The four options
| Option | Duration seen | Prices seen | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group Vespa tour, passenger behind a guide | 2.5 to 4 hours | from about €60 to €100 per person | Solo travellers or couples without a motorcycle licence |
| Private Vespa tour with a driver | about 2.5 to 3 hours | from about €170 per person | Couples and travellers who want a tailored route |
| Vintage Fiat 500 tour with a driver | about 3 hours | from about €180 per car (private option) | Small groups, families of 2 to 3 |
| Vespa rental to drive yourself | by the hour or the day | price depends on model and season | Experienced riders only |
These ranges come from listings on booking platforms consulted in October 2026; dollar-to-euro conversions are approximate. They change with the season. Check what is included (drink, ice cream, photos) before comparing.
What do you see on a tour?
Routes look alike from one company to another: in a few hours they link sites that would take a day to string together on foot. Tours usually pass the Colosseum, the Circus Maximus, the Trevi Fountain, the Aventine and the Janiculum for the view over the city. Stops are short: the point is to cross the city, not to visit. For a deeper visit, walking is better: see walks in Rome.
In a Fiat 500: more comfort
The vintage 500 appeals to couples and small groups who want photos: listings mention about 3 hours, with coffee, ice cream or prosecco stops depending on the package. You are sheltered from rain and heat, especially in a convertible. Seats are few (the car is small) and prices are per car or per group, not per person: read the listing carefully.
Driving a Vespa yourself: for experienced riders only
Rental companies generally ask for a valid licence for the scooter's category, with an international permit or a certified translation if the licence is not from the European Union or EEA; a minimum age of 18 to 25 depending on engine size and company; and a bank card for the deposit. Insurance, two helmets and a lock are often included. But Rome is not a training ground: cobblestones (sampietrini) that turn slippery in the rain, tram rails, heavy traffic, difficult parking. If you have never ridden a scooter in a city, choose the guided tour instead. See also our guide to getting around Rome and, for bike rides, Rome by bike.
How to choose a company
- Group size: a small group usually leaves more room for stops; the number of participants is given in the listing.
- Cancellation: many offers can be cancelled free of charge up to 24 hours before; check the condition before paying.
- Meeting point: listings mention, for example, via della Madonna dei Monti (Monti) or via Gregorio VII near the Vatican; confirm it on your booking confirmation.
- Recent reviews: favour offers with many recent reviews, and be wary of very low prices that include neither helmet nor insurance.
- Avoid street touts: book in advance, preferably through a well-known platform; see scams to avoid in Rome.
Practical tips
- Helmet: compulsory in Italy for the rider and passenger of a scooter; the company provides it.
- Clothing: long trousers and closed shoes are advised, even in summer, for riding a scooter; a light jacket in the evening and in the shoulder seasons.
- Best time: early morning or late afternoon, when traffic and heat are lower; sunset from the Janiculum is one of the most sought-after moments.
- Rain: tours are generally cancelled or postponed in bad weather; see what to do in Rome when it rains.
- Children: many companies set a minimum age or height to ride behind the guide; the Fiat 500 suits families better. See Rome with children.
Going further
For more off-the-beaten-track ideas, see hidden Rome.
