Ape Calessino Tour through Tuscan Landscapes

If you’re dreaming of experiencing Tuscany in a truly unique way, this Ape Calessino Tour offers a delightful blend of scenic cruising, charming towns, and wine indulgence. While we haven’t personally taken this ride, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary paint a vivid picture of a memorable adventure through one of Italy’s most picturesque regions.

What we love about this tour is its quintessential charm — traveling in an original Piaggio Ape Calessino adds a playful, vintage feel that’s perfect for snapping photos and making friends. The knowledgeable guides, like Johnny and Sarah, are repeatedly praised for their friendly demeanor and local insights, making the experience both enjoyable and informative. We also appreciate the balanced itinerary—it’s short enough to keep excitement high but packed with authentic moments, from charming hilltop villages to a well-curated wine tasting.

A potential drawback is the limited capacity of just three passengers per vehicle—this means a more intimate experience but also requires booking well in advance. Plus, as the tour takes place rain or shine, weather can influence the comfort and mood, though the experience continues even in less ideal conditions.

This tour is best suited for small groups or couples yearning for an authentic, playful way to see Tuscany’s countryside, especially if you’re a wine lover or simply want a fun, photogenic adventure.

Good To Know

• Unique vintage vehicle: Traveling in an original Piaggio Ape Calessino offers a memorable and photogenic experience.
• Authentic landscapes: You’ll pass through Chianti’s famous rolling vineyards and charming medieval villages.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable professionals like Johnny and Sarah enhance the experience with local stories.
• Premium wine tasting: A visit to a renowned winery includes sampling a variety of locally produced wines.
• Compact, intimate group size: Only 2–3 travelers per vehicle create a personal, relaxed atmosphere.
• Value for price: At $130.51 per person, including a guided winery tour and light lunch, the experience offers excellent value for a half-day adventure.

Experiencing the Tuscan Countryside in a Piaggio Ape Calessino

This tour offers a charming way to explore Tuscany’s famous landscapes without the hassle of driving yourself. With a duration of about four hours, it’s perfect for travelers who want a taste of the region’s highlights without committing to a full-day excursion.

The journey begins on Strada Statale 222 Chiantigiana, the iconic road connecting the vineyards and olive groves of Chianti. This initial stretch, lasting about an hour, is a leisurely introduction to the rolling hills, where the scent of grapes and herbs fills the air. The vintage Ape Calessino, with its open sides and playful design, provides a joyful way to experience these scenery-rich roads.

Stop at Castellina In Chianti

The tour’s second highlight is Castellina in Chianti, a hilltop town that exudes medieval charm. Its cobblestone streets, walled vineyards, and panoramic views offer excellent photo opportunities. The reviewer Dena notes how guides like Johnny and Sarah knew “the most picturesque spots,” making this stop both scenic and personal. The town itself is small enough to explore on foot in about an hour, but what makes it special is how it combines history, local character, and great vistas.

The Winery Experience

No trip to Tuscany would be complete without a wine tasting, and this tour’s third stop delivers just that. The visit to a renowned Chianti winery allows you to taste a variety of locally produced wines while soaking in the countryside views. The tasting is described as “delish and in a beautiful setting,” which illustrates how the experience is designed to feel intimate and inviting. Guides are often praised for their knowledge, making the wine tasting both educational and enjoyable.

Return Journey and Final Views

The last hour is simply a scenic ride back along the same Chianti roads, giving you plenty of time to reflect on the day’s highlights. The idea of cruising in a vintage vehicle with the wind in your hair and views all around creates a sense of carefree adventure.

What’s Included and What to Consider

For $130.51 per person, the tour includes the original Ape Calessino, a professional guide, insurance, helmets, fuel, taxes, and the winery visit with light lunch. This makes it a good value, especially given the personalized nature of the experience.

However, it’s important to note that drivers are not permitted—the guide handles all driving duties—and the vehicle only accommodates three people, so booking early is essential. Also, because the tour runs rain or shine, packing appropriate clothing is advised, especially if you want to stay comfortable in less favorable weather.

Tips are not included, so if you enjoy the guides’ insights, a small gratuity is appreciated but not obligatory.

The Experience in Detail: What You Can Expect

Pre-Departure: You’ll meet at Via della Resistenza 95, Badesse, just outside Siena, a location near public transportation options. The check-in process is straightforward, and the staff is friendly and ready to explain what’s in store.

The Ride: The Ape Calessino is a fun, open-air vehicle that feels more like a ride in a vintage convertible than a typical tour bus. Johnny’s infectious enthusiasm and Sarah’s warm knowledge make the journey lively. Passengers often comment on how comfortable and smooth the ride is, despite the vehicle’s quirky design.

Stops and Sights: Expect a comfortable pace—about an hour at each stop—giving you plenty of time to wander and take photos. Castellina’s scenic streets and the panoramic views at the winery are particular highlights, especially if you’re a fan of authentic, uncommercialized Tuscany.

Wine Tasting: The guided visit to the winery is well-structured, offering tastings of different wines produced on-site. Reviewers like Dena found the experience “thorough and very fun,” describing guides as “lovely” and knowledgeable.

Return: The trip concludes with a scenic drive back to the starting point, completing this cozy adventure through Chianti’s landscapes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for small groups or couples who want an intimate, fun way to see Tuscany’s countryside. It’s ideal for travelers seeking authentic, photogenic moments and a break from traditional bus tours.

Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the guided winery visit and tasting, while those looking for a light-hearted outdoor adventure will enjoy the vintage ride and charming towns. It’s suited for most travelers, as long as you’re comfortable with the open-air vehicle and understand the limited capacity.

Final Thoughts

This Ape Calessino Tour offers a quintessential taste of Tuscany, combining scenic drives, charming villages, and wine tasting in a playful, memorable package. The small-group format and knowledgeable guides elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing to something more personal and engaging.

While the weather can influence the day slightly, the charm of cruising in a vintage vehicle through Tuscany’s iconic landscapes remains undeniable. The price reflects its exclusivity and the quality of experiences—making it an appealing choice for those who value authentic adventures over crowded bus tours.

If you’re after a fun, photogenic day with a touch of luxury and local flavor, this tour should be on your list.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately four hours, including stops for sightseeing and wine tasting.

What is the maximum group size?
The vehicle accommodates just 2 to 3 travelers, ensuring a very personal experience.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included, adding an extra layer of safety and fun to the ride.

Can I drive the Ape Calessino?
No, the driver will be a guide; passengers are not permitted to drive.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor conditions is recommended, especially since the vehicle is open-air and the tour runs rain or shine.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, only adults 18 and over can participate in the wine tasting due to alcohol restrictions.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the vintage vehicle, professional guide, insurance, fuel and taxes, helmets, and the guided winery visit with light lunch.

Is it suitable for solo travelers?
Since the maximum capacity is three, solo travelers might need to book a private arrangement or join with others if available.

What if it rains?
The tour proceeds regardless of weather, but guides may decide to end early if safety becomes a concern. No refunds are issued if the tour is cut short for weather reasons.

If you’re seeking an engaging, scenic way to explore Tuscany’s highlights, this Ape Calessino tour offers a charming, authentic experience crafted for intimate groups and lovers of good wine and great views.