16 Nov THE VESPA TRIP | EXPLORE PUGLIA ON A VESPA!
Are you ready to explore the enchanting “heel” of Italy in the most authentic way – on an Italian Vespa? Buckle up, because this journey will have you feeling the wind in your hair and the thrill of adventure in your heart! Let’s tell you about The Vespa Trip.
The Vespa Trip
Picture this: stunning landscapes, charming towns, hidden coves, and beautiful beaches, all waiting for you to discover. And let’s not forget the local cuisine at authentic Italian restaurants that will make your taste buds dance. Travelbase has organized an unforgettable scooter tour perfect for solo adventurers or couples and groups eager to connect with fellow travelers. Get ready to dive into the vibrant culture of Puglia!
Travelbase: Exploring Made Easy
One of the best things about Travelbase’s Vespa Trip is how effortless they make your travel experience. With the Vespa trip package, everything is taken care of for you: your accommodation, scooter, routes, and two guides who are always ready to advise you. As you explore Puglia, you’ll cruise alongside your group, discovering the area and enjoying the journey together. Following the guide at the front of the group allows you to navigate stunning roadways and charming little city alleys without any hassle. Plus, the guides are full of tips if you prefer to chart your own course (with a GPS).
Discover more about Travelbase here and their other awesome trips.
Where to Stay: Masseria Don Sante
From Amsterdam, you will fly into Bari (2,5 hour flight). And after just a one-hour drive, you’ll arrive at Masseria Don Sante in Fasano, the perfect base for The Vespa Trip in Puglia. With its charming ambiance and beautiful surroundings, it was the ideal spot to recharge before hitting the road again. Additionally, it was just a quick 5-minute scooter ride to the town of Fasano. Perfect for Italian dinners, evening strolls, and to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 1: Settling in
As you arrive at the Masseria in the early afternoon, you are welcomed by the warm sun. It’s a great chance to meet the other travelers before our Vespa adventure starts. Our group was pretty international and some of the group were Vespa newbies, while others had already explored Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast with The Vespa Trip.
Day 2: Cisternino, Ostuni, Beach Hopping
After a quick refresher course on riding scooters and a safety briefing from our guides, Amber and Angela, we were all set to hit the road!
First stop: Cisternino
On our first drive, we zoomed past olive groves, vineyards, stone walls, and charming trulli houses. It was a unique experience that brought an incredible sense of freedom and a big smile beneath our helmets! After a 40-minute drive you will arrive at Cisternino, a little Italian town that oozes peace and tranquility. With its big town squares, narrow alleys, and staircases leading to hidden terraces, it’s a great spot to soak in the authentic Italian vibe. The town also offers a stunning panoramic view of the valley.
For coffee or lunch, definitely stop at Micro, an adorable café tucked away in the corner of an alley. They offer healthy Mediterranean vegan options, which is quite a rare find in Puglia! In fact, Micro was the first vegan spot in the region, opening ten years ago. The dishes are simple, but it’s incredibly fresh – perfect for a light meal before hitting the road again.
Micro
Second stop: Ostuni
Next up was Ostuni, also known as the Città Bianca (White City). Walking through its narrow, winding streets, surrounded by the whitewashed walls of the buildings, felt like stepping into a fairytale. Every corner of Ostuni has that history and charm. It’s also a great lunch stop, with plenty of options ranging from upscale restaurants to simpler takeout spots.
Next Up: Beach Hopping
You end your day with a scenic ride along the coast close to Ostuni. We went hopping between several little bays and beaches. A perfect way to wrap up our first adventure-filled day on the Vespa!
Day 3: Polignano A Mare, Cala Insine, Monopoli
After another delicious breakfast at Masseria Don Sante – complete with homemade cakes, fresh bread, and fruit. As you cruise along, you will get quite a few friendly waves from locals, who are clearly amused by the sight of so many Vespas riding in a long line. It’s not every day you see such a colorful parade of scooters rolling through the countryside. Their smiles and waves just added to the fun vibe of the journey.
As you cruise along, you will get quite a few friendly waves from locals who are clearly amused by the sight of Vespas riding in a long line.
