A Ferrari in Florence is not a normal Tuesday. You get a private instructor riding along as you take the Ferrari Portofino 2+2 out from Piazzale Michelangelo and onto fast, scenic stretches toward the Tuscan hills, with the V8 soundtrack doing most of the talking. What I like most is the hands-on coaching before you set off, and the way the route choice (10–64 km) can fit your pace and time. One drawback to plan around: depending on the option you book, the actual time at full “Ferrari focus” can be short, so choose the longer loop if you want more road time.

The setup is simple and classy: meet your driver next to the car at Piazzale Michelangelo, do a quick safety briefing, then roll through Florence and out toward Greve in Chianti and the Chianti hills. I also like that you can add up to 2 passengers for €20 each, which turns it into a great shared thrill (and a front-row seat for photos on the way). The only real “consideration” is you must have a valid driving license issued for at least one year, and the activity isn’t suitable for kids under 2 or drivers under 18.

If you want the Florence view with actual speed attached, this is a fun way to do it. Just don’t expect it to replace a museum day. Think of it as a one-of-a-kind driving moment with Tuscany as your backdrop.

Key highlights worth your attention

• Private Ferrari instruction from a professional driver before you move the car
• V8 sound + fast-country roads on routes ranging from 10 to 64 km
• Chianti stops built in, including Greve in Chianti time for a breather and pictures
• Multiple Ferrari options on longer routes, including possible F8 Spider, 296 GTS Spider, or Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider (if available)
• Meet at Piazzale Michelangelo, with Florence’s skyline as your starting scene

Starting at Piazzale Michelangelo: the Florence moment before the engine

Piazzale Michelangelo is a smart place to begin this kind of experience. It gives you instant payoff: Florence spreads out in front of you, and you’re standing right where the city’s viewpoints feel most cinematic. You’ll meet your instructor next to the Ferrari in the center of Piazzale Michelangelo, wearing TUSCANY TEST DRIVE branded clothing.

The vibe here matters. You’re not hustled into a back lot or a parking structure. You’re in an open, iconic spot, so the whole thing starts as a “wow” moment before you ever turn the key. Then the safety briefing starts (about 5 minutes), and the tone shifts from sightseeing to skill-building.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes your “bucket list” to feel practical—not just glossy—this start helps. You see the view, meet the driver, learn the basics, and only then get moving.

The instruction style that makes a supercar feel manageable

This isn’t just a joyride. The structure is built around you getting comfortable quickly, then driving with a professional beside you. Before you set off, you’ll be introduced to the car and given key points for the experience. Expect the guidance to focus on control, safe driving habits, and how to handle the car confidently.

A pattern comes through in the instructor feedback people share: the best moments aren’t only about speed. They’re about feeling calm while learning. I like that the guides are described as patient and confident, with clear tips on steering and car handling. One guest experience even noted the instructor helped them pace properly to avoid trouble, which is a real-world thing you’ll appreciate once you’re behind a 600-plus-hp machine.

Also, you’re not stuck listening to a lecture the whole time. The briefing is short, then you’re out driving. That rhythm keeps the day fun instead of turning into a lesson that’s over before it begins.

Car feel and what to expect in real driving

The Ferrari Portofino 2+2 is built to be a grand-tour style sports car, not a track tool. People often assume it’ll be intimidating and twitchy. In practice, instructors can guide you so it feels more like a powerful, precise cruiser—still exciting, but not chaotic.

One more thing: the V8 sound is part of the experience. Even if you’re not a gearhead, the engine note changes how you drive. It makes acceleration feel dramatic and helps you understand when you’re in the power band.

Route options around Florence and into the Tuscan hills

You can choose from four route lengths, from about 10 km up to about 64 km (availability varies by time). Longer routes generally mean more time driving and more chances to enjoy the countryside. Shorter routes still deliver the magic—just with less runway to settle into the car.

The routes are described as taking you from Florence areas like Viale dei Colli out toward the Tuscan hills. That combo is ideal: you get city sights, then you get open-road driving where the car actually feels like itself.

What about the car model?

The standard car for this experience is the Ferrari Portofino 2+2. On longer routes, and only if available, you may be offered alternatives such as:

• Ferrari F8 Spider
• Ferrari 296 GTS Spider
• Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider

That matters because it changes the “feel” of the day. A Spider option usually means a more direct, sensory experience—wind, sound, and atmosphere all get turned up. If you’re shopping for a once-in-a-lifetime moment, it’s worth checking which car is offered for the exact route length you want.

Stop-by-stop: what each leg is really for

The driving day is built around a simple loop that mixes city views with a Tuscany break.

Stop 1: Piazzale Michelangelo (starting point)

You’ll meet the driver at Piazzale Michelangelo next to the Ferrari. The biggest benefit of this start is that it sets the emotional hook: you’re looking at Florence right away, not after you’ve already left the city.

Drawback: because it’s a popular viewpoint area, it can be a busy spot. Arrive a bit early so you can find the car and your instructor without stress.

Stop 2: Piazzale Michelangelo (5-minute safety briefing)

This is where you get the key points, plus a quick safety setup. It’s not meant to slow you down too much. It’s short enough to keep excitement high, but structured enough that you’re not guessing once you move.

