FAQ: How many people in the groups? We cap our Scooter tours at 14 particpants. As soon as we have more than five scooters in a group, we put on a second guide.

FAQ: What is the role of the guide?The guide is there to first and formost get you safely from A to B. You will follow the guide, which means you don’t need to worry about maps and directions. The guide is also there to “look after you”, he/she will make sure that the tour is delivered and that everything runs smoothly. The are there to make translations for you, tell you a little bit about the local history and culture, to tell you about the wine and the food, and to be a wonderful travel companion. 

FAQ: Where do your clients come from? We have a mix of clientele. We get a nice cross section of people, geographically, demographically and socio-economically. About half of our travellers are from the United States and the other 50% of our clientele are from Australia, New Zealander, Canada, the U.K. and South Africa.

FAQ: What is the age range of people on the trips? On average, ages range from early 30’s to mid 60’s with the majority in the 40 to 55 bracket.

FAQ: What are your clients like? Many of our trip participants have travelled extensively while others may be on their first overseas trip. Generally, we get fun, easy going and interesting people. People who are wanting to join a tour are genearlly that way. When travelling with a group there is always the chance that there might be someone in the group who is a pain in the backside but that is a relatively rare occurrence. Furthermore, we design the trips to allow everybody time on their own, so if you need a break from someone, you can do so. Finally, if there is someone who really is a problem, our guides have our backing to ask anyone on the trip who really is a problem to leave the trip. Happily, in 14 years of doing trips we have only needed to do this on one occasion.

FAQ: Who can drive a Scooter? You must be over 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. You must also get an International Driver’s license. You do not need to have a motorcycle license.

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FAQ: How do I get an International Driver’s License? Everyone who drives one of our scooters needs to have an international driver’s license (unless you have a European Union driver’s license: All EU citizens can legally drive in Europe without an International Driver’s License. If you have a European Union driver’s license (i.e., a UK automobile license) then you do not need the supplemental international driver’s license.)

An International Driver’s License is very easy to get: simply download the appropriate form (see the links below) and send in your form and fees, or call your local driver’s license issuing bureau and ask them what is required. You will need to provide a copy of your driver’s license and 1-2 passport size photos of yourself. The license is then valid for one year

FAQ: Are the Scooters easy to drive? Yes, they are easy to ride, there are no gears, and the brakes are on the hanldle bars, like on a bicycle. Previous experience on a scooter or motorbike is advantageous and highly advised, but not necessary, but only if you are a good driver, athletic and coordinated, and you are used to riding a bicycle. If you cannot ride a bicycle we do not advise you to try and ride a scooter for the first time on this trip. Indeed, if you have never ridden a scooter we highly recommend that you rent a scooter locally and try it out before coming on the trip. Although our Vespa™ scooters are easy to ride, a good sense of balance and coordination is required. The scooters have a 125cc engine and an all-steel frame. They are lighter and easier to drive than a larger motorbike but they are also heavier than a moped. The Vespa™ scooters weigh about 110 kg, or about 235 lbs

FAQ: Will you teach me how to drive a Scooter? No, we are not a motorcyle driving school. Everyone should arrive at the start of the tour already a competent, safe rider. If you have never ridden a scooter we highly recommend that you rent a scooter locally and try it out before coming on the trip. This way you can learn how to drive the scooter, and also learn whether or not you enjoy riding the scooter.

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We have been doing these trips since April 2006 and have found that 80% of people are very good drivers and have no problems with the scooters from the start. 10% are marginal, but with practice and coaching are able to drive competently. Finally, the other 10% have been incompetent and frankly dangerous. We have been forced to tell these people that they cannot use the scooter (sometimes, however, not before they have fallen!). So far no one has suffered any serious injuries, but we are amazed that some people sign up for a trip of this type with no previous experience and yet expect to drive a motorized vehicle on public roads in a foreign country.  Please do not be one of these people. We will not hesitate to take the scooter away from anyone who we feel is a threat to themselves or to the safety of others.

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You will be driving a motor vehicle on public roads. You are responsible for your safety but also for the safety of other motorists, bikers and pedestrians. You must be able to control the scooter and drive it competently. If we feel your driving skills put you and others at risk we reserve the right to take the scooter away from you. In the event that you cannot ride as a passenger with someone else, then we will help to arrange an alternative mode of transport, either taxi, or rental car, but at your expense.

FAQ: 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. This means your private group benefits from sharing the cost of the trip, while remaining small and flexible.