IN SEARCH OF A-ROMA-S!

Ever seen the classic movie Roman Holiday starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck? Among their thrilling escapades is a scooter tour of the capital and its romantic locations. Well, now it’s your turn for a ride. Treat yourself to a 21st century remake and imbibe the local culture and lifestyle on this Vespa food tour through the Eternal City.

There is simply no better way of getting about in the capital than Piaggio’s genial, ultra-practical, revolutionary invention. Gourmands will feel the excitement of zipping through Rome’s streets on the pillion of Italy’s best loved vehicle, while savouring the sights and aromas of the city.

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 the country’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.

Meet your Vespa drivers outside your hotel, hop on the back of your scooter and set off to enjoy a fun, mouth-watering tour. You will whizz safely round the choicest eating destinations and neighbourhoods that you might have missed or never found time to visit on foot, stopping along the way to sample Roman specialities. This chauffeured ride will lead you to a selection of food sellers – which may include a market, a cafe, a deli store, an ice cream parlour, a bakery and more… – located both off the beaten path and in the centro storico. As you roll around Rome, taking in open-air views of the Eternal City, you’ll get a feel for the local food-centred culture and the gastronomic variety on offer in town. Tasty highlights might include scrumptious slices of pizza, cheeses, cured meats, creamy gelato, a refreshing glass of wine, all topped off by an espresso coffee. An epicurean dream come true!