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There’s no better way to get to know Italy than through Tuscany Vespa tours. See the countryside the way it’s meant to be seen – on a stylish and delightfully fun, two-wheeled work of art and history. Born in a State of War While the famous scooter signals romantic images of scenic couples’ trips around Italy, its history begins with World War II. Vespa’s creator, Enrico Piaggio, found himself taking his eponymous aircraft manufacturing company in a new direction after his factories were destroyed during the war, and Italy signed an agreement to cease aircraft production for a decade. The vehicle’s inspiration came from the Cushman-Airbone, a compact yet robust motorcycle deployed by the Allies via parachute in Milan and Turin for the resistance fighters. It was the perfect vehicle to stimulate Italy’s economy after the war as it met the need for dependable and inexpensive urban transportation. Piaggo contracted Corradino D’Ascanio, an accomplished engineer who hated motorcycles for their unreliability and unwieldiness, to design the bike. Hence, he stuck the engine beneath the seat and moved the gears to the handlebars for the rider’s convenience. The early models reportedly sounded like the buzzing of a vespa, or “wasp” in Italian. And the Award Goes to… Arguably one of the most successful advertising campaigns is that of the Vespa. Hollywood has popularised the scooter in films from Roman Holiday with Audrey Hepburn to Dodgeball with Ben Stiller. As ubiquitous as a yellow cab in NYC or a red bus in London, the Vespa became synonymous with Italian transportation thanks to massive (and free!) advertising campaign a la Hollywood. Not All Are Created Equal It didn’t take long for competitors to catch on to the popularity of this scooter. Russia produced the Vyatka; Britain, the Triumph Tigress; Japan, the Fuji Rabbit; and Germany the Zundapp. While similar in design, none of these truly competed with the original and the same is true today. Vespa remains to be the most successful scooter with over 18 million sold to date. Piaggio has produced over 150 models of the original, each adapting to the dynamic needs and trends of the market. Here are some of the most popular ones: • The 98cc (1946): With a top speed of up to 60mph, this first Vespa was in production for two years. • The 125 Primavera (1960s): Small, lightweight, and convenient, this model proved to be Piaggio’s bread and butter, especially in Britain, which outsold even Italy during this decade. • The 946 (2013): Making its way across the Atlantic, the US version came complete with a leather seat, air-cooled engine, and hefty price tag of €10,000. Try It Yourself! Now that you’re up to speed on your history, it’s time to start your engine. Check out some Tuscany Vespa tours and get to know the countryside the Italian way! First time on two wheels? Just remember that these bikes are designed with the rider in mind. You’ll feel like a pro in no time and look like a star on any Tuscany Vespa tours. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable Tuscany Vespa tours alongside a number of other great classes and excursions. Whether you want to ride in a Vintage Fiat 500, try the famous Chianti wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next
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