The Vespa Trip The Vespa Trip by Travelbase took us on a 5-day tour of Tuscany on a Vespa. Through the typical landscapes and towns of the region, the birthplace of Piaggio's legendary Vespa, we rode along small country roads, either as a duo or with the whole team. At every village, there was a chorus of honks and smiles on everyone's faces... both our own and those of passers-by.
-> Day 1 • Pisa to Siena
PisA
Before the actual start of the Vespa Trip, we spend half a day and a pleasant evening exploring this city, world-famous for its leaning tower. The atmosphere is very student-like, with many young graduates walking around with laurel wreaths on their heads. It smells of summer, holidays and dolce far niente... Taking tour is a great way to soak up the atmosphere!
This morning, it's time for the big departure... The whole team is meeting at the Vespa Rent shop to take possession of their Vespa. It's a mixture of apprehension and excitement that overwhelms us. Marc and I were lucky enough to receive a Vespa with a practical top case for our camera equipment and another mint-coloured Vespa, of course! So, with a smile on our faces and our GPS, containing all the itineraries already recorded by Travelbase, we're ready to set off!
How are the days organised? Every morning, as we hand over our luggage to the van that will take it to our next accommodation, we have to tell our guides, Robbe and Annelies, whether we intend to ride with the group or solo. There are advantages to riding solo, as we can stop wherever we like and dget off the beaten track. However, riding as a team lets you enjoy the group atmosphere, the feeling of being a little Vespa train in the middle of nature. So, as the days went by, we went with the flow and alternated between the two.
Museo piaggio
Our first stop is the Piaggio Museum in Pontedera. It's fun to walk past all the buildings that gave birth to these little myths. The museum has a very fine collection. We were a little disappointed, though, as we really would have liked to see part of the factory in operation.
san gimignano
The plains slowly disappear, giving way to hills and beautiful green vegetation, olive groves and vineyards. On the way, we stop off for a lovely view of the medieval village and all its towers... and we're in San Gimignano.
sienA
We were delighted to arrive in the beautiful city of Siena... Just enough time to freshen up and we're off for a walk around this city, which is one of our favourites in Tuscany, with its unique atmosphere in the Piazza del Palio and in front of its majestic cathedral.
WHERE TO EAT
PISA
For a good typical meal, here are two addresses that we have tried and approved: Osteria La Mescita and Olio & Parmigiano. For a drink, go to Argini e Margini Pisa for a chill atmosphere, or to one of the many bars in Piazza Delle Vettovaglie for a more festive atmosphere.
SAN GIMIGNANO
Don't miss a good gelato at Gelateria Dondoli, in Piazza della Cisterna in the centre of San Gimignano
SIENA
For a lovely evening out, enjoy a restaurant in a less touristy alleyway between Piazza Del Campo and the cathedral, such as Ristorante San Desiderio. Afterwards, finish off with a nice gelato at Brivido Gelateria and enjoy it while sitting in the Piazza Del Campo, watching the ballet of the swallows and the colour of the sky change from light blue to indigo blue, with the Torre de Mangia as a backdrop.
-> DAY 2 • sienA TO florence
On this second day, we headed north again towards Florence. We decided to leave Siena with the group, but we soon abandoned them as we had to make a photo stop... This was in fact the beautiful Chianti countryside.
chianti
Through vineyards and olive groves, we'll travel along small, traffic-free roads, making plenty of stops along the way. The main attractions on our route are Castello di Brolio, Radda in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, as well as all the perched landscapes and viewpoints.
florence
It’s at Piazzale Michelangelo that we discovere beautiful Florence. Unfortunately, it's is bit hot - almost 40°C! But the view is magnificent nonetheless. From here, all we have to do is enter the city centre in a procession of Vespas. It's going to be tricky... 🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵🛵
When the sun finally goes down, we venture into the pedestrian streets of Florence and take in the magnificent monuments. Of course, don't miss Piazza Duomo and the Ponte Vecchio at sunset.
where to eaz
FLORENCE
Here we are again, in an alleyway a little way off the main streets. Welcome to Hosteria Ganino, a pretty, simple restaurant serving local dishes.
-> day 3 • florence to LUCCA
On the roadtrip as a whole, this was perhaps the day with the least striking scenery, but we did discover a beautiful row of cypress trees for photos, the small town of Vinci and fields of sunflowers, before ending the day with a stroll through Lucca's pedestrianised town centre, full of shops, cafés and restaurants - a real highlight ❤️.
Vinci
Lucca
where to eat
VINCI
Lunch at Con Vinci, a lovely, simple address with a friendly welcome.
LUCCA
If you're looking for refinement and a slightly more elegant evening out, head to L’Imbuto for a gustatory journey. For a nice aperitif or brunch, head a few steps away to Caffè Santa Zita, with its chic, retro decor.
-> day 4 • LUCCA to Pisa
On this final day, it's time to explore two regions we've never visited on our previous Tuscany escapes: the mountains north of Lucca and the beaches south of Viareggio.
ponte della maddalena
Our first stop and gateway to the mountain valleys, the Ponte della Maddalena. Too bad there isn't enough water to see the mirror in the water.
montefegatesi
We continue through the valleys to pass through the pretty village of Bagni di Lucca before climbing to Montefegatesi, a pretty hilltop village far, far away from the tourists. Welcome to authentic Tuscany. Walk up through the village to the Dante Monument with your picnic lunch, bought in advance at the small mini-market in the village square.
Marina di Vecchiano
To escape the storm that unfortunately caught up with us in the mountains, we all headed off as a group to Marina di Vecchiano to discover the Tuscan coast and its wild beaches. A great way to end our roadtrip before returning to Pisa.
where to eat
BAGNI DI LUCCA
It goes without saying that in Italy, you must stop for a coffee and a cornet... so stop off at Bar Italia and enjoy being among the locals.
MARINA DI VECCHIANO
For a nice fritto misto or a good cocktail, enjoy the Oasis Marco Polo bar with your feet in the sand. All you have to do is hire a deckchair or simply enjoy the public beach in complete tranquillity.
Time to fill up the tank and return our Vespas... It was with a heavy heart that we all arrived at the centre of Pisa. We'd all have extended the trip by another day or two... but we'll definitely do it again!
Thank you to TravelBase and VespaTrip for organising this wonderful event, and of course to Robbe and Annelise, our guides throughout the week.
• Dammi una vespa e ti porto in vacanza… •
Check out our video montage of the week's Vespa Trip !
Use the links below to discover all the other VespaTrip itineraries, as well as details of the stages and accommodation for the VespaTrip in Tuscany (bookings are now open for 2024). And if you fancy another adventure, click on the Travelbase agency link to discover all the trips they offer around the world, such as the CanoeTrip, the TuktukTrip, the Namibia Nomads...
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