A Rome Vespa tour puts you on the scooter that became a symbol of the city, and you never drive in Roman traffic yourself. Both leading options on Viator use a local driver. The sidecar tour by night is rated 4.9 across 1,909 reviews, from about $112. The Vespa ride with a professional photographer is also rated 4.9, across 1,615 reviews, from about $69.
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The verdict
The night sidecar tour is our pick. For three hours, you ride in a vintage sidecar while your driver-guide takes you past the monuments lit up after dark, with a stop for gelato or coffee. Reviewers mention places they would not have found alone, and a smooth, funny driver.
The photographer tour is shorter and cheaper. You ride behind a driver for about 90 minutes to two hours, and a professional photographer shoots you at the sights, with digital photos included. It is a good choice for couples, honeymooners and anyone who wants pictures they are in.
Neither tour includes entry to the Colosseum, and neither is wheelchair accessible.
On both tours, a local driver handles the Vespa, so you do not need a license. Helmets are provided. Tell the supplier your height and weight if you are concerned about the sidecar. For another evening option, see the Rome night tour.
Which one is for you?
Take the night sidecar tour if
- You want the most reviewed option: 1,909 reviews.
- You want to see Rome lit up at night.
- You want three hours with a driver-guide.
- You like a gelato stop.
Take the photographer tour if
- You want the lower price, from about $69.
- You want professional photos of your trip.
- You have about two hours.
- You are celebrating as a couple.
What each price covers
The night sidecar tour, from about $112
Included: a driver-guide, a helmet, local taxes, and gelato or coffee.
Not included: entry to the Colosseum.
The photographer tour, from about $69
Included: a helmet, a Vespa with driver, the photoshoot, and digital photos.
Not included: entry to the Colosseum.
Where each one starts
- Night sidecar tour: Piazza della Cancelleria 1, near Campo de’ Fiori.
- Photographer tour: Via del Colosseo 31, near the Colosseum.
Side by side
| Night sidecar tour | Photographer tour | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.9 from 1,909 | 4.9 from 1,615 |
| Five-star reviews | 1,817 (95%) | 1,558 (96%) |
| Price | from about $112 | from about $69 |
| Length | 3 hours | 1.5 to 2 hours |
| Vehicle | Vintage sidecar | Vespa, behind a driver |
| Photos | Not included | Included |
| Start | Piazza della Cancelleria | Via del Colosseo |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before | Free up to 24 hours before |
What travelers say
On the night sidecar tour
We saw places that otherwise would not know exist.
Saeed_R, July 2026, via Viator
Great sense of humor and was a very smooth ride!!
Joceline_S, July 2026, via Viator
On the photographer tour
We had a great time on this tour.
Maria_L, September 2026, via Viator
Would absolutely recommend!
Haley_T, September 2026, via Viator
Both are reviewed mostly with five stars: 95% of the night sidecar tour ratings and 96% of the photographer tour ratings. Three stars or lower make up about 2% of the reviews on the first and about 2% on the second.
How a Vespa ride fits a trip to Rome
For other ways to cover ground, compare the Rome golf cart tour and the Rome e-bike tour. After dark, the Trastevere food tour pairs well with a ride.
Planning the week? Read our guide to the best tours in Rome for a first visit.
Questions travelers ask
Which Rome Vespa tour should I book?
The night sidecar tour, rated 4.9 from 1,909 reviews on Viator, from about $112 (checked September 2026). For photos, the Vespa ride with a professional photographer, rated 4.9, from about $69.
Do I need a license for a Vespa tour in Rome?
No. On both tours a local driver handles the Vespa.
How long is a Rome Vespa tour?
The night sidecar tour lasts about three hours; the photographer tour, about 90 minutes to two hours.
Is the Colosseum included?
No. Both tours pass the sights but do not include entry to the Colosseum.
Can I cancel a Rome Vespa tour?
Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Book the night sidecar tour for Rome lit up; book the photographer tour for the pictures and the price.
Editorial assessment by Italy2Love, September 2026. Inclusions and exclusions, meeting points, prices, ratings, review counts and cancellation terms read on both Viator product pages (product codes 48843P6 and 391465P2), September 2026. Reviews quoted with attribution to their authors and to Viator. Next review March 2027, or sooner on any change to either option.