Tuscany by Vespa: An Epic Ride on the SR 222
Florence to Siena and Beyond: Conquering Tuscany on Two Wheels
We recently embarked on a crazy adventure: exploring Tuscany on a rented Vespa GTS 300. From 5:30 AM until 10:00 PM, we rode nearly 300 km, soaking in the beauty of the Italian countryside. Honestly, we initially underestimated the journey. Google Maps suggested a quick 2-hour trip from Florence to Pienza (around 100 km), but that was misleading.
The reality? Google led us on highways, not the legendary SR 222. Consequently, we spent seven hours simply traveling to and from destinations, leaving only snippets of time to rest and admire the scenery.
Was it tiring? Absolutely. The next morning, my neck was stiff, and my back felt glued to the bed. But was it worth it? Every single drop of fuel, every twist in the road, and every breathtaking view was worth it. The most incredible part was witnessing Tuscany's vast green landscapes transform from misty dawns to hazy sunsets. The legendary fields were far more mesmerizing than any video could portray.
The Instagram Illusion: Tuscany's Real Beauty
Were we disappointed by anything? Perhaps by the hyped-up "Instagrammable" spots. The reality of Tuscany, Val d'Orcia, and San Quirico d'Orcia far surpassed those picture-perfect scenes. The true beauty of Tuscany exists far outside of these hot spots.
Tuscan Gems: Coordinates for the Adventurous Traveler
Here are some locations we visited, complete with coordinates for those seeking similar adventures:
- BaccoLeno: 43°12'05.5″N 11°35'27.0″E
- Iconic Cypress Tree Road: 43°01'28.5″N 11°38'17.5″E (Note: This is a private estate. Tourists line up to take photos from the road.)
- Belvedere Viewpoint: 43.06616085625071, 11.615149948455475 or 43.066173, 11.614919 (Frankly underwhelming; Tuscany itself is a panorama.)
- Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta: 43°04'15.4″N 11°38'04.0″E (The most worthwhile stop �C truly unique and beautiful.)
- Pienza: 53026 Province of Siena, Italy (Resembles many other charming villages nearby.)
Tips for an Authentic Tuscan Experience
I have two key recommendations for truly experiencing Tuscany:
- Embrace the open air: Opt for a motorcycle or convertible to fully immerse yourself in the scents, sun, wind, and grassy aromas. Enclosed cars diminish the experience, and tour buses offer little more than a YouTube video.
- Settle in Siena: Spend two nights in Siena for a relaxed exploration of the Val d'Orcia and San Quirico d'Orcia. To enjoy the legendary SR222 road, travel from Florence to Siena, or vice versa.
Vespa Rental in Florence: Our Experience
We rented our Vespa from Florence Station Rental (Via Ventisette Aprile, 39/r, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy), a well-known place in Florence. The Vespa GTS 300 cost 70 euros per day (150 km limit). We rented it for three days but only managed two, covering 450 km. Exhausted, we returned it on the third day. A Vespa LX is cheaper (60 euros), but the daily limit is only 80 km. Excess kilometers are charged. Overall, the prices are standard for Florence. I can't speak for other rental locations.
Final Thoughts: A Tuscan Adventure for the Senses
In conclusion, I experienced Tuscany on a visceral level, loving every winding road, every ascent, and every descent. Putting in the effort was worth it for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, feeling like a true motorcycling enthusiast, even with my smaller license back home! Conquering those 300cc roads at an average speed of 50-70 km/h for seven straight hours? Absolutely unforgettable. Approaching 40 and feeling the effects of age, I urge anyone considering this to go for it!
