Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor

A Ferrari Portofino turns a Florence sightseeing day into something far louder and faster. You meet your instructor beside the car at Piazzale Michelangelo, learn the controls, then take the wheel through Florence and toward the Chianti hills while a professional driver sits beside you.

I like the choice of routes, from a quick 10-kilometer taste to longer drives of up to 64 kilometers. I also like the calm, personal instruction, especially from guides such as Mario, Stefano, Elena, and Esteban. The main catch is simple: the shortest drives can be over very quickly, so the longer options offer much better value.

Key points to know before booking

• Piazzale Michelangelo is your starting point: Meet beside the Ferrari in the center of the square, where the Tuscany Test Drive instructor will wear branded clothing.
• You drive the Ferrari Portofino 2+2: Expect the sound and force of a V8 engine, with the instructor controlling the pace and offering driving tips.
• Four route lengths give you flexibility: Options range from 10 to 64 kilometers, with experiences lasting roughly 15 minutes to two hours.
• The best routes reach Chianti: Longer drives can include Florence, Greve in Chianti, and the bends of the Tuscan hills.
• Passengers can join: Up to two passengers may ride for an additional €20 each.
• Bring your driver’s license: You must be at least 18 and have held a valid license for at least one year.

A Ferrari start above Florence

Piazzale Michelangelo is a fitting place to begin. The square gives you one of Florence’s famous high views, but your attention will probably shift from the red rooftops to the red Ferrari waiting nearby.

The meeting point is specific and easy to identify: look for the Ferrari and the instructor in Tuscany Test Drive clothing. You do not need to search through a rental office or arrange a hotel pickup. The activity begins and ends at this same square, which keeps the plan tidy for a day in Florence.

Before driving, you receive a five-minute safety briefing. Your instructor introduces the Portofino 2+2, explains the basic controls, and gives you a few practical pointers. That short lesson matters. A Ferrari is friendly enough to drive, but its power can arrive quickly, and you want to spend your time enjoying the car rather than wondering which control does what.

The private format is another real advantage. You are not sharing the driving with a busload of people or waiting for strangers to finish their turn. The instructor can adjust the advice to your experience, from basic steering and throttle guidance to tips on how to handle a powerful sports car more smoothly.

What driving the Portofino feels like

The Portofino is the star here, not just a prop for photographs. The V8 engine is part of the experience, particularly in tunnels and on open stretches where the sound has room to build. Several routes include tunnels, giving you a memorable chance to hear the engine under acceleration.

You should not expect a racetrack. This is a road drive through Florence and Tuscany, with traffic, legal speed limits, bends, and ordinary road conditions. That is also what makes it more than a quick amusement ride. You get to feel how the Ferrari behaves on real roads, with a professional beside you to help keep the drive safe and controlled.

The instructor remains in the passenger seat and gives guidance throughout. Names that come up repeatedly in the experience include Mario, Stefano, Elena, Esteban, and Lorenzo. The most useful guides are described as calm, patient, and good at explaining the car without making the session feel like a classroom.

Esteban, in particular, is noted for quickly judging a driver’s experience and then adjusting his advice. Mario is praised for clear instruction and a relaxed manner. Elena receives strong marks for explaining the car and adding information about Florence during the drive. That personal attention is important because the Portofino can feel very different from a normal rental car.

You may also get a few pointers on steering position, throttle use, and how to carry the car through turns. The experience is not presented as racing, and you should not treat public roads as a circuit. The fun comes from the acceleration, sound, smooth handling, and setting.

Four route lengths, from a quick taste to Chianti

The route choice is the biggest decision you make when booking. The available drives range from about 10 to 64 kilometers, and the total experience can last from roughly 15 minutes to two hours. Check the exact option and start time carefully, since the shortest drive and the longer countryside outing are very different products.

The shortest drives

A short route is useful if you have limited time or want a simple surprise gift. You can experience the Ferrari, receive instruction, and enjoy the sensation of driving a high-performance car without giving up half a day.

