It’s no surprise that Rome is one of the most visited cities in the entire world. There are classic bucket-list monuments to visit such as the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain. Once you arrive, navigating the cobblestone streets of Rome can feel like a daunting task. There is so much to see and always so little time. It is true that you can walk through the entire historic center of Rome on foot. You will be fully immersed in the warm colors of Italy and stimulated by the sights and sounds of beautiful chaos. However, after you’ve worn in (or worn out) your new pair of shoes and burned off the pasta and gelato, you’ll quickly realize there is so much more to see. The question is: how do you see the real Rome while giving your feet a break and with a limited amount of time? There is only one answer, the Vespa tour of Rome.
Travel through Rome on a Vespa! (Photo Credit: Annie Ojile)
Founded in 2007 by Italian American entrepreneur, Annie Ojile, Scooteroma is a Vespa tour company based in Rome that takes clients outside the walls of the city where you can’t arrive on foot or on public transportation. In 4 hours, you’ll see beyond what you could see in 4 days! The team of Vespa drivers, Vespisti, are experts in sharing Roman history and culture. As the passenger, you will get to soak in the thrilling and entertaining experience with eyes wide open. You can discover the secrets of Rome through Scooteroma’s custom Street Art, Cinema, Foodie, and Classic tours.
“Our squad is the essence of what we call the ‘Vespa Vita’ - Vespa Life, so when our clients ride with us, they spend the day like true Romans and truly get under the skin of the city, “says Scooter Maven, Annie Ojile. She says that the tour is not about the destination, it's about the journey. Year after year, her clients continue to tell her they had the ride of their lives. No Roman holiday is complete without a ride on the back of one of Italy’s most iconic designs, the Vespa.
Vespas are a fun way to see the city of Rome on a budget! (Photo Credit: Annie Ojile)
Without a doubt, one of the most incredible experiences is the Street Art Tour with Scooteroma. Sitting as the passenger with a born and bred Roman Vespa driver and guide, you will zip past familiar landmarks that will leave you awe-struck on the way to lesser-known neighborhoods like San Lorenzo, Ostiense, and Pigneto. The classic wheels will give you the opportunity to reach authentic neighborhoods and discover a contemporary side of Rome where street art is the catalyst for urban renewal. The stories evoked from these large, gorgeous murals express important messages from these local areas. It’s also an exceptional way to see how ancient and modern Rome coexist together.
The ancient Romans believed no matter what happened to the world, Rome would go on forever. This sentiment is still very relevant today. Even as Italy’s hospitality and tourism sector has been significantly impacted in recent years, Scooteroma has prevailed. Ojile is extremely proud to say that Scooteroma has scootered with over 10,000 clients in the past decade, with two of those years during COVID times. “I cannot possibly be prouder of our Squad and what we have created together,” Ojile says. There is a beautiful Italian saying about Rome, “Roma, non basta una vita”, which means one lifetime isn’t enough. While it may be true that it’s impossible to see all of the Eternal City in one trip, you’ll feel like you’re getting closer after you’ve experienced the Vespa vita!
Arianna DiCicco
Arianna DiCicco is an educator and writer from California, born into an Italian American restaurant family with strong ties to her grandparents’ home in Abruzzo, Italy. She has lived in San Francisco, Rome and New York City where she’s made deep connections within the Italian communities and gained new perspectives about her own culture. With a Masters in International Education, Arianna has a love and passion for learning and educating others about Italian history & culture.