Four of us are going to Siena in September. Looking at tours that are on vespas. I posed the question if just renting vespas and heading out on our own, or going with an organized tour on the Trip Advisor forum. Many people were VERY AGAINST going out on vespas at all, be it on our own or through an organized tour due to safety issues. Wondering what the thoughts are here? Thanks!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Do you have experience on light motorcycles or Vespas? The thought of tourists sightseeing on Vespas for the first time makes me cringe.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16689 posts
As an experienced Vespa and motorcycle rider I would recommend it, but only if you are an experienced motorcycle rider at home. If it's your first time, then definitely not a good idea.
The historical center of Siena has a ZTL where all vehicles are prohibited including motorcycles. I presume you are referring to a tour of the countryside nearby.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23796 posts
I am a Vespa owner and have ridden bicycles for over 60 years so I am very experienced at being one of the slower movers on the road and I am reluctant to ride in any metro area of Italy. IF you are currently not a rider, then Italy is a very poor place to learn how to ride. The consequences of making a mistake on a Vespa is far greater than in a car. There are tours where you ride second on the Vespa so I would be OK with that type of tour. But anyway you cut it, Vespas are more risky.
Posted by
Chicago
9093 posts
We got stuck behind a vespa tour heading up the hill to Volterra tootling along at about 15 miles an hour tops and with loads of obviously frightened tourists who had never done it before. They held up a line of dozens of cars as they rudely slowly made their way up the hill without pulling off to let cars get by. Why is this a good idea as a way to tour?
Posted by
Bendigo, Australia
1342 posts
I have about 15,000 miles on my Vespa PX 200. I would take a Vespa tour.