Rent a Vintage Fiat 500 on Lake Como: Self-Guided Scenic Drive

A manual transmission Fiat 500 is the only way most travelers see Lake Como's two shores in a single afternoon.

Rent a vintage Fiat 500 for a self-guided 4-hour drive around Lake Como, choosing your own stops along scenic roads through Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzina and lakeside villages. You drive the restored car yourself, steering through the routes the operator suggests or creating your own, pulling over whenever a view or a village calls for photos and an aperitif. The rental includes a map with recommended itineraries, a full tank to start, and RC insurance. You'll need a valid driver's license and manual transmission experience.

The experience

What makes this different from a bus tour or a hired driver is the car itself. The Fiat 500 is small enough to thread the narrow roads that larger vehicles can't reach, and iconic enough that stopping for photos feels like part of the experience rather than a detour. You pick which of the operator's suggested villages to visit (Bellagio, Menaggio, Laglio, Moltrasio, Cernobbio), or skip them entirely and follow the lake's edge wherever it leads. The map and itinerary suggestions are there if you want them. The freedom to ignore them is the whole point.

The car holds up to three people, though two adults is more comfortable for a 4-hour drive. You'll need to know how to operate a manual transmission. The staff will walk you through the car's specifics before you leave, but this isn't an automatic you can rent without experience. Bring a valid driver's license and ID, sunglasses, and a phone for the photos that justify the rental: the Fiat 500 stops traffic in every village, and the lake views from the passenger seat are the kind people frame and keep. One option includes an aperitif on the lake. The other is the rental alone. Either way, you're covering ground that would take a full day by public transport or a guided tour, and you're doing it in a car that belongs in the landscape.

Fuel costs 10 to 25 euros depending on how far you drive. Road tolls and motorway charges come out of your pocket after the fact. A €300 security deposit holds on your credit card for the duration. Bad weather doesn't cancel the experience. The operator will work with you to adjust the plan and keep the day special. You'll receive a souvenir at handover, a small marker of the day you spent steering a piece of Italian automotive history around one of Europe's most photographed lakes.

What’s included

• Map with recommended itineraries and scenic routes.
• full tank of fuel to start the drive.
• RC insurance coverage.
• souvenir at handover. One option adds an aperitif on the lake.

Options for this experience

2 options

Rental of a Vintage Fiat 500 CarGuide in 5 languages · 13 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00Lasts 4 hours, covering one blue or yellow 500

Rental with an aperitif by the lakeGuide in 5 languages · 11 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 15:00Lasts 5 hours, with one 500 in blue or yellow and an aperitif at the lakeside bar

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day13 departure times: the first at 10:00, the last at 16:00

Book up to4h before

Live guideEnglish, French, Italian, Russian and Ukrainian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearby

Operated by Macchina gialla rent

Is this one for you?Book this if you drive a manual transmission and want to cover both shores of Lake Como in a single afternoon without following a guided group. The self-guided format means you set the pace and choose the stops, and the Fiat 500's size lets you reach narrow village roads and scenic pullouts that tour buses can't access.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, French, Italian, Russian and Ukrainian.

Can I stop wherever I want along Lake Como, or do I have to follow a set route?

You can stop freely anywhere that appeals to you. The operator provides a map with recommended itineraries and suggested villages like Bellagio and Menaggio, but you're driving your own car and can pull over for photos, lunch, an aperitif or just to sit with the view whenever you choose.

Do I need to know how to drive a manual transmission car?

Yes, the vintage Fiat 500s have manual transmission, so you need prior experience operating one. The staff will explain everything about the car before you depart, but you should be comfortable with a manual gearbox before booking.

What villages and landmarks will I pass on a 4-hour drive around Lake Como?

The operator suggests an exclusive itinerary crossing Bellagio, Menaggio, Tremezzina, Laglio, Moltrasio and Cernobbio, all picturesque villages and elegant villas on the lake's two shores. You decide which ones to visit and how long to spend in each.

How many people can fit in the Fiat 500?

The vintage Fiat 500 can accommodate up to three people, though two adults is recommended for comfort during a 4-hour rental.

What's included in the rental, and what costs extra?

The rental includes a map with itineraries, a full tank of fuel to start, and RC insurance. Fuel for the trip costs 10 to 25 euros depending on consumption. Motorway tolls and road penalties are charged after notification. A €300 security deposit holds on your credit card.

Is this experience good for couples and photo shoots?

Yes, it's designed for couples, friends, birthdays and professional photo shoots. The Fiat 500 is a photogenic icon, and the lake views from the car and roadside stops are perfect for Instagram and keepsake photos.