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

Want the view and the roar? This private Ferrari test drive pairs Florence panoramas with real seat time in a Ferrari Portofino 2+2, with a pro instructor beside you. You get the city vibe up front, then the ride turns into countryside roads that make the horsepower feel immediate.

I especially love two things: the way the instructor-led coaching builds your confidence fast, and the sheer impact of the V8 soundtrack when you’re out on the road. One drawback to plan for: the best routes take a bit longer, so if you want more driving time, check the longer distance options when you book.

Quick hits

  • Meet at Piazzale Michelangelo with the Tuscany Test Drive team standing by the car for a no-stress start
  • V8 sound + acceleration moments guided by an experienced driver (people talk about tunnels for a reason)
  • Four route choices from 10 to 64 km, so you can match the drive to your time and comfort level
  • Greve in Chianti and Chianti hills show up on the longer, scenic-style runs
  • Optional upgrades when available: Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, or Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider for specific routes

What Makes This Ferrari Drive Actually Feel Different

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - What Makes This Ferrari Drive Actually Feel Different
This isn’t a museum-style “look and move on” experience. You’re getting behind the wheel, but with training built in. That combo matters because Ferrari driving is not just about speed. It’s about line choice, smooth inputs, and staying relaxed when the car is doing a lot.

The car you drive is the Ferrari Portofino 2+2, a grand-tourer type of sports car. In plain terms: it’s meant for going places. That’s a big part of why this works well in Tuscany and around Florence—you’re not stuck only on a short loop. The route changes how the car feels, from city streets to sweeping countryside segments.

And yes, the sound is the star. Multiple experiences described the dramatic roar, including tunnel sections where the noise pops and the acceleration feels extra vivid. You’re not just hearing an engine; you’re feeling the car talk to you.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Florence

The Car: Ferrari Portofino 2+2, V8 Energy, and Passenger Reality

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - The Car: Ferrari Portofino 2+2, V8 Energy, and Passenger Reality
You’ll drive a Ferrari Portofino 2+2. The “2+2” matters because it’s not a two-seat-only toy. If you’re traveling with a friend or surprising someone, the setup is built for it.

Two practical points you should care about:

  • Passengers are possible: up to 2 passengers are allowed for an additional €20 each. That’s perfect for birthdays and anniversaries, when you want someone to enjoy the ride and take photos while you focus on driving.
  • There are weight limits: the experience is not suitable for people over 287 lbs (130 kg). Also, it’s not suitable for drivers under 18, and children under 2 aren’t included.

If you want variety, there’s also a chance—depending on what’s available—that different cars may be offered for certain routes. The operator notes Ferrari F8 Spider, Ferrari 296 GTS Spider, or Lamborghini Huracan Evo Spider are only possible for the 32 km and 64 km routes, and only if available on request. That means you can ask, but you should treat it as a possible bonus, not a guarantee.

Routes in Florence and Tuscany: 10–64 km Options That Change the Mood

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Routes in Florence and Tuscany: 10–64 km Options That Change the Mood
You choose from four routes ranging from 10 to 64 km. That range is useful because it lets you tailor the day:

  • Shorter options can be great if you want the Ferrari moment without committing to a long time in the car.
  • Longer options are for people who want more road time, more bends, and a more “day in Tuscany” feeling.

The experience also mentions routes such as Viale dei Colli and scenic Tuscan hill roads, plus a structured path that can include Florence driving, then Greve in Chianti, then the Chianti hills, before returning to Piazzale Michelangelo. Even when the exact timing varies by route length, the vibe stays consistent: start with a signature Florence viewpoint, then move out toward classic rolling landscapes.

One more subtle benefit: route choice affects how much time you can settle into the driving rhythm. In a sports car, the first few minutes matter—after that, confidence builds quickly. A longer drive gives you more chances to practice good technique instead of only getting a quick taste.

Meeting at Piazzale Michelangelo: Where the Day Starts Easy

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Meeting at Piazzale Michelangelo: Where the Day Starts Easy
Your meeting point is in the center of Piazzale Michelangelo. The driver/instructor will be in Tuscany Test Drive-branded clothing, standing next to the Ferrari. You’ll meet before your scheduled departure time and get set up for what comes next.

This location is more than just a point on a map. It’s a practical advantage for a Ferrari day because it gives you:

  • an iconic Florence backdrop right at the start,
  • a clear place to find the team,
  • and a moment to take photos before you pull into traffic.

Plan to arrive with enough time to handle the “find the car, confirm details, settle down” part without rushing. The safety briefing is short—about 5 minutes—so you’ll want your brain awake for that first stage.

The Safety Briefing and Coaching: How Instructors Keep It Fun

After you meet, you’ll do a quick safety briefing and then start driving. This is where the private format shines. Instead of a one-size-fits-all talk, you get instruction tailored to you and the car.

In the experiences shared, instructors repeatedly came across as calm, patient, and confident. Names like Mario and Esteban show up for that kind of steady presence, and several accounts mention personal tips on steering, car mechanics, and driving technique.

Here’s what that means for you:

  • You’re not learning Ferrari driving blind.
  • You’re getting a coaching rhythm: quick fundamentals first, then more freedom once you look comfortable.
  • You can ask questions in real time, including how to hold the wheel and how to set up turns smoothly.

One recurring theme is that the instructor doesn’t just tell you what to do—they adjust how you’re doing it. That’s why people talk about feeling comfortable and confident even if they don’t have a racing background.

