Glide through the gleaming Tuscan countryside.
The Vespa is an undeniable symbol of Italian life. If you’ve ever seen a movie, read a book, or watched a show set in Italy, you have probably seen the characters joyriding through the city streets or golden countryside. This had always been a dream of mine, until this summer, when I finally got the opportunity.
Walk About Florence is a tour company specializing in day trips, immersing visitors in the region’s culture. They offer a variety of tours, including cooking classes, hiking trips, and, my personal favorite, Vespa rides. The tour begins in the early morning, and a bus transports you to the outskirts of the city.
I must say, I was a little nervous regarding my driving abilities, as I am not known for my driving skills. However, the guides give a brief tutorial, followed by a mini driving test, to ensure a safe experience. I wouldn’t say I passed with flying colors, but ultimately, I was allowed to drive.
You are then allowed to choose your very own vintage Vespa for the day, and my sister and I color-coordinated them to our outfits (of course). The guide led the Vespa promenade in a baby blue vintage Fiat, which was the most adorable sight.
The driving itself was an absolute thrill, as we glided through the gleaming Tuscan countryside, passing through remote towns along the way. Our guide, Gabriel, taught us a great deal about Tuscany as well. He produces olive oil, so we stopped at a grove to learn about how it is made. We also made our way to San Miniato al Monte, which provides the most breathtaking overlook of Florence. The monks who live at the church also make their own ice cream, which Gabriel insisted we try.
After continuing our cruise, the day concludes at the company’s private villa. The chefs treated the group to a lunch of homemade pasta, a charcuterie board, and even a glass of local red wine. I enthusiastically recommend this tour, as it was one I will never forget. I truly got to live my Italian Love and Gelato, Letters to Juliet, and Luca, fantasy.
There so much to see in the city of Florence, but making time to get outside of the city center for this experience is a must! You won't regret it! If you can't drive a Vespa, you also have the option to do a classic Fiat tour!