First stop: Polignano A Mare
With its dramatic cliffs, sparkling sea, and hidden alleyways, this town is nothing short of magical! Be sure to check out Lama Monachile, one of the most iconic spots in Polignano a Mare. The crystal-clear waters are framed by towering cliffs—it’s like something out of a postcard!
Second stop: Cala Incina
Next, we head to Cala Incina, a small cove just 10 minutes from Polignano a Mare. Locals are sunbathing and fishing, while colorful boats gently float along the coast. It’s the perfect place to take a dip and soak up the laid-back Italian vibe. We spent a couple of hours here, simply enjoying the calm atmosphere and the warmth of the sun.
Last stop: Monopoli
The final stop of the day is Monopoli, and this one became one of my favorite spots. This charming city, with its maze of cobblestone streets and grand, imposing houses, a vibrant and lively atmosphere to say the least. The coastal views are breathtaking, and the town is filled with stunning churches and cozy terraces. It’s the perfect place to take in the Italian feels, whether you’re admiring the architecture or enjoying a drink at one of the lovely little cafés. Monopoli is truly a hidden gem worth savoring!
Day 4: Polignano A Mare, Cala Insine, Monopoli
First stop: Alberobello
Alberobello is known for its trulli houses, and walking through its narrow streets does feel a bit like stepping into another world. The unique architecture makes it a fun and visually interesting place to explore, even if it’s a bit on the touristy side. Despite the crowds, there’s something special about the energy of the town, especially when you find a quiet spot to enjoy some local gelato or coffee. If you’re into shopping, Alberobello won’t disappoint—there are plenty of stores selling everything from local crafts to smaller designer items that you won’t find elsewhere.
Second stop: Locorotondo
On this dat you will take the most beautiful country roads to Locorotondo. The winding roads will lead you past endless olive groves and vineyards. Locorotondo, often called the “balcony of the Valle d’Itria,” offers a refreshing change of pace. With its panoramic views over the vineyards and olive groves, this small town feels more serene and less commercialized. The old town, with its whitewashed buildings and quiet streets, is perfect for an afternoon stroll. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, but that’s exactly where its charm lies—it’s authentically simple, and the views are worth stopping to take in.
Last stop: Martina Franca
Martina Franca is all about contrasts—one minute you’re wandering through grand baroque streets, the next you’re dodging the hustle of locals on their way to a nearby bakery. The mix of beautiful architecture and lively daily life gives this town a unique feel. I love that Martina Franca isn’t just a pretty backdrop; it’s full of real, local experiences.
Day 5: Fasano City and Relaxation
After a lovely “goodbye’ dinner with the group the night before, we decided to start the last day with a few games of tennis at the Masseria. The sun was shining, and it felt great to get some exercise before the day kicked off. Afterward, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast, which was made so fresh every morning. Once we were fueled up, we hopped on our scooter and set off for Fasano.
A little personal story: As we wandered through the charming streets and found a cozy café and decided to take a break for some coffee. It was a funny moment when a local man recognized us from a few days earlier. He had a friendly smile and waved us over, then surprised us by paying for our coffees. It was such a nice gesture that added a sweet touch to our day. After our coffee break, we made our way back to the Masseria. Handing back the keys of our scooter felt a bit bittersweet 😉 It’s amazing to think of all the experiences we had in just five days!
My Verdict
The Vespa Trip has really thought of everything when it comes to the routes. Yoi will cruise along the most beautiful backroads, where every turn feels like it was handpicked to show off the best of Puglia. From winding country lanes lined with olive trees to quiet villages that seem plucked straight from a postcard, each stretch of road adds to the adventure. It’s clear they’ve mapped out a journey that lets us fully soak in the region, giving us that ultimate feeling of freedom as we ride.
info: The base price for the vespa trip starts at €540 to €690 per person (excluding flights), depending on the period and destination.
So, do you want to explore charming villages, take in breathtaking coastal views, and immerse yourself in the laid-back Southern Italian lifestyle? You can pre-register for The Vespa Trip 2025 and start planning your adventure! And don’t forget, Travelbase offers many more travel experiences to explore. Check out their full range of trips at travelbase.eu and find the perfect getaway that suits your wanderlust!
Iris
Iris is one of our wonderful editors and loves to explore the world with her camera. As a photographer, she’s always on the lookout for interesting, raw, or aesthetically pleasing places. You can find more of her imagery here.
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