BUZZING THROUGH THE CAPITAL

When in Rome do as the Romans do: visit the city on a Vespa. There is simply no better way of getting about in the capital than Piaggio’s genial, ultra-practical, revolutionary invention. Remember Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in Roman Holiday? Well, now it’s your turn. You’ll feel the thrill of zipping through the city’s cobblestone streets, past those long-admired ancient monuments, on the back of a vintage Vespa.

Rome can claim the highest concentration of scooters in Europe. Locals are totally in love with their buzzing motorini and, while you roam the capital’s hectic streets, the reason immediately becomes clear: they allow you to move with ease through traffic jams. Vespas, in particular, are one of the country’s most iconic brands. First produced in 1946, the Vespa has become a symbol of Italy’s struggle to emerge from the wreckage of World War II. Piaggio – back then operating in the aeronautical field in Pontedera, near Pisa – was completely demolished by bombs during the conflict. Enrico Piaggio, son of Piaggio’s founder Rinaldo, decided to renew the factory in a way that would answer the country’s need for a modern and affordable means of transport. He engaged aeronautical engineer Corradino D’Ascanio to design a simple, robust, 2-passenger vehicle, easy to drive for both men and women, with the aim of getting post-war Italy moving again. Did you know that the word vespa means wasp in Italian? When Enrico Piaggio first saw Corradino’s invention he exclaimed “Sembra una vespa!” (“It looks like a wasp!”) – referring to the shape of the scooter and the noise of its engine.

You will meet your expert Vespa drivers outside your accommodation and start off the day in true Roman style. Hop on your scooter and enjoy a fun chauffeured ride through the Eternal City. Your Vespa drivers will lead you smoothly and safely along a carefully prepared route taking you past many of the centre’s picture postcard landmarks. You’ll get to know the layout of the capital’s historic districts, whizz by the archaeological sites, see the squares and well known buildings, admire the obelisks and fountains, take in the views – all from the pillion of Italy’s best-loved vehicle, the Vespa. You will also have the opportunity to venture through neighbourhoods that you might have missed or never found time to visit on foot, and admire the most gorgeous panorama of Rome from the top of one of its highest hills. Along the way you’ll enjoy several stops to take photos of the capital’s world-famous attractions and refuel with an espresso coffee or a delicious gelato.