Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor

REVIEW · FLORENCE

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor

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  • From $169.93
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Operated by TUSCANY TEST DRIVE · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Piazzale Michelangelo plus a Ferrari is a power combo. You’ll meet your instructor at the iconic viewpoint, get briefed in minutes, then head out on scenic Tuscany roads in a Ferrari Portofino 2+2 with route options from 10 to 64 km.

I like two things most: you’re not just riding along, you’re learning how to handle a serious machine under calm coaching, and you get a real taste of Tuscany beyond the city with stretches like Greve in Chianti and the Chianti hills. If you’re expecting a theme-park type thrill ride only, this is more about controlled driving practice than constant full-throttle runs.

One consideration: you do need a valid driver’s license (issued for at least one year), and the route length drives how long you’ll be in the car—options vary from about 15 minutes up to about 2 hours.

Key things to know before you go

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Key things to know before you go

  • Piazzale Michelangelo start: you launch and return at the same famous Florence viewpoint
  • 5-minute safety briefing: you’ll get quick, practical instructions before you hit the road
  • Route choice matters (10–64 km): shorter loops feel snappy; longer ones give more countryside time
  • Engine sound is part of the product: people rave about the roar, plus the fun of tunnels when your route includes them
  • You may not always get the same Ferrari: the base car is the Portofino, with other models possible on longer routes
  • Private group coaching: instructors like Mario, Esteban, Elena, Stefano, and Lorenzo are repeatedly praised for clear guidance

Piazzale Michelangelo to Ferrari time: where it really starts

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Piazzale Michelangelo to Ferrari time: where it really starts
If you’re picturing a Ferrari day that feels connected to Florence, this one starts where the city already stirs your emotions: Piazzale Michelangelo. You’ll find the driver in Tuscany Test Drive gear standing next to the Ferrari right in the center of the piazza, so there’s no guessing or wandering.

Your first job is simple: bring your driver’s license. You’ll also want to arrive a bit early so you don’t feel rushed when it’s time to get acquainted with the car and the plan.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Florence.

The safety briefing that makes the driving feel confident

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - The safety briefing that makes the driving feel confident
Before you head out, you’ll get a short safety briefing (about 5 minutes). This isn’t long-winded theory. It’s the kind of fast, hands-on setup that helps you relax and focus on driving rather than second-guessing.

Then your instructor helps you get comfortable with the Ferrari’s basics. In the experience’s feedback, many instructors are described as calm and assured, and several specifically mention walking drivers through things like steering control and car behavior—then letting you try more once you’re ready.

Florence scenic drive: city views without turning it into a museum day

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Florence scenic drive: city views without turning it into a museum day
Once you’re rolling, you spend around 45 minutes driving through Florence. You’ll get to see the city’s character while staying in the moment—no slow walking required, no museum stamina tax.

The practical upside here is timing. You get Florence’s feel early in the day, then the drive shifts out toward the countryside. If you’re the type who loves views but hates rigid schedules, this portion is the sweet spot: urban energy, then open roads.

Greve in Chianti free time: a break that actually helps the day

The route brings you to Greve in Chianti, with about 30 minutes of free time. This is your chance to step out, breathe, and reset after time behind the wheel.

It’s also a smart moment for photos. You’re not just taking pictures at roadside stops—you’re pausing in a real wine-region town that feels like it belongs in Tuscany, not just on a drive-by route. If you want something quick—water, a snack, a short stroll—this is when it works.

One drawback to plan for: 30 minutes goes fast. If your goal is a full sit-down meal, you’ll likely need to add your own time before or after the drive.

Chianti hills scenic road: turns, engine roar, and the fun factor

After Greve, the experience leans into what people come for: the Chianti hills scenic drive. You’ll spend about 45 minutes on this stretch, and this is where the driving feels more alive—bends, elevation changes, and that unmistakable Ferrari sound.

A recurring highlight is V8 engine excitement, and several people specifically mention tunnels. That matters because tunnels change the sound in a way that feels extra dramatic in a supercar—so if your route includes tunnels, you’ll feel like you got bonus drama for free.

When it’s time to return, you come back to the starting point at Piazzale Michelangelo. The return loop keeps the day tidy and avoids the “what now?” feeling you can get on longer day trips.

Routes from 10 to 64 km: how distance changes the vibe

This is not one fixed drive. You can choose from different route lengths—10 km, 32 km, and 64 km are common options, plus others in between. The shorter loops feel perfect if you want the Ferrari experience without giving up most of your day.

