You’ll zip through Tuscany’s Chianti hills on your own Vespa (or as a passenger), guided by locals who share stories along winding roads lined with cypress trees. Taste three local wines and fresh olive oil during lunch at a family-run winery—expect laughter over mispronounced Italian words and time to soak up those vineyard views before heading home.
The first thing I noticed was the Vespa’s engine—a soft putter, almost shy at first, echoing off the stone walls near San Gimignano. Our guide, Matteo, handed me a helmet with a grin and said something about “la dolce vita.” I tried not to look nervous during the driving test (I probably failed at hiding it), but he just nodded and told me I’d get used to the curves. The air smelled faintly of wild herbs and gasoline—oddly comforting. After we all passed the test (one guy nearly toppled over but laughed it off), we set off into those rolling Chianti hills.
There’s this stretch where cypress trees line both sides of the road like they’re keeping secrets. Matteo slowed down so we could catch up, pointing out old farmhouses tucked between vineyards. At one stop, he told us about his grandmother making olive oil by hand—his hands moved in slow circles as he spoke, like he was kneading dough. I snapped a photo that didn’t do justice to how green everything looked. The main keyword here is Tuscany Vespa tour, but honestly, it felt more like being part of someone’s everyday life than a tour.
Lunch was at a small winery—family-run, with big wooden tables that creaked when you sat down. The owner poured us three different wines and let us dip bread into fresh olive oil (peppery and grassy—I had no idea olive oil could taste like that). Someone tried to pronounce “bruschetta” properly; Matteo chuckled and corrected us gently. We lingered longer than planned, swapping stories with the owners while sunlight drifted across the table.
The ride back was quieter—maybe everyone was full or just soaking it all in. My hands smelled faintly of rosemary from touching some wild bushes along the way. When we finally parked our Vespas back at the office near Barberino Tavarnelle, I felt oddly proud for not tipping over once. I still think about that view from the hilltop outside San Gimignano—somehow bigger than any photo could show.
Yes, previous scooter or motorcycle experience is required. A driving test is done before departure for safety.
The tour starts at the Tuscany on Wheels office in Barberino Tavarnelle, about 12km from San Gimignano.
Pickup can be requested in advance for an extra fee; otherwise, free parking is available at the meeting point.
You’ll have an authentic Tuscan meal at a local winery with three wines and extra virgin olive oil to taste.
The total experience takes around 6 hours including check-in procedures; riding time is about 4 hours.
If you don’t pass the driving test or prefer not to drive, you can ride double with your partner if possible.
You need a valid driver’s license accepted in Italy and a credit card for vehicle guarantee (no prepaid cards).
No; some prior experience is necessary since there are safety checks before joining the group ride.
Your day includes use of a classic 50cc Vespa scooter (with helmet and fuel), guidance from an engaging local leader through scenic Chianti routes near San Gimignano, several stops for photos and stories, third-party insurance coverage, an orientation plus driving test before departure, plus a traditional Tuscan lunch with three local wines and fresh olive oil tasting at a family-run winery—and optional pickup if arranged ahead of time.
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