Hi all,
Has anyone done the 4 hour Vespa tour (Barcelona City Tour) with the company called "Vesping"? If so, curious what it was like and if you recommend it.
It seems to be highly ranked on Trip Advisor but many reviews are about just renting the scooter for the day vs. the actual guided tours.
Also considering the 4 hour Fat Tire Bike Tour which comes highly recommended from a friend.
Thanks!
Gina
Not familiar with either. But the general recommendations for renting Vespas in Europe. Don't unless you are an experience motorcycle rider and it helps to have a motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license.
Hi Gina, I'm a regular Vespa rider in Barcelona.... DO FOLLOW Frank's advice.... don't even think about renting a scooter unless (a) you have some experience riding it and, most critically (b) you're happy with riding on crammed streets.
At times, traffic in Barcelona can be unnerving to many especially if you're not accustomed to the "closeness" we drive in the cities here in Europe. The safety distance between vehicles, front and back but also sideways, is normally smaller than that in the US and I've had friends riding with me that felt uncomfortable because they thought we ride "to close to each other". One reason being of course because cities are more densely built than in the US. This of course doesn't apply to riding outside the city, on roads we keep the same safety distance than anywhere else.
I have to say that drivers in Barcelona are not found to be particularly bad compared to other cities. Traffic is quite civilized and drivers are 'relatively' respectful to each other.... however, when driving too close to each other accidents happen. From a little over 17000 traffic related accidents in the city (2015), only one-third involved motorcycles but from the total toll of 31 dead in those city accidents, 17 were motorcycle drivers (or passengers).
It might sound dangerous, doesn't it?... well, it's not really, but it's not a walk in the park either. So if you decide to rent a Vespa at least you know :)) On the other hand, riding on a scooter in the city is really a very thrilling and pleasant experience -that's why many of us do. Btw, if you decide to do so, it's best to ride on a Sunday as traffic is very light. The worst time is 8-11ish and 5-8ish on week days and on rainy days.
Enjoy!
PS. All of the above doesn't apply if you're a New Yorker.... then you already know this stuff, LOL!!!!
Enric, that is so true. I have owned a Vespa for years and bicycled for nearly 50 years, so I am very use to being in traffic and somewhat slower moving. Still don't think I would try in Barcelona or Rome or ....... Maybe on a Greek island with no traffic.
I would add my two cents to your friend's recommendation for the Fat Tire bike tour. We took it a couple of years ago and not only was it a lot of fun but a informative and a good way to get a feel for the lovely city. Lunch and drinks on the beach were even included and a nice way to relax! It's a busy city!
Frank, c'mon if you've ridden before you'd be all right in Barcelona traffic... you made it sound as if this was sort of a death sentence, hahaha! My message was more addressed to those naive enough to think riding a scooter during your holiday in Barcelona was a carefree ride, sort like this. Btw, these guys would be fined, helmets are compulsory.
Check out this video from Sonia's Travels... appropriately titled: "Vespa Girls"
Thanks to all of you! I think my choice is made :-)
So, are you renting or are you not? :))
Enric, I think my concern would be not understanding the unwritten code of road usage. While I have ridden many, many miles and am very confident of my ability to handle the machine, I would worry about not understanding the subtle hints my fellow riders might be sending about when I should be on the road. For example, I would not crowd someone so they would have amble room to make an emergency move nor would I expect to be crowded either. But sounds like everyone rides a lot tighter. So I will walk or let someone else do the driving.
Very subtle response indeed... I totally agree with you.
I've taken Fat Tire Bike Tours in other countries/cities. I would take ANY tour with them. Top notch, professional & fun organization. You can't go wrong with them!
Thanks to all of you!
Gina
ahhh, but I totally must disagree Wonderful... on a scooter you can see a lot (yes, while driving). Take it from a Vespa rider.
I concur. I love sightseeing on a bike or Vespa. So easy to look around.