The longer distances give more of what’s hardest to manufacture on a city break: real time in the countryside and more moments to stretch out the driving. In the feedback, the 32 km option is often described as about 65 minutes, and longer loops get people talking about how quickly the experience passes—because once you’re in it, you stop counting minutes.

What Ferrari you might drive: Portofino base car and possible upgrades

At the core of the experience is the Ferrari Portofino 2+2. It’s a great match for this kind of day because it’s sporty enough to feel special while still being approachable for a driver learning under instruction.

The experience also notes that, if available, other models may be offered on certain longer routes—specifically Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider on the 32 km and 64 km routes. That can matter because each car feels different in how it responds to throttle and steering.

Passenger seats and the cost of sharing the thrill

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Passenger seats and the cost of sharing the thrill
The car is a 2+2, and you can bring passengers. The details are straightforward: you can carry up to 2 passengers for an additional €20 per person.

This is a good deal for a couple, a family group, or anyone who wants to split the experience without everyone driving. In the feedback, people describe bringing children along and using the extra seats for “wow” moments from the passenger side too.

How the instructor approach turns nerves into control

The best part of a Ferrari test drive isn’t the car alone. It’s what the instructor does with your first minutes behind the wheel.

In the feedback, instructors are praised for:

  • giving clear, quick explanations before you go
  • coaching you on how to hold the steering and handle the car’s power
  • building confidence first, then letting you enjoy acceleration when appropriate

Some people also describe getting tips specific to their driving, and a few mention the instructor actively helping avoid speeding trouble. That’s a big deal in real life. It’s fun to be bold, but getting a ticket ruins the memory fast.

Value for money in Florence: why this can be worth the cost

At $169.93 per person, this isn’t a cheap “hold the steering wheel and smile” activity. But it also isn’t just a sightseeing transfer.

You’re paying for three things that add real value:

  • a professional instructor riding with you
  • the ability to drive a Ferrari (not merely sit in one)
  • fuel included as part of the experience

If you compare it to a private tour with transportation plus a pricey attraction, the math can feel closer than it sounds. Also, the private-group setup means you’re not sharing coaching attention with a bunch of strangers.

The biggest value lever is route choice. A short loop can be a smart sampler. A longer route is where you start to feel you’re buying time in Tuscany, not just car time.

Who should do this (and who should skip it)

This experience is best for you if you:

  • want a driving-focused Ferrari moment in Florence with private instruction
  • like the idea of Tuscany roads like Greve in Chianti and the Chianti hills
  • are comfortable driving a high-performance car with coaching rather than guessing on your own

Skip it if you don’t meet the core driving requirements. You need a valid driver’s license issued for at least one year, and it’s not suitable for people without one. The activity also lists limits: it’s not suitable for drivers under 18, children under 2, or people over 287 lbs (130 kg).

If you’re traveling as a group, note you can’t swap the driving experience around on the fly. The model is: you drive under instruction, with possible passenger seats for others.

Languages and communication that help you enjoy the ride

Communication matters when the stakes are higher than a normal city drive. The instructor is available in English, Italian, and Spanish, so you can get the instructions in a language you’re comfortable with.

In the feedback, people consistently praise how instructors explain the car quickly and then tailor guidance to the driver. That’s the difference between feeling “impressive” behind the wheel and feeling safe, in control, and actually enjoying it.

Should you book this Ferrari test drive in Florence?

I think you should book it if you want a Florence break that’s active and memorable—one that mixes iconic views from Piazzale Michelangelo with real driving in Chianti country. The fact that fuel is included, and that you get private instruction, makes it feel less like a gimmick and more like a legit driving experience.

Don’t book it if you’re mainly after a long, chill countryside tour or if your schedule can’t handle a driving-day commitment. Also, choose your route length carefully: the shorter options can feel perfect if you’re squeezing this into a busy itinerary, while the longer ones are for people who want more road time.

If your goal is one unforgettable Ferrari moment in the right setting, this is a very strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Ferrari test drive experience?

The duration ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the route option you choose. Check availability to see the starting times for your selected day.

Where do we meet and where does it end?

The meeting point is Piazzale Michelangelo, where the driver is waiting next to the Ferrari in Tuscany Test Drive-branded clothing. The experience ends back at the same Piazzale Michelangelo meeting point.

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes. You need a valid driving license issued for at least one year. It’s not suitable for people without a driver’s license.

What Ferrari car will I drive?

The experience includes a Ferrari Portofino 2+2. For certain longer routes (32 km and 64 km), other models may be available if offered by the provider, such as Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider.

Can I bring passengers?

Yes. You can carry up to 2 passengers, with an additional €20 per passenger. Passengers ride with you, while you drive with instruction.

What languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor speaks English, Italian, and Spanish.

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