The drawback is that a 10 or 18-kilometer route can feel brief once the safety briefing and return drive are included. You may only just become comfortable with the steering, pedals, and sound before the experience ends. If the Ferrari itself is your main goal, the short option works. If you want the car plus Florence and Tuscan scenery, choose longer.

The 32-kilometer option

The 32-kilometer route is a sensible middle choice. One described version lasts about 65 minutes and combines Piazzale Michelangelo, nearby Florence roads, local areas, tunnels, and hill scenery. This gives you enough time to settle into the car and enjoy several different road settings.

This is also a practical choice if you want to bring passengers. The Portofino can carry up to two additional passengers, at €20 each, so a parent can drive while two children ride along, provided they meet the activity rules. The driver still gets the wheel, while the passengers share the sound and views.

The 64-kilometer routes

The longest routes give you the best chance to see the Ferrari in its natural setting: winding roads beyond Florence, local villages, and the Chianti hills. You get more time for the car to feel familiar, and the drive becomes a proper Tuscan outing rather than a quick test.

The longer route may also allow a requested alternative car, if available. The Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, and Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider can be requested for the 32 and 64-kilometer routes. Availability is not guaranteed, so treat this as a possibility, not a promise.

Florence roads and the climb into the hills

The first scenic section takes you away from the square and through Florence. From the driver’s seat, you see the city from a different angle than you do on foot. Instead of moving between museums and churches, you are handling the car while the instructor points out the route and helps you read the road.

This part is likely to feel more technical than the countryside. Florence has urban traffic and tighter spaces, so it is not the place to expect constant acceleration. It is useful for getting comfortable with the Portofino’s controls before the road opens up.

The scenery changes as the drive heads toward the hills. The route can include Viale dei Colli and roads leading into the Tuscan countryside. On longer options, the setting becomes the main reward: curves, hill views, villages, and the chance to hear the Ferrari working through changes in speed and direction.

You will want to keep your attention on the road. The views are attractive, but this is still your driving lesson and not a sightseeing bus. The instructor’s presence helps you enjoy the surroundings without losing focus.

Greve in Chianti and the longer outing

The itinerary for the longer experience includes Greve in Chianti, with about 30 minutes of free time. This gives you a break from the wheel and a chance to take photographs, stretch your legs, or enjoy the town at your own expense.

Greve adds a useful pause to the day. A drive without a break can become tiring, especially if you are concentrating hard on an unfamiliar car. The stop also gives passengers something to do beyond simply riding along.

Keep in mind that additional costs are not included. The Ferrari drive and fuel are covered, but anything you choose to buy during free time is yours to pay for. The exact details of the stop can depend on the selected route, so do not assume every short option includes Greve.

After the stop, the drive continues through the Chianti hills. This is where the experience feels most distinctive. You are not just driving a Ferrari in a city; you are handling it on the bends and rises of Tuscany, with the instructor offering corrections and encouragement beside you.

Why the instructor matters

A private instructor changes the tone of the experience. Without one, the car’s power could feel intimidating, especially if this is your first Ferrari. With one beside you, you can ask questions, learn the controls, and try the car’s performance in a measured way.

The strongest part of the instruction is its personal nature. Guides are available in English, Italian, and Spanish, and the group remains private. You are not receiving a generic talk before being sent off alone. The instructor stays with you and gives practical advice as the road changes.

That does not mean the guide will turn public roads into a race course. You remain responsible for driving sensibly and following road rules. The instructor’s job is to help you understand the Portofino and enjoy it safely, not to encourage reckless driving.

I would especially recommend this format for someone who likes cars but has little experience with supercars. You get the thrill without being left to figure out a very powerful vehicle on your own. More experienced drivers may appreciate the longer routes, where they have time to explore the handling and receive more refined tips.

The price and what you get for €169.93

At €169.93 per person, the experience is not a cheap way to get from Florence to Chianti. You are paying for access to a Ferrari, a private professional instructor, fuel, and the chance to drive rather than simply sit in a passenger seat.

