Buongiorno Fiat 500! Panoramic Guided up Michelangelo Plaza

Review of the Buongiorno Fiat 500! Panoramic Guided Up Michelangelo Plaza

Imagine cruising through the rolling hills of Tuscany in a charming vintage Fiat 500, learning how to drive this iconic car from local experts, and stopping for breathtaking views of Florence from Michelangelo Square and San Miniato a Monte. That’s exactly what the Buongiorno Fiat 500! tour promises — a blend of fun, scenic beauty, and authentic Italian character all wrapped into about two and a half hours of guided adventure. This experience is offered by ULTIMATE TOURS and costs around $226.57 per person.

What I particularly love about this tour is how it combines hands-on driving with spectacular views — a rare mix that makes it both engaging and memorable. You’re not just riding along; you’re behind the wheel of a vintage Fiat 500, guided by a professional local driver who teaches you the nuances of driving this tiny but spirited car. Plus, the panoramic stops at Michelangelo Square and San Miniato are genuinely stunning, offering some of the best vistas of Florence that you can’t get from just a bus or walking route.

One consideration is that the tour involves self-driving, which might not be ideal for everyone. If you’re not comfortable maneuvering a classic Fiat 500 — especially on Tuscany’s scenic, sometimes narrow roads — you might prefer a more relaxed, passenger-only experience. Also, since there are only two people per Fiat, the experience feels intimate but requires a bit of coordination, so it’s best suited for couples or close friends.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Unique driving experience: Learn how to drive a vintage Fiat 500 from a local expert, making this more interactive than typical guided tours.
• Scenic panoramic stops: Enjoy stunning views from Michelangelo Square and San Miniato a Monte, two of Florence’s most iconic lookout points.
• Small group intimacy: With only two people per car and a maximum of five Fiat 500s on the tour, this feels personalized and fun.
• Flexible itinerary: The tour includes several self-guided moments and photo stops, giving you time to soak in the atmosphere and take memorable pictures.
• All-inclusive pricing: Fuel, taxes, and transportation are included, so no hidden costs to worry about.
• Local expertise: Guides and drivers from Florence bring insight into the city’s sights and hidden stories, enriching your experience.

Exploring Florence in a Fiat 500: An Authentic Perspective

This guided vintage Fiat 500 tour offers a truly different way to experience Florence and its surrounding hills. Starting at Verzaia Square in San Frediano, the meeting point is easy to find — right in front of the San Frediano gate with a clear “FIAT 500 TOUR” sign. You’ll be greeted by your local driver, who starts by giving a brief training session at Fiat’s garage in Florence. This initial step adds a layer of confidence, especially if you’re new to driving a manual, vintage car.

The 90-minute drive kicks off with a scenic route along Florence’s historic boulevards, including the famous Michelangelo, Galileo, and Imperiale avenues. You’ll get to see the city from a different perspective, with the driver sharing insights into Florence’s streets and history. The highlight, of course, is the panoramic stop at Michelangelo Square, home to Florence’s most famous view, with the Duomo, Palazzo Vecchio, and the Arno River all laid out before you — a photo opportunity worth every penny.

The tour then proceeds to San Miniato a Monte — a beautiful basilica perched above Florence, with a peaceful atmosphere and sweeping vistas. After some time to explore and photograph, you’ll return to the Fiat garage and head back to your initial meeting point. The entire experience emphasizes authenticity and fun — you’re not just a passenger but an active participant in your Florence adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with a pickup at Piazza di Verzaia, a convenient central location. From there, a short 10-minute drive takes you to the Fiat garage for your training. After getting comfortable with the controls, you’ll drive your vintage Fiat 500 along Florence’s iconic streets, enjoying a 90-minute drive filled with scenic views, guided commentary, and the thrill of driving a classic car.

The key stops include San Miniato a Monte for a 20-minute photo session — a quiet spot with expansive views over Florence, perfect for pictures. Next, you’ll visit Piazzale Michelangelo, the quintessential overlook that provides a sweeping panorama of the city, especially magical at sunrise or sunset but stunning any time of day. During your free time at these stops, you can absorb the atmosphere, take photos, and appreciate Florence’s beauty from above.

Afterward, you’ll take a self-guided stroll through Florence’s streets, savoring a little extra time to explore at your leisure. The tour wraps up with a return drive and drop-off at the original meeting point.

What’s Included and Practical Details

This experience includes pickup and drop-off from Florence’s Verzaia Square, ensuring you don’t have to worry about logistics. Your local expert driver not only navigates the scenic routes but also shares insights into Florence’s streets and history, making the drive both enjoyable and educational. Fuel and taxes are covered, so your cost is straightforward.

At $226.57 per person, the price might seem steep for a short tour, but it’s quite reasonable considering the personalized nature of the experience, the small group size, and the memorable activity of driving a vintage Fiat. Plus, the self-driving element adds a layer of excitement and immersion that most typical tours lack.

This tour is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups who are comfortable driving and eager for a fun, scenic, and authentic Florence experience. It’s especially suitable for those who appreciate vintage cars or want a unique photo opportunity.

Who Will Love This Experience?

If you enjoy driving and want a hands-on experience in Florence, this tour fits the bill. It suits travelers looking for something more engaging than just sightseeing on a bus. Car enthusiasts will love the chance to get behind the wheel of a classic Fiat 500, while those eager to see Florence from above with a camera in hand will appreciate the stops at Michelangelo Square and San Miniato.

This is also a great choice for couples wanting a romantic, memorable outing that combines scenic views, local expertise, and a splash of nostalgia. However, if you prefer to relax and let someone else do the driving, this might not be ideal.

Final Thoughts

The Buongiorno Fiat 500! Panoramic Guided Tour offers a delightful blend of adventure, scenic beauty, and authentic Italian charm. It’s a chance to drive a piece of Italy’s cultural history while taking in some of Florence’s most stunning views. The small-group format ensures intimacy and personalized attention, making it feel exclusive without the hefty price tag of luxury experiences.

While the driving part won’t appeal to everyone, for those comfortable behind the wheel, it’s a fun and memorable way to see Florence differently. The tour’s focus on scenic stops and photos ensures you leave with more than just memories — you’ll have photos and stories to cherish.

If you’re seeking an active, engaging, and authentically Florentine outing, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for adventure lovers, vintage car fans, or anyone wanting a unique story to tell.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children or teens?
This tour is primarily designed for adults or older teens comfortable with driving a manual car. Children can participate as passengers but won’t be driving.

How many people are in each Fiat 500?
Two people per Fiat 500, making the experience intimate and ideal for couples or close friends.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which provides flexibility if plans change.

Are there any additional costs during the tour?
All fuel, taxes, and transportation costs are included. Extras like souvenirs or meals are not part of the package.

What language is the tour guided in?
Guides speak English and Italian, accommodating international travelers and native speakers alike.

Is it necessary to be experienced at driving a manual car?
Some familiarity with manual transmission is helpful, as the tour involves self-driving a vintage Fiat 500. The driver will give a brief training at the start.

How long is the self-guided part of the tour?
There are about 30 minutes of self-guided activities, including time at the stops to explore and take photos.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
Morning experiences start at 8:45 am, with scenic views typically softer and less crowded early in the day. Sunset or late morning can provide especially stunning vistas.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Given the nature of the vehicle and the driving experience, it’s not recommended for those with mobility concerns.

In all, if you’re after a unique, scenic, and interactive way to experience Florence and the Tuscan hills, this vintage Fiat 500 tour offers plenty of charm and excitement.