Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor

Florence field review · PRIVATE DRIVERS

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor

4.8 · 112 reviews From $169 Operated by TUSCANY TEST DRIVE · Bookable on GetYourGuide
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Ferrari driving starts at a view. In Piazzale Michelangelo, you get to drive a Ferrari Portofino 2+2 with a pro in the passenger seat, for that V8 sound plus real Tuscan roads.

I like how private instruction keeps the experience confident, not chaotic. Guides such as Mario, Esteban, Elena, Stefano, and Lorenzo are repeatedly praised for calm coaching and practical tips, then you roll out for scenic loops like the Florence city run, a stop in Greve in Chianti, and driving through the Chianti hills. One drawback to plan around: the time is limited, so it is a thrilling taste, not a full day of racing.

Quick hits before your Ferrari spins up

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Quick hits before your Ferrari spins up

  • Piazzale Michelangelo pickup: meet by the Ferrari in the center of the viewpoint before you roll
  • Ferrari Portofino 2+2 focus: a proper 2+2 supercar with V8 drama and instructor coaching
  • 4 route choices, 10 to 64 km: pick the distance that matches your time, with loops through Florence and the hills
  • Greve in Chianti break: free time to stretch, snack, and take photos
  • Passenger option: you can add up to 2 passengers for €20 each (if you want company in the cabin)
  • English, Italian, Spanish support: instructors guide you in your preferred language

Private Florence options for a day with fewer compromises

Where the Ferrari drive begins: Piazzale Michelangelo and that first thrill

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Where the Ferrari drive begins: Piazzale Michelangelo and that first thrill
The experience starts at Piazzale Michelangelo, one of Florence’s best “big view” spots. You do not just stroll in and hope for the best. You meet the instructor in Tuscany Test Drive clothing, next to the Ferrari in the center of the piazzale, then you get prepped before moving anywhere.

I like this setup because it solves a common problem with flashy tours. You get orientation fast, you see the car before you stress about where to stand, and you settle in before any driving pressure kicks in. Expect a small safety window before you hit the road, then a steady progression from “learn the car” to “enjoy the road.”

The Ferrari Portofino 2+2: what you drive and why it feels special

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - The Ferrari Portofino 2+2: what you drive and why it feels special
You drive a Ferrari Portofino 2+2 as the core of the experience. This is not a bare-bones demo. It is built for real touring, with enough cabin comfort for the 2+2 layout, so even if you are not trying to chase lap times, the ride still feels like a supercar, not a theme-park prop.

Two details matter for what you will actually remember:

  • The sound and acceleration from the V8 is part of the product, not an accidental bonus.
  • The instructor rides with you to shape how you handle the car, not just to keep you legal and safe.

On some longer route options, you might be offered different cars if available, including a Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, or a Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider (not for every distance). That said, the reliable baseline is the Portofino 2+2, so you can book without gambling on which name will appear on the keys.

Passenger add-on

If you want someone riding along for the views, you can carry up to 2 passengers for an additional €20 each. That is great for anniversaries, birthdays, or when you want the “supercar moment” to be shared instead of kept only for the driver.

Choosing your route length: 10 km to 64 km (and what each option buys you)

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Choosing your route length: 10 km to 64 km (and what each option buys you)
The tour offers 4 routes ranging from 10 to 64 km. More distance usually means more road variety, more time behind the wheel, and more chances to hear the engine on open stretches.

Here is how I think about the choice:

  • If you want the Ferrari buzz without committing too long, a shorter loop (around 10 km) is a smart hit of adrenaline.
  • If you want a balanced Florence-and-countryside day, mid-length routes fit well because you get both city driving and the classic Chianti countryside segments.
  • If you want the hills and a more extended drive feel, go longer. The 64 km option is where the experience tends to feel like an actual Tuscany highlight.

Based on driver timing examples shared by past guests, the 32 km loop has been experienced at about 65 minutes of driving time, and shorter options can feel quick in the best way, until you realize you want more.

Also keep in mind: the scenic highlights include driving on roads such as Viale dei Colli, then out toward the Tuscan hills. So you are not just circling one scenic spot.

Meet, buckle in, and get the 5-minute safety briefing

Before you drive, you meet your instructor and get acquainted with the car. Then comes a short safety briefing (about 5 minutes). This is not theater. It is how you start driving like you belong there.

From what you will be told, the instruction style is usually practical:

  • how to handle the steering and controls comfortably
  • what to pay attention to while following the route
  • how your instructor expects you to drive the car safely

I like that this step happens right after you meet at Piazzale Michelangelo. Your brain is still fresh, you are not worn out from walking around Florence, and you can focus on learning rather than reacting.

One recurring theme in past experiences: instructors are calm and confident. You will feel that quickly, especially if your instructor is the type to explain the mechanics and then coach your inputs before letting you have fun.

The Florence city segment: where the view meets real streets

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - The Florence city segment: where the view meets real streets
A typical longer loop includes a scenic drive in Florence (around 45 minutes). This part is for the “I am actually driving here” feeling. You are not parked for photo time only, and you are not stuck on one straight road.

In Florence, city driving is part of the charm and the challenge. You get to see the city while you drive through it, then you transition toward the countryside.

Practical tip: listen to your instructor’s route and positioning guidance. City driving is where good coaching keeps things smooth. If you are nervous, this is the moment to ask questions, because once you are on the road and settled, you will enjoy it more.

Greve in Chianti stop: 30 minutes of break, photos, and reset

One of the best parts of this experience is the stop in Greve in Chianti with free time (about 30 minutes). This break matters because it turns a pure drive into a real half-day memory.

