near Villa del Poggio Imperiale. The radio crackled every so often with Marco’s voice checking in: "Tutto bene?" My hands were sweating but I didn’t want to let go of the wheel. Lunch came just when I needed it — a terrace overlooking vineyards, plates of pasta that tasted like someone’s nonna made them. Sun on my face, tired arms from shifting gears… I still think about that view.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Drive vintage Fiat 500 through Tuscany

• Meet at meeting point
• Drive to Piazzale Michelangelo viewpoint
• Visit San Miniato al Monte basilica
• Pass by Pian dei Giullari hamlet
• Pass by Villa del Poggio Imperiale
• Drive through Chianti scenic landscape
• Enjoy meal on private terrace

Top questions

Do I need experience driving manual cars for this tour?

Yes, previous experience using manual gears is essential for driving the vintage Fiat 500.

What sights are included on this Florence Fiat 500 tour?

You’ll visit Piazzale Michelangelo, San Miniato al Monte, Pian dei Giullari, Villa del Poggio Imperiale, and drive through Chianti landscapes.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Yes, lunch is included and served on a private terrace during the tour.

How long does this self-drive Fiat 500 tour last?

The tour lasts approximately four hours from start to finish.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available if requested in advance; gluten-free or other dietary needs cannot be accommodated.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at a designated meeting point in Florence.

Can children join this vintage car tour?

Infants can ride on an adult’s lap or in a stroller; all drivers must be at least 18 years old with a valid license.

How many people join each group?

The small group tour is limited to five cars (up to fifteen people total).

What’s included

Your day includes driving a vintage Fiat 500 through Tuscany with fuel and insurance covered, guidance via two-way radio from your professional local guide, stops at scenic spots like Piazzale Michelangelo and San Miniato al Monte, plus a meal served on a private terrace before heading back toward Florence.