Italy Segway Tours in Florence

Recently, I was offered to experience Florence in an adventurous way. I carefully stepped onto a Segway for the first time in my young life. The instructions were simple and concise, given by my guide Federica, I was still so very nervous. But once I stepped on and got the feel of the Segway, it was second nature. Weight in toes equals go forward. Weight in heals equals slow down. I saw Florence in a way that was truly an adventure. Segways are notably used in my hometown of Chicago by the Chicago Police department, so I have seen them but never in a million years did I think I would use this electric machine in a city that I love. And also to see the sights that I have adored for years. My guide, as I mentioned above, was named Federica. She was knowledgeable and patient with all my questions. *Thank you for that!* It was a great experience and suggest anyone coming to Florence to go on a Segway tour. The groups are small and it is very relaxing. No walking, just gliding down bumpy cobblestones and a smile on your face. :)

I had the pleasure to meet the owner of the Segway Tours Florence, Claudio Coppi. Originally from Montevarchi, he has resided in Florence for 4 years now. I sat down with him, after our coffee, and learned more about the Segway Tours and how it was developed. In 2004, his brother-in-law went to Paris on vacation where he took a Segway tour with Fat Tire Tours. He came back with a great idea for Claudio. Start a Segway touring company in Florence! Thus a company was born, investing in the Segways from an importer in Ancona and they were off and running. Opening their doors in Florence in April 2005, started off very slow, Claudio recalls. Then starting the tour in Rome in 2006 then in Milan and Pisa in 2009.

The first year they had only 100 clients. From 2006 to 2008 they jumped to over 1,930 clients. Last year, there were 3,500 tourists who participated in these unique tours. Incredible! You must thank Social Media for this incline of clientale, I replied. All they use is Social Media to publicize the Segway Tours, like TripAdvisor and Trivago. This year, he estimates the total will be around 4,800 tourists who would have experienced Florence, Rome, Pisa and Milan on a Segway. How motivating and exciting!

I was curious on how they decided where to drive these Segways around the center. Which areas are essential to see Florence as a whole for the first time? They consulted the APT or Official Tourism Board of Florence about what places are more important and gives the first-time traveler just a taste of Florence. Florence has so many layers it is better to show the best and most recognizable facets.

Restaurants that Serena, Claudio’s second in command, recommended were Boccanegra and Cavolo Nero. Boccanegra located on Via Ghibellina, is a reasonably priced for lunch and dinner. Cavolo Nero, however, is a bit more upscale and high-class dining. Both are places you eat well and enjoy the cultural atmosphere each place holds.

Some anecdotes from the Segway Tours…

There was a 70 or 80 year old man that was taking the Segway Tour for the first time. He almost fell off the Segway a few times so in the end he rode his Segway right next to the guide, arm in arm. Afterwards he said it was the most amazing thing he has ever done. What a great experience!

A man that was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers went on the tour with his family once. He would ask the guide every 2 seconds, ‘Did you say which way we are supposed to turn already’ and ‘I have Alzheimers’. Something to adapt to and a challenge for the guides. But again at the end, the customers enjoyed the adventure around the historic center.

The last and most interesting story I was told, was about a rather pompous, conceited and richie rich type of guy that wanted to go on a Segway tour. When he arrived for the tour, he gave the tour guide €50 just for making the reservation for him. Then right before the tour began, he told the guide that he didn’t want her to speak about the city, he just wanted to ride around the city with the Segway. She said fine. At the end, the richie rich, prince-like character gave her €100 as a tip.

Claudio Coppi in his own words on his business and how it has grown over the past 5 years…

“After 5 years of hard work I’m actually satisfy of the result obtained, but we still have a wide margin to increase our business. Without a doubt, the Segway Tour is growing because all our customers are extremely satisfied with our service, so when they came back to their house automatically they share their experience to other travelers using the most important travel social media like Trip Advisor, Travel Channel, Travel Bubby, etc….. by using the Segway our customers not only having a fun experience, but also helping prevent the constant destruction of the monuments and buildings caused by pollution, since is not only safe and easy to use, but also electrical! I’m actually working to create a NEW ecological tourist service to visit the Florence hills… probably it will be starting next year.”

Can’t wait to see what that tourist service will give to it’s patrons!

Thanks to Claudio and Serena for the lovely visit and information!

Italy Segway Tours by Segway Firenze srl

Via dei Cimatori 9R

50122 Firenze

email: info@italysegwaytours.com