The best-case scenario here is you feel your confidence rise fast—like you get the important guidance and then you’re off.

Stop 3: Florence scenic drive (about 45 minutes)

This is your Florence leg. You’ll drive through iconic city locations, turning the “driving in a famous place” fantasy into something real.

This segment has two sides:

• You’ll enjoy a high-sight portion without needing to walk or museum-hop.
• You’ll likely drive at a more controlled pace than out in the hills, since you’re in and around the city streets.

Stop 4: Greve in Chianti free time (about 30 minutes)

Greve in Chianti is a smart break. It gives you a reset so you can get out, stretch, and take photos. You also get to swap from “Florence driving mode” to “countryside driving mode.”

This is also where the experience becomes more than just speed. You’re in a real Tuscan town setting, and the whole day feels less like a single continuous adrenaline hit.

One small planning note: 30 minutes is enough for quick photos and a snack. It’s not enough for a long sit-down meal, so keep your expectations light.

Stop 5: Chianti hills scenic drive (about 45 minutes)

Now you get the part that most people book for: rolling drives through the hills. The car feels at home here—road bends, elevation changes, and the kind of scenery you can’t replicate from a tour bus.

You may also encounter elements like tunnels on certain routes. If you love sound and acceleration moments, that’s often where the day turns extra memorable.

Stop 6: Arrive back at Piazzale Michelangelo

You wrap up back where you started. That makes it easy to keep your plans simple afterward, especially if you’re staying in the Florence core.

You’ll leave with photos and the kind of “I can’t believe I did that” memory that’s hard to fake.

Value for the money: why this feels worth it if you match the vibe

At $169.93 per person, this is a premium experience. But it’s not just paying for access to a flashy car. You’re paying for:

• A private instructor in a luxury supercar setting
• Active instruction before you drive
• Fuel being included
• Route flexibility across different distances

For me, the value comes from the combination. The car matters, but instruction and route planning are what turn it into something you’ll actually enjoy. A generic rental would be chaotic in the city and you’d spend half your time worrying about traffic and control. Here, your job is to drive; their job is to keep the experience safe, smooth, and exciting.

Who it’s best for (and who might not love it)

You’ll likely love this if:

• You want a thrill that includes real coaching, not just sitting in the passenger seat
• You want a memorable Florence experience that’s different from walking tours
• You enjoy countryside driving and want a taste of Chianti without committing to an all-day car tour

You might not love it if:

• You mainly want museums, churches, and slow sightseeing
• You’re hoping for a full-day Tuscany road trip (this is a set-duration experience with defined loops)
• You’re not comfortable driving in a professional, safety-led setup

The guide can make or break the day

This experience is powered by the instructor. Names that have come up include Mario, Stefano, Esteban, Lorenzo, and Elena. Some guests describe instructors as calm and assured, with personal tips that go beyond generic advice.

The best instructors do three things:

• They teach you the essentials fast so you can focus on driving
• They read your comfort level and adjust the pacing
• They keep you confident so you enjoy the car rather than fear it

If your group wants a shared highlight—say, you’re celebrating an anniversary or a milestone—this is one of those setups where the instructor’s attitude shows up immediately.

Practicalities you should know before you go

Here’s the no-drama checklist so you don’t lose time when you arrive:

What to bring:

• A valid driver’s license (issued for at least one year)

Passengers:

• Up to 2 passengers are allowed at an additional cost of €20 each.

Not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years
• People over 287 lbs (130 kg)
• People without a driver’s license
• Drivers under 18 years

Language:

• English, Italian, and Spanish.

One more practical point: plan your arrival to Piazzale Michelangelo with buffer time. If anything throws off your schedule, it helps to have extra slack so you can start clean and relaxed.

Should you book this Ferrari test drive in Florence?

Book it if you want a true Florence memory with speed attached. The mix of Piazzale Michelangelo, a Florence scenic leg, a Greve in Chianti stop, and the Chianti hills drive is a rare combo: city views plus countryside energy, in a format that doesn’t require you to plan roads, parking, or logistics.

Don’t book it if you’re mainly looking for a long countryside tour or you want a low-stress, no-driving sightseeing day. This is built for drivers who want to get behind the wheel and feel the car with expert guidance.

Final thought: if you’re choosing between route lengths, go longer when you can. The extra distance is the difference between a thrilling taste and a truly satisfying drive.

FAQ

Where do we meet and where does the drive end?

You meet the driver next to the Ferrari at Piazzale Michelangelo in Tuscany. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

What Ferrari will I drive?

This experience includes a test drive of the Ferrari Portofino 2+2. On request, if available, other models like Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider may be offered for the 32 km and 64 km routes.

How long is the experience?

The duration ranges from about 15 minutes up to about 2 hours, depending on the option and starting time. You’ll need to check availability to see the exact schedule.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driving license issued for at least one year.

Can I bring passengers?

Yes. You can carry up to 2 passengers for an additional €20 each.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the Ferrari test drive of the Portofino 2+2, an experienced driver/instructor by your side, and fuel.

Can I cancel and still get a refund?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.