What you can do in that time:

  • take photos and soak in the Chianti town vibe
  • stretch your legs after time behind the wheel
  • grab a snack or drink if you want to refuel before the next driving stretch

This stop also helps if you have passengers. Two people sitting in a Ferrari can still get antsy. Greve in Chianti gives everyone a reset button so the final scenic portion feels fresh, not rushed.

Chianti hills driving: curves, engine noise, and controlled thrills

After the Greve break, the loop moves into Chianti hills scenic driving (about 45 minutes). This is the part you picture when you think about Tuscany by car. Rolling roads, bends, and that feeling of holding the line while the supercar responds.

If you are a car person, this is also where the experience leans into the V8 drama. Past guests often highlight the thrill of acceleration and the engine sound carrying during scenic stretches.

A quick reality check: how much “aggressive fun” you experience depends on your comfort level, road conditions, and your instructor’s call. But the instruction is usually tailored. Several experiences describe instructors who explain basics fast, then let you explore within safe boundaries, with occasional stronger throttle moments in appropriate spots.

Some routes also include tunnels, which means you get engine roar plus a different acoustic feel. If your loop includes tunnels, take it in. It is one of those details that turns a normal drive into a core memory.

Coming back to Piazzale Michelangelo: wrapping up with style

You end back at Piazzale Michelangelo, right where you started. That matters more than it sounds. You are not left guessing how to get back, and the whole experience has a clean, contained loop.

By the time you roll in, you typically have that mix of emotions:

  • you are proud you drove a Ferrari
  • you are already thinking about how you would drive differently next time
  • you want longer time, because it feels good

That “wish it was longer” shows up often in the sentiment. It is not a complaint about quality. It is a sign the drive hits the right nerve.

What you pay for: Ferrari Portofino, instructor time, and fuel

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - What you pay for: Ferrari Portofino, instructor time, and fuel
This experience is priced at $169.93 per person. Value-wise, you are paying for the car, the instruction, and the road time, not just a guided sightseeing drive.

What is included:

  • the Ferrari Portofino 2+2 test drive
  • an experienced driver beside you, giving instructions for safe and enjoyable driving
  • fuel

What is not included:

  • any additional costs

So the equation is simple. If you want supercar time, coaching, and scenic roads in one package, this is a fairly direct way to buy that. If you are mainly looking for history tours or museum time, you might find this is too short to replace a classic Florence day.

Passenger add-on cost

If you bring riders, remember the €20 per passenger add-on for up to 2 passengers. That can be worth it if you want the experience to feel shared, not just personal.

Driving requirements and limits that keep things straightforward

Before you fall in love with the idea, check these basics:

  • You need a valid driving license issued for at least one year
  • You must be an allowed age range to drive, since the activity is not suitable for drivers under 18
  • It is not suitable for people over 287 lbs (130 kg)
  • It is not suitable for children under 2 years
  • You need to bring your driver’s license

One practical note from participant experience: someone reported that at the time of their visit, Italy did not require an international driving permit. Still, the only hard requirement you can rely on from your booking details is the valid license issued for at least one year.

Instructor languages

Your instructor can speak English, Italian, or Spanish, which makes the coaching clearer and helps you feel confident when you are learning car handling.

Who this is best for in Florence (and who might rethink it)

This Ferrari test drive is ideal when your Florence trip has one of these vibes:

  • You want something different from museums and galleries.
  • You want countryside views without doing the hard planning of a car rental.
  • You have a “car person” in your group who would rather drive than tour.

It also works well for couples and special occasions. Several experiences were booked as surprises or anniversary moments, and the passenger option helps.

Who might reconsider:

  • If you want a long racing day, you will likely feel the time limit.
  • If you do not meet the driving requirements, you cannot do it.
  • If you are traveling with very young children, the activity is not suitable under age 2.

Price and value: why $169.93 can be a smart splurge

At $169.93 per person, this is not a bargain. It is a splurge. But it is also a splurge with a clear payoff.

You are paying for three expensive things in one go:

  • the right to drive a Ferrari
  • an instructor who stays with you and coaches you
  • fuel for the loop

For a lot of people, that is better than paying for separate things like a rental car, then a last-minute instructor, then extra driving time. This bundles it into one appointment, and it happens in a scenic corridor between Florence and the Chianti hills.

Should you book the Florence Ferrari test drive?

Book it if you want a supercar experience that is practical, instructor-guided, and scenic, not just a photo stop. Piazzale Michelangelo sets you up with instant views, and the loop structure gives you both Florence driving and Chianti hills roads, plus a real break in Greve in Chianti.

Think twice if you are chasing a full-day driving session, because you will be done before your adrenaline battery fully recharges. Also double-check your license timing and weight limits so you do not show up with a technical issue.

If you match the sweet spot, this is one of those Florence moments you will talk about for a long time, mostly because you actually did the driving, not just watched it.

FAQ

How long is the Florence Ferrari test drive?

The experience can run from about 15 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the route option you choose. Check availability to see the starting times.

What Ferrari will I drive?

The standard car is a Ferrari Portofino 2+2. On some routes (32 km and 64 km), other models may be available, such as a Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, or Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider.

Where do I meet the instructor and where does it end?

The instructor meets you next to the Ferrari in the center of Piazzale Michelangelo, wearing Tuscany Test Drive-branded clothing. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I bring passengers?

Yes. You can carry up to 2 passengers, and there is an additional cost of €20 per passenger.

What do I need to bring to drive?

You need a valid driver’s license issued for at least one year.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.