Stop-by-Stop: What Happens From Florence to Greve and the Chianti Hills

Even with route variations, the driving day follows a scenic structure. Here’s how each major stop fits into the experience and what to watch for.

Piazzale Michelangelo: Safety Briefing and First Glance at Florence

You’ll start at Piazzale Michelangelo, do your safety briefing, and then begin the drive. This is your ramp-up stage. The point is to get you settled in the car, understand what the instructor expects, and learn the basics before you hit more dynamic roads.

If you’re the nervous type, this is good news. A short briefing and a controlled first segment help you get into the flow.

Florence Scenic Drive: City Sights With Real Motion

Then comes a scenic drive in Florence. The timing is listed at about 45 minutes for this segment in the route outline provided. This is where you get the “only in Italy” feeling—classic streets, views, and the energy of driving through a real city rather than just scenery from a bus window.

Also, some rides include tunnel sections, and that’s where the V8 energy gets loud fast. If you’re chasing that dramatic engine sound, keep an ear out once the route lines up for tunnel passages.

Greve in Chianti: Free Time to Break the Drive

After the Florence segment, you’ll reach Greve in Chianti, with about 30 minutes free time. This stop works like a reset button. You can step out, stretch, grab a snack or drink, and refocus before the road turns toward the hills.

Practical tip: don’t treat this as a long walking tour. Think “quick break” more than “full exploration.” The best use is recharging and taking photos if the timing lines up well.

Chianti Hills Scenic Drive: Curves, Views, and the Ferrari’s Sweet Spot

Finally, you head into the Chianti Hills for another scenic drive segment (listed at about 45 minutes in the route outline). This is where the car feels like it belongs. Rolling roads plus long sightlines and bends create the kind of driving experience sports-car people chase.

This is also where your instructor’s coaching pays off. The more you’ve practiced smooth steering inputs and controlled throttle, the more enjoyable the hills feel instead of chaotic.

Return to Piazzale Michelangelo

You end back at Piazzale Michelangelo. It closes the loop: top-down views at the beginning and the end, with the Ferrari ride connected to Florence and the surrounding countryside in between.

Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and Why It Can Be Worth It)

Florence: Ferrari Test Driver with a Private Instructor - Price and Value: What You’re Paying For (and Why It Can Be Worth It)
The price shown is $169.93 per person, with drive duration options from 15 minutes to 2 hours depending on availability and route choice. The value comes from three things that cost money in real life: a specific Ferrari car, a private instructor, and fuel.

Here’s what’s included:

  • Test drive of the Ferrari Portofino 2+2
  • Experienced driver/instructor with instructions for safe driving
  • Fuel

What you’re not paying for (beyond possible passenger fees):

  • additional costs beyond what’s listed.

So is $169.93 a deal? It depends on what you want:

  • If you’re after a quick taste, the shorter routes can be the sweet spot.
  • If you want the experience to feel like a real drive day, longer routes are where the memory forms.

Private driving also changes the value vs. a group experience. Your instructor can adjust to you, not just shepherd a bunch of people in a line. If you care about learning something and feeling safe while going fast, that’s a big part of what you’re buying.

Who This Ferrari Drive Is For (and Who Should Skip It)

This experience is a strong fit if:

  • you want to drive a Ferrari rather than just ride in one,
  • you’re comfortable being taught and following an instructor closely,
  • you want the Florence + Tuscany combo in one compact day.

It’s also a great choice for milestones. One account describes it as an anniversary surprise, and another notes that having a retired race car driver instructor helped the younger drivers get instruction before getting the fun parts of the ride.

You should think twice if:

  • you don’t have a valid driver’s license issued for at least one year,
  • you fall outside the weight limit (over 287 lbs / 130 kg),
  • you’re bringing a very young child (not suitable for children under 2).

And if you’re thinking about doing it just to maximize speed, here’s the honest note: this is instruction-first. The fun is built on safe technique and guidance, not on chaos.

Language and Instructor Match: English, Italian, Spanish

The instructor can work in English, Italian, or Spanish. That’s a practical detail because good driving instruction depends on clear communication.

If you’re not fluent, don’t panic. The focus is on basics you can apply immediately: steering position, smoothness, and how to follow the route. Still, choosing a language you’re comfortable with helps you get more out of those coaching moments.

Should You Book This Florence Ferrari Test Drive?

If you want a Ferrari driving experience tied to real Tuscany scenery, this is one of the more sensible ways to do it in the region. The setting at Piazzale Michelangelo is a strong start, and the route options from 10 to 64 km let you match your time.

Book it if:

  • you have a valid license issued at least one year,
  • you want private coaching instead of winging it,
  • you care about the car’s sound and handling as much as the photos.

Skip it if:

  • you only want a super-short “look at the car” moment,
  • you don’t meet the driver requirements or the weight limit.

Bottom line: this is a high-impact experience because it’s not just sightseeing. You’re driving, getting coached, and spending your time on roads that actually make the Ferrari make sense.

FAQ

Do I need a driving license to drive the Ferrari?

Yes. You need a valid driving license issued for at least one year.

How long is the experience?

It can run from 15 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on the route and availability.

Where do I meet the instructor and the car?

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

What Ferrari will I drive?

The standard car is the Ferrari Portofino 2+2. On request, if available, other models may be offered for the 32 km and 64 km routes.

Can I bring passengers?

Yes. You can carry up to 2 passengers for an additional €20 each.

Is fuel included?

Yes, fuel is included.

What’s included in the price?

You get the Ferrari test drive of the Portofino 2+2, an experienced instructor who provides driving instructions, and fuel.

What if I need to cancel?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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