One look at Piazzale Michelangelo and you’re ready to go. This Florence Ferrari test drive pairs the Ferrari Portofino 2+2 with a private instructor so you can learn the car and then enjoy the drive in Tuscany’s most dramatic views.

What I really like here is the balance: you get a quick safety briefing first, then coaching as you start driving, not just a passenger ride. The second big win is the setting—your car time isn’t just about speed; it’s about cruising routes that take you out of Florence toward the Chianti hills with great photo moments. One drawback to consider: this is real driving on real roads, so you’ll want to be comfortable following the instructor’s guidance and the flow of traffic.

Key things to know before you go

• Private, coach-led driving with an experienced instructor at your side for safer, more fun throttle moments
• Piazzale Michelangelo as the launch point, with iconic Florence views right where you meet the Ferrari
• Route choices from 10 to 64 km, so you can match your time and how much countryside you want
• Greve in Chianti break built in, with free time to stretch your legs and grab a snack if you want
• Up to 2 passengers possible for an added €20 each, depending on your selected option
• Car upgrades may be available on longer routes (like F8 Spider, 296 GTS Spider, or Huracan Evo Spider, if offered)

Piazzale Michelangelo: the perfect Ferrari launch pad

Piazzale Michelangelo is one of those places that instantly tells you you’re in Florence. Even before you start the engine, the atmosphere is part of the experience: wide viewpoints, dramatic angles, and that sense that the city is at your feet. Your driver meets you next to the Ferrari in the center of the piazzale, wearing Tuscany Test Drive-branded clothing.

This matters more than you might think. A lot of “supercar experiences” start in a generic lot and feel detached from the destination. Here, the view does half the work for you. You’re not just getting a car—you’re getting a Florence backdrop.

Getting ready: briefings, real coaching, and what “safe fun” means

The drive begins with a short, practical safety briefing (about five minutes). Then it’s straight into learning. Your instructor will go over the key points, help you get acquainted with how the car feels, and give instructions for driving it safely and enjoyably. This is the part that separates a stunt ride from a true test drive.

In the past, instructors like Mario, Stefano, Esteban, Elena, and Lorenzo have been highlighted for staying calm and focused, plus giving tips that feel personal instead of generic. Some even go into the “why” behind steering or handling choices—useful if you want to feel the car rather than just survive it.

One more detail I appreciate: they’re very concerned with your comfort and confidence. The best coaching doesn’t rush you. You’ll want to listen closely at the start, because the instructor’s guidance is what helps you enjoy the car’s power without feeling overwhelmed.

Florence roads first: a scenic warm-up with city buzz

Once you set off, you spend about 45 minutes on a scenic drive around Florence. Think of this as your warm-up lap: enough motion to feel the car’s responsiveness, but still close to the urban rhythm of the city.

In practice, driving a Ferrari in Florence isn’t about racing through empty space. It’s about precision—smooth acceleration, steady steering, and trusting the car’s balance while you navigate roads that feel busier and tighter than countryside driving. For many people, that’s the “aha” moment: the car is fast, but it’s also controllable.

You’ll also be seeing Florence from the car while still getting the city’s identity—art, historic streets, and iconic areas that look even better when you’re moving.

Greve in Chianti stop: the break that makes the drive feel like a day out

Around the middle of the experience, you’ll reach Greve in Chianti for free time (about 30 minutes). This pause is valuable for two reasons.

First, it gives your body a reset. Even if you’re doing the driving, your shoulders and hands work more than you’d expect in a high-performance car. Second, it turns the whole thing into a mini Tuscan excursion rather than a short “engine then done” loop.

Greve also gives you a different kind of satisfaction than the city: a more relaxed pace, classic countryside atmosphere, and that Tuscan feeling that’s hard to get from Florence streets alone. If you want to grab a quick bite or just take photos without rushing, this stop is where that works.

Chianti hills: where the V8 roar becomes more than noise

After Greve, the route heads into the Chianti hills for about 45 minutes of scenic driving. This section is where the experience shifts from sightseeing to sensation. The roads are more twisty, the scenery opens up, and the car starts to feel like it belongs here.

The Portofino is described again and again for its thrill and sound—especially the V8 engine note. You’re not just hearing it. You’re feeling how the car pulls through corners and how stable it stays when you drive smoothly.

Some loops may include tunnels, and those segments are often called out as big highlights because they make the engine sound even more intense. Still, the key is how your instructor paces things. You’re not being thrown into the deep end. The goal is to help you explore the car’s performance in a controlled way so you end up enjoying the whole drive, not just the loud parts.

Choosing your route: 10, 18, 32, or 64 km (and why it affects value)

You get route options from 10 to 64 km, and your total experience time can range from 15 minutes up to about two hours depending on what you pick. Longer routes mean more countryside time and usually more chances to enjoy the car’s character.

