Faqs
- What’s the trip all about?
Its all about having a fun, carefree holiday.
The freedom of touring by Vespa, combined with staying in a lovely hotel with a gorgeous big swimming pool in the romantically beautiful Tuscan countryside and eating fabulous food and drinking delicious wine and sharing lots of laughs with your spouse, friends, fellow travelers and your wonderful guide……it just works!
- Who, or what is Scooter Bella?
Scooter Bella is a division of Speranza Travel Ltd trading as “Customwalks”. Customwalks is a New Zealand company with offices in New Zealand, France and Italy. For more information about Customwalks please see the Customwalks home page: www.customwalks.com
Scooter Bella is the name for our Vespa tours. Customwalks also runs walking and biking tours in Italy, France, and Turkey.
- What kind of license do I need to ride the scooter?
You need to have a valid drivers license. You do NOT need a motorcycle license. You must be at least 18 years of age. Although everyone who is driving the scooter should have some basic scooter/motorcycle experience, riding a Vespa is easy! We will have an orientation and safety session before we leave for our first ride to introduce everyone to the safe operation of their scooter. The scooter is lightweight in contrast to a motorcycle and easy to use. Our 125cc Vespas have electric start, automatic transmission and bicycle style handlebar mounted brakes. There are no gears to change and no foot activated brake. Those with less experience should consider attending a Rider Safety Training program which are usually available through your local automobile club. In the USA you can take a Motorcylce Safety training course. To find local training courses visit www.msf-usa.org.
- What are the roads like?
We will be traveling quiet, scenic country roads, largely but not completely free from traffic. We will encounter some traffic when we travel through some small towns but on the whole we will be riding along open country roads. In Tuscany the road surfaces are excellent however on some occasions we will be riding short distances on dirt roads which require extra vigilance. When we travel on dirt roads we will travel at a very slow speed to accommodate the rougher road surface. The longest stretch of dirt road is about 4 km. In Puglia we take you on some very minor roads into the magnificent olive groves. Here we go slowly because there are often pot holes that must be avoided. Otherwise the road surface is good. Furthermore, you will always be following your guide who knows every twist/turn, bump and pothole in the roads. He/she will slow down or even stop before a rough stretch and advise you of any potential hazards that you should be aware off.
- How fast will we go?
The top speed of the 125cc Scooter is about 80 km/h per hour but we will never be going that fast. Our top speed will be 60 km/h (40 mph) but most of the time we will not exceed 50 km/h (32 mp/h). Our average speed is usually about 35 – 40 km/h (20 – 26 mp/h) given the windy roads and the beautiful views.
- What model of Vespa will I be riding?
All of our Vespas are brand new as of April 2006. They are “Dragon Red” LX 125cc Vespas with rear carrier bin. They have the quiet four-stroke, 125cc engines with electric start and automatic transmissions.
- Are the Vespas easy to drive?
Yes, the Vespas are very easy to drive. They are lightweight and maneuverable. They come equipped with electric starter and automatic transmission. You do not have to operate a clutch or change gears. The braking system is very easy. The brake handles are mounted on the handlebars as on a bicycle. The 125cc motor provides very smooth power. The throttle is on the right handle grip and the power comes on very gently and smoothly.
- Are the Vespas safe?
The Vespas are brand new and we check them before and after each trip to ensure that they are maintained and functioning properly. Riding a scooter is usually riskier than driving a car however we suggest that riding the Vespa on our guided group tour is perhaps less risky than renting a car in Italy and fending for yourself. First of all, you are following the guide who knows the road intimately. Secondly, we are rarely going more than 50 km/h. Thirdly, we are taking you on quiet, scenic roads with relatively little traffic. If you are a competent rider then you should have a safe and carefree Vespa holiday.
If you or your guest do not feel comfortable driving then you may be able to ride with a tour guide, subject to availability. If, in our opinion your driving skill is not adequate to maintain safety and expected speeds then we reserve the right to stop you from riding the Vespa. You maybe able to ride with the guide if space is available. However, if that is not possible then we will arrange for you as best as possible to carry on with the trip but any extra taxi transfers that we have to arrange for you will be at your expense. Please note, we are not a motorcycle or scooter training company and expect you to know how to ride a scooter if you are the driver.
- Do you provide helmets?
Yes, we provide certified motorcycle helmets. They are open faced for ease of communication and to keep all your senses alert. You will need to send us your hat size so we can provide you with the appropriate sized helmet. Please note that Italy has a helmet law. Helmet use is mandatory.
- Will I have a scooter of my own?
If you are a solo traveler, then yes, you will have your own Vespa. Couples can request a Vespa each and depending on availability they will each get their own Vespa. However, if we have a full trip then couples will be provided with one Vespa and they will get a rebate of €100 Euro. Of course, couples can request only one Vespa and thereby qualify for the €100 Euro discount.
