Rome: Vespa Sidecar Tour Colosseum, Vatican & Gelato

Summary

Ride Rome’s streets by Vespa sidecar past icons and hidden corners

You’ll ride through Rome’s heart in a Vespa sidecar with local guides—feeling the wind as you pass icons like the Colosseum and Spanish Steps, tasting real gelato in Trastevere, hearing stories at each stop. Expect laughter, little surprises, and moments when Rome suddenly feels personal.

What’s the experience like?

We met our driver just outside our hotel—he was already laughing with the doorman about football (AS Roma vs Lazio, apparently a big deal). I climbed into the Vespa sidecar feeling a bit ridiculous in my helmet and hairnet, but honestly? The breeze on my face as we zipped down Via dei Fori Imperiali made me forget all that. Our guide, Giulia, waved us over at the Colosseum and pointed out a spot where gladiators once waited. She said you can still hear echoes if you stand quietly. I tried it. Maybe I imagined it, but for a second there was this hush under the Roman sun.

The city feels different from down low in the sidecar—you notice little things like the way old men gesture wildly at crosswalks or how locals squeeze past traffic on scooters without even blinking. At Piazza Venezia, Giulia told us about Mussolini’s speeches from that massive white monument (she called it “the wedding cake,” which made me laugh). We stopped for gelato near Trastevere—mine was pistachio and so cold it hurt my teeth. Kids were playing soccer on the cobblestones nearby, their shouts echoing off faded ochre walls.

I didn’t expect to care much about fountains but Fontana dell’Acqua Paola up on Janiculum Hill surprised me—the water sounded almost musical against stone and you could smell pine trees mixed with exhaust fumes from below. The view over Rome made me quiet for a minute (I still think about that). We ended at St. Peter’s Square just as bells started ringing; Giulia grinned and said we had perfect timing, though I suspect she plans it that way every time. Anyway, riding through Rome in a Vespa sidecar is nothing like sitting on a tour bus—you feel exposed and alive and sort of part of everything for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Vespa tour visiting Rome landmarks

• Stop at the Colosseum
• Visit Piazza Venezia
• Pause at the Pantheon
• Stop at the Spanish Steps
• Visit Castel Sant'Angelo
• Stop at Vatican City
• Pause at Fontana dell'Acqua Paola

Top questions

Does the Vespa sidecar tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is included for your convenience.

What landmarks do you visit on this Rome Vespa tour?

The route covers the Colosseum, Piazza Venezia, Pantheon, Fontana dell'Acqua Paola, St. Peter's Square (Vatican), Castel Sant'Angelo, and Spanish Steps.

Is gelato included in the Vespa tour?

Yes, there’s a stop for gelato at one of Rome’s best places.

How many people fit in each Vespa sidecar?

Each sidecar holds two passengers plus the driver.

Are helmets provided for the tour?

Yes, helmets and hairnets are included for all riders.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes—it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels.

Is there an age or weight limit for riders?

The maximum weight per person is 100kg (220lbs) and maximum height is 195cm (6.5 feet).

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point in Rome; your own seat in a Vespa sidecar driven by an experienced local; insurance; helmets and hairnets; guided stops at landmarks like the Colosseum and Pantheon; plus a gelato break in one of Rome’s favorite spots before heading back.