Florence has enough Renaissance art and Italian culture to keep one occupied for months let alone days, but when the great open road calls, sometimes there’s no resisting. There’s an array of Made in Italy steeds that can get you out of the city walls and zooming through olive-tree-lined country roads for a thrilling day away.

The Vespa, Italian style icon de rigueur, can get you zipping out of town in no time. Vespa Tour Florence provides a minivan into the countryside where you can start getting familiar with your soon-to-be new best friend. Once outside the busy and bustling city centre, an orientation conducted by an English speaking trained professional, means you’ll be safely enjoying the Tuscan countryside on this 19-mile round trip taking in the sights while gliding down paved country roads with little traffic. A vineyard in the Chianti region is the first stop before visiting a boutique winery and finally ending the experience with a typical Tuscan lunch that’s accompanied by a wine and olive oil tasting.

Not everyone lives to ride two wheels and luckily the Chianti hills are just as accommodating to the Vespa’s stylish sister, the Fiat 500. There’s more than one option so hop into either the Grand Tuscan Driving Tour or the Fiat 500 Vintage Dolce Vita tour’s  vintage models and zoom up to Fiesole, stopping at Piazzale Michelangelo and the San Miniato church for breathtaking views of the city. Further into the hills means a pitstop for lunch before returning to Florence, but not without pausing at a family run Chianti vineyard for a tasting. 

For those who want that dolce vita experience but are short on time, the Afternoon Delight Italian Quickie Fiat 500 Tour offers a no-frills thrill ride through Tuscany. Start your day the Italian way with a cappuccino and croissant before riding through hidden roads, glimpsing castles and panoramic views as they pass by.