- Can two people share a Vespa?
Yes, the Vespas are designed to carry two people in comfort. The 125cc Vespa is powerful enough to carry two people safely. Driving the Vespa with a passenger is also very easy. It is easy to communicate between the driver and the passenger. Indeed, riding as a couple is a lot of fun. In fact, we encourage couples to share a Vespa as it is a wonderful experience to ride together.
- Do you have a support van?
No, we do not feel it is necessary to have a support van given that everyone has their own means of mechanized transportation. Not having a van and driver is a significant cost saving which we pass on to you. We use a van to pick you and your luggage up from Florence at the beginning of the trip and to take you and your luggage to Montevarchi train station at the end of the trip.
- What happens if one of the Vespas breaks down?
We will substitute the Vespa with another Vespa, if available, or another similar scooter. Should the break down occur while out on the road the disadvantaged rider and/or passenger will ride with the guide, or we will get someone from our local office to come out as required. Our office is located nearby just outside the village of Gaiole in Chianti, a scant 10 kms from our hotel, Borgo Fontebussi, so help is always close at hand should the need arise!
- I am not as flexible as I used to be. Are the bikes easy to get on and off?
It is very easy to get on and off the Vespa because of the design of the bike. Look at the Vespa and you will see that you do not have to lift your leg over the saddle. Instead, you step through the gap between the seat and the handle bars and then simply park your bum on the saddle. Easy!
- What can I carry on the Vespa?
The Vespas come equipped with a rear carrier bin which can hold up to 6 kilos of weight. There is room enough for extra clothes, camera, water bottle and odds and ends. Under the seat is a storage bin usually used to store one helmet when the bikes is not in use. You can put stuff in there too. One person can wear a small back pack if required to carry water bottle, sun screen, camera, etc. Your luggage is transferred from Florence to Borgo Fontebussi by van, and again at the end of the trip from Borgo Fontebussi to the Montevarchi train station. You will need to carry on the Vespa what you require for the day trip.
- What clothing do I need to bring for the rides?
The weather in Tuscany and Puglia is generally sunny and quite mild during both the Spring and Fall seasons. During the months of July and August it is hot. We will send you a clothing list should you decide to join our trip but in general terms casual, comfortable clothing is the norm. You should bring a light- to medium-weight weatherproof, windproof jacket and lightweight insulated gloves, especially for the early spring and late fall departures. Rain gear is also advisable "just in case" and ponchos are in each scooter. Please note that eye protection is required by law when riding your Vespa and therefore mandatory. Normal eyeglasses or sunglasses are acceptable; however, you may wish to bring special goggles or, if you wear prescription glasses, over-the-glasses goggles.
- What if it rains?
Safety always come first so the guide will make a decision about the whether or not we ride. If it is raining hard, then the days riding will be postponed or cancelled and an alternative activity will be arranged according to the circumstances. Should it start to rain while we are already out on the road then the guide will make a decision as to how to proceed. Needless to say, it is not very pleasant riding in the pouring rain but if it is just a light drizzle then we may ride a shorter route to take us to a castle, villa, winery, or artisans workshop for a visit. When the road is wet extra care must be taken when riding the Vespas. Obviously, our speed will be reduced in wet or damp conditions. We provide a pair of rain pants for every person which are carried on the bike at all times. You are expected to have a rain jacket with you at all times.
- Can special diets be accommodated?
We have been running trips for 15 years and we have catered to all sorts of diets for those who are just plain picky eaters but also people with severe food allergies. Vegetarians are easily accommodated as Italian cuisine is replete with fresh vegetables, salads and pastas.
When you book with us we will send you a dietary and medical form to fill out so we are aware of your particular needs.
- How does dinner work?
We will be dining our first and last evening at the restaurant attached to Borgo Fontebussi. I just celebrated my 41st birthday there and it was excellent! Summer departures we will be dining al fresco on the beautiful terrace. One night we will be walking 1 km into the village of Montegonzi for dinner at the local trattoria and the other night we will be at the nearby Fattoria la Forra. Both of these local trattoria offer excellent Tuscan cuisine. Depending on the size of the group, we will have arranged for a set menu with choices of at least two dishes for each course. We like to offer set menus not only because we don’t want you to blow our budget but also because we want you to eat very well indeed. We consult directly with the cooks about what is fresh and in season. Furthermore, by ordering a set menu it means that the service is usually better and quicker. And finally, since we know the menus of all four restaurants we arrange the menus to avoid duplications and also to benefit from each cooks specialties. If the group is small, say only four people, then we can order a la carte on some occasions. Good food and good wine are very important to us and we want you to have a great gastronomic experience when you are with us. After all, we want you to come back and travel with us again!