Here’s how I’d think about it:

• If you want a taste, the shorter distance options can still deliver the core moment—meeting at Piazzale Michelangelo, driving the car with instruction, and getting a satisfying Florence-to-outsides feel.
• If you want the best mix of driving and scenery, the middle-distance loops are often the sweet spot. They give you enough time in the hills without turning it into a full half-day commitment.
• If you’re going big, the 64 km option (about one-and-a-half hours of driving time plus the overall flow) is where the experience feels most like a true Tuscan road trip in a supercar.

Car model options also can change on certain longer routes if available—Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider are mentioned for some options (like the 32 and 64 km routes). That uncertainty can actually be part of the fun, but if you have your heart set on a specific model, you’ll want to confirm what’s available when you book.

The Ferrari Portofino 2+2: not a toy, a real GT

The car in the standard experience is the Ferrari Portofino 2+2. The “2+2” part matters because it’s not a one-person fantasy machine. In fact, you can carry up to two passengers for an additional €20 each, depending on your chosen option.

That passenger option is a big value lever if you’re traveling with family or friends who don’t want to sit still while you drive. It also makes the day feel less like a ticket to an activity and more like a shared experience—especially if you’re celebrating something or bringing people who enjoy cars.

Performance-wise, reviews consistently mention how powerful it feels—often tied to the V8 sound and acceleration. At the same time, the car experience described is not chaotic. With the instructor guiding you, you’re learning handling basics and then getting moments where the car can really show what it can do.

Price and value: why $169.93 can make sense for the right person

At $169.93 per person, you’re not paying just for a rental car. You’re paying for a supercar experience that includes:

• a Ferrari test drive (not a static photo stop)
• an experienced instructor giving driving instructions
• fuel

This is where the value math becomes interesting. If you only cared about seeing the countryside, you could do it without the supercar. If you only cared about driving, you could rent something faster than a normal city car. The unique value here is the combo: a professional guide plus a world-class machine in a meaningful Tuscan setting.

So who gets the best value? People who want to learn how to drive the car properly and who will actually use that time. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves mechanics, engine sound, and the feel of a performance car—this is a strong match. If you’re mainly after museums and walking tours, this might feel short or pricey for what it is.

Also, keep your expectations aligned with time. The difference between a 10 km option and a longer one is real. Longer routes give more “car story,” while shorter ones are more of a concentrated hit.

Language and comfort: instructors who meet you where you are

Your instructor can guide you in English, Italian, or Spanish, so you shouldn’t have to worry about basic communication. In practice, that improves the whole experience because coaching works best when you can understand quick instructions without guesswork.

Comfort-wise, this isn’t for everyone. It’s not suitable for children under 2 years, drivers under 18 years, or people without a valid driver’s license. You also need a valid driving license issued for at least one year. There’s also a weight limit listed at 287 lbs (130 kg), so taller/heavier drivers should check before booking.

If you fit the requirements and you can listen during the briefing, you’re set up for a fun, confidence-building experience.

Passengers, photos, and the small moments that sell it

Even when you’re the driver, you’ll likely appreciate the “day out” rhythm. You start at a viewpoint, drive through iconic areas, take a countryside break in Greve, then return to Piazzale Michelangelo. That flow gives you multiple natural photo moments.

Instructors have also been described as making sure the drive is guided and paced, with stops for eating and pictures on some loops. Even if you don’t plan to stop, you’ll get more than just a blur of road—there’s time carved out for you to look around.

And yes, those stares happen. A Ferrari in Tuscany isn’t subtle. That attention can feel fun and a bit surreal, especially when you see the car parked by overlooks or towns.

Should you book this Ferrari test drive from Florence?

If your idea of a great day includes a supercar, real coaching, and Tuscan views that you can’t get from a standard tour, I think you’ll love this. It’s best for people who want more than a photo: you want the sound, the handling, and the thrill of driving—guided by an instructor who helps you feel confident quickly.

I’d skip it (or at least think hard) if you want a long sightseeing itinerary, because this is about driving time, not museum time. It’s also a no-go if you don’t meet the license and suitability rules, or if you’re worried about driving on real roads with an instructor’s pace.

If you’re on the fence, pick your route based on your patience for time in the car. The longer options are where the hills and the Ferrari experience feel most complete.

FAQ

Where do I meet the driver for the Ferrari test drive?

You meet the driver next to the Ferrari in the center of Piazzale Michelangelo. The driver will be wearing Tuscany Test Drive-branded clothing.

What car will I drive?

The experience is listed with the Ferrari Portofino 2+2. Depending on the route and availability, other cars like the Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, or Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider may be available for some longer routes.

How long is the experience?

Duration ranges from 15 minutes up to about 2 hours. Exact timing depends on the route option you choose.

What do I need to bring to drive?

You need a valid driver’s 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 languages are the instructors available in?

The instructor can speak English, Italian, and Spanish.

Is this experience private?

Yes, it’s described as a private group experience.