Rome: Vespa Sidecar Tour with Pantheon Entry & Gelato

Summary

Rome’s icons by Vespa sidecar, gelato in hand, city stories at every turn

You’ll ride through Rome’s tangled streets in a Vespa sidecar with a local guide narrating each stop — from tossing coins at Trevi Fountain to skipping lines at the Pantheon and tasting real gelato in a hidden alley. Feel history up close and end up seeing (and maybe feeling) Rome in ways you didn’t expect.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through Rome’s late afternoon traffic when I realized how different everything looked from the Vespa sidecar — you’re lower to the ground, close enough to smell the bakery carts and hear someone arguing (maybe flirting?) outside a trattoria. Our guide, Marco, had this way of mixing history with gossip — like at Piazza della Repubblica, where he pointed out the fountain and then told us about his grandmother’s first job in a nearby café. I didn’t expect to feel so much part of the city instead of just watching it go by.

The Colosseum sort of sneaks up on you when you’re not expecting it — one minute we’re zipping past scooters and buses, next minute there’s this ancient chunk of stone right in front of us. Marco handed us headsets so we could actually hear him over the engine noise (and my own laughter). We hopped out for photos at Trevi Fountain — I tried tossing a coin but missed completely, which cracked up an older couple sitting nearby. The Pantheon was cooler inside than I thought it would be; sunlight coming through that oculus felt almost like standing under a spotlight. Entry was included so no waiting around.

Later we rolled into Trastevere as things started getting golden and noisy — kids chasing pigeons, someone playing accordion near Piazza Navona. There was this moment where our driver slowed down just so we could take in all the colors and smells: fried artichokes from a window, wet stone after someone threw water on the street. The gelato stop was tucked down some alley I’d never find again; pistachio for me, hazelnut for my friend. The owner corrected my Italian but smiled anyway.

By St. Peter’s Square I was half-wishing the ride would keep going — wind in my face, helmet hair and all. It’s funny how seeing Rome by Vespa sidecar makes even places you’ve read about forever feel new or kind of secret. I still think about that last view from Janiculum Hill: rooftops glowing, everyone quiet for once except Marco softly explaining how Garibaldi defended this city. Not sure if it was the light or just being there together, but yeah… it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rome iconic sights by Vespa sidecar

• Visit Piazza della Repubblica
• See Quirinal Palace
• Stop at Trevi Fountain
• Explore the Pantheon
• Pass by Piazza Navona
• Visit St. Peter's Square
• Enjoy Janiculum Hill views
• Drive through Trastevere neighborhood
• See Piazza Venezia and Vittorio Emanuele II Monument
• Pass by the Colosseum
• Visit Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Rome Vespa sidecar tour?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet at the designated starting point in central Rome.

Do I need to drive the Vespa myself?

No, professional drivers handle all driving; you just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Is entry to the Pantheon included?

Yes, your Pantheon entrance ticket is included as part of the tour.

How many people fit on each Vespa sidecar?

Each Vespa can carry two passengers: one in the sidecar and one behind the driver (seats can be swapped during stops).

Are helmets provided for passengers?

Yes, homologated CE helmets with disposable head covers are provided for safety.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children must be at least 5 years old; those under 150cm tall must sit in the sidecar with a seatbelt.

What neighborhoods or sites does this tour visit?

The route includes Piazza della Repubblica, Colosseum, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon (with entry), Piazza Navona, St. Peter's Square, Janiculum Hill, Trastevere, Piazza Venezia, Quirinal Palace, and Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica.

Is food included on this Vespa tour?

A gourmet gelato stop is included during your ride through historic alleys.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes a seat in a modern Vespa sidecar driven by a professional (no driving required), live narration via headset from an experienced licensed guide as you pass major sights like Trevi Fountain and Piazza Navona, entry tickets to explore inside the Pantheon without waiting in line, safety gear including helmets and seatbelts for comfort, plus a gourmet gelato break tucked away in one of Rome’s historic alleys before returning to your starting point.