The image of a scooter weaving through narrow Italian streets or along cypress-lined countryside roads is practically shorthand for a Tuscan holiday, and Florence is one of the best places to actually do it — vespa tours are widely available, ranging from a short city loop to a full-day countryside route into Chianti.
How it typically works
Most operators offer either a self-drive option (you ride, with a guide leading on their own scooter) or a passenger sidecar/chauffeured option for those without a motorcycle licence or without confidence riding one. Self-drive tours generally require a valid motorcycle or full driving licence covering scooters in Italy — check the specific requirement with the operator, since rules vary by scooter size and licence type.
City tours vs. countryside tours
- City routes — shorter (1–2 hours), weaving past major sights and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for the view, generally at a gentle pace suited to central Florence's narrow streets and pedestrian zones.
- Countryside routes — half-day or full-day trips out into Chianti, often combined with a winery stop or a hill-town lunch — a genuinely different way to experience the same territory covered in our Chianti guide.
Who it suits
Confident riders comfortable with manual or automatic scooters in city traffic will get the most out of a self-drive tour. If that's not you, the passenger option still delivers the same views and open-air experience without the responsibility of the controls — a good fit for couples or as a one-off treat within a wider trip.