- How about the wine?
Wine is not included in the trip price. This is because we know that some people want to go “big” and experience the great wines of Tuscany while others may be happy with the local wine in carafe. Each person pays their own wine. Typically the average group of 8 people is happy for the guide to suggest some different wines which are decided upon by consensus. At the end of the evening the wine bill is simply divided evenly between those who drank wine. The guide pays for his/her wine.
- How does lunch work?
There are four lunches not included in the trip price. We usually have at least one pic nic whereby you and the guide will by pic nic supplies for lunch. This is a fun and instructive introduction to an important slice of Italian life, that being the chit chat that goes on in the local food shops. It is also a great way to learn about local food products. Other days we will eat in small, local trattorias. Each person will pay for their lunch.
- What does the trip package include?
One night hotel accommodation at the superior three star Hotel Ort Dei Medici. Four nights accommodation in the Chianti countryside at the four star Borgo Fontebussi. Meals include 4 dinners, five breackfasts, one lunch. Special events include a half day cooking course, entrance and guided visit of Castello di Meleto, entrance to Castello di Brolio, visit of Rampini Ceramics, winery visit and tasting at Fattoria Riecine or similar. Pick up in Florence and transfer to the Chianti countryside on the Sunday of the trip and transfer to Montevarchi train station at the end of the trip. Vespa usage for five days touring, fuel, and use of helment. Note, you are responsible for all damage to the scooter. Limited Italian property damage insurance is provided. An experience bilingual Scooter Bella guide/escort will accompany you throughout the trip. NOT INCLUDED: Airfare, four lunches, wine and other beverages at meals, gratuities for you guide should you wish to give him/her a tip.
- How and when do I pay?
Please contact us by email: info@scooterbella.com and we will send you a trip agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of payment and cancellation. In a nutshell, we request a €200 Euro deposit payable by bank transfer or by credit card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) and the balance is due 60 days before departure. Should you book within sixty days of the trip departure full payment is requested. We run our trips with a minimum of four people and a maximum of ten participants.
- I have paid my deposit and final payment. What happens next?
After you've paid your €200 Euro deposit you will receive a confirmation package from us including useful information about how to get to Florence for the start of the trip. Before the trip starts we strongly suggest you obtain scooter riding skills prior to your arrival for safety reasons and so you are not disappointed if you cannot ride due to your individual driving skills. Please note this is a group tour and the expectation is you have tuned or have your driving skills prior to arrival which will enable you to enjoy the Vespa touring in safety. Then you just have to get yourself to Florence and be ready for pick up on the Sunday morning.
- What about insurance?
Scooter Bella provides Italian liability and property damage insurance according to standard Italian policy. You will be required to sign a personal liability waiver prior to riding on a scooter. Individuals are encouraged to contact their own insurance providers if additional coverage is desired. We recommend that you get trip cancellation and extra travel health insurance including medical evacuation insurance. You can get this extra insurance through your insurance broker or travel agent. For our North American clients we recommend Travelguard insurance.
- Go to the Scooter Bella home page www.scooterbella.com
and click on the link to the Travel Guard website.
- After reviewing the various policies offered and deciding on the plan that works best for your travel needs, you can purchase the travel insurance directly online. Payment by credit card only and fulfillment packages can be sent either via email, US postal or Express Mail (you will be prompted to select one option).
Note: if you are a Canadian resident, please be sure to inquire with us about our Travel Guard Canada insurance offerings.
If you are experiencing any trouble with your online booking, from within North America please call
1-800-826-4919 , and the Travel Guard Customer Service Department will be happy to assist you.
- What is the group size?
We run our trips with a minimum of four participants and a maximum of ten participants and one guide.
- Who are your clients?
We get a mix of American, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and British participants. Ages typically run from thirty through to late sixties.
- How many people do you need for a private trip?
We can do a private trip for one person, if that is what you want to do, but of course you will find it expensive. Usually a good number is between four and twelve people. At six people we can offer our regular trip to you as a an exclusive private departure for the regular list price of €1,850 per person. Under six people we can do the trip but there will be a small-group surcharge dependent on the number of people. Of course, we can customize the trip to suit your interests and needs. We can make it shorter or longer, we can venture into other areas of Tuscany, Puglia or even Umbria, and we can combine the days activities with some of our walking routes should you want to include some day walks in your customized itinerary.
- What if I have other questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact us at info@scooterbella.com. We prefer that you contact us by email for the sake of clarity. From North America you can call us on our toll free line 1 877 315 9053 however please note that it rings through to our office in Italy. You can always leave a message or send a fax but if you want to speak with us please take into consideration the time difference. We can also be reached at our Italian number: (39) 051 6957 104 during normal Italian working hours.
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