There’s a reason why Vespa tours in Italy have become so popular: it’s so easy to get from A to B and the perfect way to see the Italian countryside as the wind whistles through your hair and the sun beams down on the open road ahead.
The Vespa Trip (a concept run by Travelbase) is one of the best Vespa tours in Italy — making the Italian dream a reality for visitors, and what an experience it is! They have several tours throughout Italy, but we’re focusing on their memorable Puglia experience. Read more about how to do this iconic journey, what to expect, and our favorite things to visit on the route.
Did you know? Vespas were given that name as it means ‘wasp’ in Italian, a sound that resembles the scooter’s engine.
Summary of The Vespa Trip:
- Duration: 5 days/4 nights
- Accommodation: You’ll stay in a traditional Masseria (Puglia farmhouse) with your fellow ‘Vespa trippers’!
- Itinerary: The trip includes arrival and departure days and three days in the middle, following different routes.
- Who can join? You can join as a couple, a group of friends, or a solo traveler.
- When? The tour takes place in the fall months of September and October (our personal favorite times to travel!). You’ll see Puglia with fewer crowds but still have sunny days and mild temperatures that are perfect for zooming around the countryside.
Vespa Tour Italy Routes (Puglia)
Puglia is a beautiful region on the southeast coast of Italy, fondly known as the heel of Italy’s boot. It’s not as well known as regions like Tuscany, so it makes a great choice, as there are fewer crowds. What’s more, it’s big enough to offer a multitude of stunning sights but small enough that you can cover a lot of ground in one day — making it perfect for traveling by Vespa!
You’ll cover one route per day, which you follow with the group and guide. You’ll decide each day which itinerary you’d like to follow, and then away you go! Alternatively, you can choose the self-guided option if you’d prefer to go at your own leisure.
Tip: Never driven a Vespa before? We recommend booking the ‘start-to-Vespa lesson’, which is offered on your arrival day in Puglia. Your guide will teach you and take you on a test ride so you feel comfortable to start the trip the next day. The price is 50 EUR per person, which we think is well worth it for peace of mind!
Route 1: Coastal Villages of Bari
Castellana Grotte – Polignano a Mare – San Vito – Monopoli
Route 1 takes you through the coastal delights of Bari, a province within Puglia. Not only will you see some beautiful medieval towns and fantastic beaches, but you’ll also begin your route at the caves of Castellana Grotte, which have mesmerizing stalagmites and stalactites. You’ll really get to enjoy many natural marvels on day 1!
One of the highlights for us was the lively seaside town of Monopoli, known for its imposing sea walls, turquoise water, and scenic vistas. The maritime village looks out across the Adriatic coastline; it’s the perfect place to grab lunch and soak up the gorgeous views (the beach of Cala Porta Vecchia was one of our favorite spots!).
Grab a delicious Italian sandwich at Gustavo and take it to Porto Antico, an authentic harbor with beautiful blue fishing boats. Nick ordered the Parmigiana sandwich, and I had the Vegetariana, which was layered with fresh olive cream, burrata, rocket, and sun-dried tomatoes (chef’s kiss!).
Note: If you’re really enjoying one of the locations on this route and want to stay longer, inform your guide first. You can send a quick message in the WhatsApp group and rejoin the group later on!
Route 2: Countryside Trulli Houses
Masseria don sante – Alberobello – Locorotondo – Martina Franca
Route 2 is all about seeing the traditional Trulli houses of Puglia, which are specific to this region. The curved white huts have limestone roofs, constructed in a cone shape, and were initially designed as temporary homes for agricultural workers. The way they were built meant they were actually incredibly stable — and people still live in these homes today!
While you’ll see some cute villages in the countryside like Martina Franca and Locorotondo (known as one of the prettiest towns in Puglia), the real highlight for the Trulli houses is the UNESCO town of Alberobello. It’s the most famous in the region!
Note: With its fame comes crowds, so try to visit before the big tour groups arrive. Ask your guide for their recommendation on when is the best time. We visited during sunset, which was perfect; the big tours had left, but the shops and bars were open. Plus, we had the most beautiful cotton candy sky!
Note: If you’re self-guiding, we also recommend allowing some time to visit the beautiful beaches surrounding the town of Torre Santa Sabina. The water here is crystal clear!
Check out this stunning viewpoint overlooking Ostuni (here is the exact location).
Where to Eat in Ostuni
Ostuni was home to some of our favorite restaurants in Puglia, all with unbeatable scenery! Here’s a list of our must-eats:
- Burro Cafe (Brunch)
- Nuovo Inizio (Best pizza)
- Crumb35 (Best Sandwiches)
- Borgo Antico Bistrot (Most Scenic)
Essential Information for Your Vespa Tour in Italy (Puglia)
Before you embark on this epic Italy Vespa tour, here’s some essential information to get the most out of your trip:
Routes
There are three routes to cover on your Vespa tour in Puglia. However, you can choose for yourself or decide which order to do the routes among your group. You can also choose on the day if you’d like to travel with the group or solo!