The price makes the most sense when you choose enough time behind the wheel. A very short route can feel expensive because the briefing takes up part of the visit. A 32-kilometer drive of around an hour gives you a better balance of instruction, driving, scenery, and sound.

The longer routes offer the strongest value for a car enthusiast or a special-occasion gift. They add countryside roads and, on the listed longer itinerary, a stop in Greve in Chianti. If you are already planning to visit the Tuscan hills, this combines that outing with a memorable driving experience.

Passengers cost €20 each, for up to two people. That can make the experience more worthwhile for a family or couple, since others can share the ride while one person drives. Remember that the listed price is per person and additional expenses are not included.

The booking terms are flexible. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability rather than assuming a fixed departure hour.

Practical details that can make or break the day

Bring your driver’s license, and make sure it has been valid for at least one year. Drivers must be 18 or older, and the experience is not suitable for anyone without a license. The activity is also not suitable for children under two or for people weighing more than 130 kilograms.

Arrive before the scheduled departure time. One participant was helped after arriving late because of a delayed bus, but you should not count on that kind of flexibility. Piazzale Michelangelo sits above central Florence, so allow time to reach the square and find the Ferrari.

Wear something that lets you sit comfortably and operate the pedals. The information provided does not specify a dress code, but you will enjoy the drive more if you are not encumbered by bulky clothing or awkward footwear.

The activity ends where it begins, at Piazzale Michelangelo. That is convenient if you are continuing with Florence sightseeing, although you will need to arrange your own transport to and from the square. There is no included transfer service.

You should also remember that the Portofino is a 2+2 car, not a spacious family vehicle. Two passengers can be added, but space and comfort may be limited compared with a regular sedan. The passenger option works best for a short shared ride or for children who mainly want to experience the car.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a strong pick for a Ferrari fan, a milestone birthday, an anniversary surprise, or an 18-year-old who has just started driving and wants a memorable experience. Several sessions have worked well as gifts, especially when the recipient did not know about the booking in advance.

It also suits families traveling with older children. Up to two passengers can join for an extra fee, and the Portofino’s sound and appearance are part of the fun even if only one person drives. Just remember that the driver must meet the age and license rules.

Choose it if you want a hands-on experience. If you only want photographs beside a supercar, there are likely simpler options. If you want a full motorsport lesson, this is not a racetrack session. It is a guided road drive through Florence and Tuscany.

For the best experience, I would choose at least the 32-kilometer route. It gives you time to learn the car, enjoy the tunnels, see hill roads, and avoid the feeling that the drive ended just as it began.

Should you book the Ferrari drive?

Book this if the thought of driving a Ferrari through Tuscany makes you smile, especially if you can choose a medium or long route. The setting is unusually good: Florence views at the start, hill roads beyond the city, and the option of reaching Greve in Chianti.

The instructors are a major part of the value. Mario, Stefano, Elena, Esteban, and Lorenzo are all noted for calm explanations, practical driving advice, and an ability to make first-time supercar drivers feel comfortable. You get excitement, but you also get guidance.

Skip it if your schedule only permits the shortest option and you are sensitive to price. A brief run can be thrilling, but it may not provide enough time to justify the cost for you. For everyone else, the 32 or 64-kilometer choices offer the better mix of Ferrari power, Tuscan scenery, and personal instruction.

FAQ

Where does the Ferrari test drive begin?

The experience begins at Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence. The instructor will wait beside the Ferrari in the center of the square and wear Tuscany Test Drive-branded clothing.

How long does the experience last?

Available experiences last from about 15 minutes to two hours. Check the selected route and availability for the exact duration and start time.

How far can I drive?

Four route choices are available, ranging from about 10 to 64 kilometers. Longer options can include Florence, Greve in Chianti, and the Chianti hills.

What license requirements apply?

You need a valid driver’s license that has been issued for at least one year. Drivers must be at least 18 years old.

Can other people ride in the Ferrari?

You can bring up to two passengers for an additional €20 per passenger. The Portofino is a 2+2 model, and passenger availability is subject to the stated activity conditions.

Is cancellation allowed?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.