Tip: If you want to do self-guided, we recommend adding the GPS with the routes already loaded.
Road Book
At the beginning of your trip, your organizers will give you a road book with all the stops, routes, and essential facts.
Communication
There’s also a WhatsApp group for communication, which is super helpful. In this group, you can talk to other travelers and your guide. If you want to stay longer at one stop, text the group, so your guide knows not to wait.
Pricing
Pricing of your Vespa tour in Italy will change depending on the region you choose. One thing to bear in mind, however, is that the price of the Vespa tour Puglia is based on the assumption that you’re sharing a Vespa between 2 people. If you’d rather have a Vespa to yourself, you’ll have to pay a supplement of 120 EUR per driver. Note: You’ll also need to factor in paying for fuel and parking on your trip.
Food
Although breakfast is included in the price of your stay, lunch and dinner are not. However, you can pay extra to eat these meals at your Masseria. While this is convenient, we’ve also included some of our favorite restaurants in Puglia a bit further on in this guide.
Documentation
Got a European driving license? Then you’re good to go! If not, you must apply for an international driver’s license before your trip.
Note: Although the driver must have a license and be 18+ years old, the person behind doesn’t need to.
You will also have automatic coverage for damage to third parties with your Vespa. However, coverage of your own Vespa is up to you. You can choose the €0 excess (€89 per vespa), or you’ll need to pay a deposit of €500.
Travel Insurance
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Packing List
Pack a backpack with a few things to get the most out of this epic Vespa tour in Italy! You’ll need:
- Change for parking as you travel
- Camera/iPhone for snapping some vacation memories
- Sunscreen
- Swimwear (in case you stop at the beach)
- Snorkel
- Towel
Tip: While many people speak English in Italy, it’s worth learning a few phrases before your trip. This effort goes a long way with locals and can really enhance your experience, helping you connect on your journey.
This particular one is named Masseria Don Sante, and it’s incredibly peaceful, nestled in tranquil grounds with a beautiful pool — the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring on your Vespa.
If you want to spend more time in Puglia after the Vespa Trip, book more days in Masseria Don Sante or reserve another hotel in Puglia. We’ve included some of our favorites below:
How to Visit Puglia
Before you begin your Italy Vespa Tour, you’ll need to book flights to Puglia. The region has two main airports, Bari and Brindisi, both of which have excellent connections throughout Europe.
Your Masseria is just a 10-minute drive away from the seaside town of Fasano. To get there:
From Bari
By Car: Although you’ll be doing this tour by Vespa, hiring a car from the airport can still be convenient to reach the start point. This means you can continue your Italian road trip after finishing the Vespa tour in Puglia! Your hotel is under 1 hour’s drive from Bari airport.
We recommend to rent a car in Italy through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here.
By Train: Take the train from the airport to Bari Central. From here, you can take a train to Fasano, which takes 45 minutes to 1 hour (book your tickets here). The hotel is 10 minutes from Fasano train station, which you can get to by bus or taxi.
By Shuttle Bus: The hotel runs a shuttle bus that can bring you to and from the airport. The cost is 35 EUR per person. (see the full schedule here)
From Brindisi
By Car: From Brindisi airport, your hotel is approximately 40 minutes away.
By Train: You’ll need to take a bus (line AP) from the airport to Brindisi Central. From here, you can take a train to Fasano in just 35 minutes. Book your tickets here.
By Shuttle Bus: See the above information.
Our Favorite Restaurants in Puglia
With such a stunning coastline, Puglia is teeming with flavors of the sea, with plenty of fresh seafood and, of course, traditional pasta and pizza favorites. The guides will give you some excellent local recommendations for all the best restaurants to visit on your trip. However, we also have a list of our favorites in case you need a helping hand:
- Ostuni: Borgo Antico Bistrot. There are beautiful views and delicious sharing boards.
- Alberobello: Trattoria Terra Madre. Specializes in organic and locally sourced ingredients.
- Polignano a Mare: Pescaria. Serves delicious seafood sandwiches/paninis. (Book your table here)
- Monopoli: Gustavo. The most delicious sandwich ever!
Tip: As an extra, you can book a traditional Puglia cooking course during your stay at Masseria Don Sante. You’ll learn all about the region’s delicacies from the in-house chef, trying your creations as you go. This is a great way to learn about Italian food and connect more with your group. You can also take these recipes home as a memory of your Vespa tour in Italy!
Best Time for a Vespa Tour in Italy
These Vespa tours in Italy take place at various times of the year. However, The Vespa Trip Puglia is only available in September and October. Luckily, this is our favorite time of year to visit this stunning region! Temperatures are still in the 20s, days are sunny, and crowds are less, making it the perfect time to zip around on a Vespa.
This article is in collaboration with TheVespaTrip.
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- Find Hotels via Booking.com
- Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
- Find Flights to Puglia via Skyscanner
- Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
- Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
- Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
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