Brežice

Slovenia upon first sight may seem too surreal to be true - majestic alpine mountains, glassy wide lakes, carved-out gorges and fairytale villages that border the Adriatic Sea and limitless nature. But it doesn't take long for any traveller to discover that Slovenia's beauty isn't only abundant, but also accessible and welcoming to everyone. 

Slovenia

Southeast Slovenia

Fun for the whole family or for anyone of all ages, the Thermal Riviera is a huge water paradise of thermal water attractions. With facilities indoors and outdoors such as a kamikaze toboggan, pirate island, wave pools, pool slides, and a slow river, the water is powered by the thermal springs. 

Think of it as a huge water-themed amusement park (at over 10,000 square metres of thermal water surface) with a winding 450-metre lazy river that wraps all around the park. So grab a floatie and casually cruise around! 

There are tons of special well-being benefits too! Thermal spring waters have long been a remedy for a lot of health issues, and at Terme Čatež you can combine that with fun regardless of the weather, any time of the year. Terme Čatež also offers on-site accommodations for those who want a longer experience. 


The largest water park in Central Europe - powered by thermal springs! 

The indoor design of pools and spa area of Terme Čatež.

TermeCatez_1

A lazy river with people floating down it at the Terme Čatež.

TermeCatez_4.jpg

The outdoor summer slides and pools at the Terme Čatež.

TermeCatez_5.jpg

The many spa areas and pools at Terme Čatež's outdoor area.

TermeCatez_3jpg

A bird's eye view of the slides and pools outside of Terme Čatež.

TermeCatez_2.jpg

Good for Kids

Water & Amusement Parks

Kid Friendly

Come one, come all - come big, come small! We've rounded up all of the kid-friendly places in {{area}}, including parks, playgrounds, outdoor activities, and museums for you and your family to enjoy. These places and activities are fun (and safe!) for the whole family, no matter what size or age!

Best places for all ages

Bring the whole family to kid friendly spots in {{area}}

Family Fun

Terme Čatež Thermal Spa

Belgium

Netherlands

Austria

Bulgaria

Croatia

Czech Republic

Denmark

France

Germany

Greece

Hungary

Ireland

Italy

Luxembourg

Montenegro

Norway

Poland

Portugal

Serbia

Spain

Sweden

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

When you dream of Italy, you also dream of Vespas whizzing through cobblestone roads and the hilltop countryside. To embark on a Vespa trip through Italy, and in Tuscany no less, is to truly enjoy the journey and not just the destination. This is a way to see Italy at the peak of its delight - all while you step the pedal to the medal. 

Logan.png

VespaTuscanyTB.jpg

travelbase_vespatuscany.jpg

tuscany_vespa.jpg

Roadtrip adventure

Food and drinks enthusiast

Solo traveller / Family fun / Couples / Group of Friends

Cultural journey

In the charming central region of Italy is a treasure trove of world-class art, family-owned vineyards with ever-flowing nectar of the Gods and the oh-so delightful sights of cypress and olive trees lined up in rows after rows. We’re talking about none other than one of Italy’s best places for living la dolce vita: Tuscany. And what better way to explore such a mythical region than on a Vespa? 

When you think of Italy, one of the icons of the country that may conjure to mind is the Vespa itself. A plush Italian scooter that you can whizz through the rolling hills of Tuscany in style. Through TravelBase Vespa Tours, you see the sights and discover the hidden corners of Tuscany the way you want. You’ll have the freedom to go at your own pace and stop wherever you want to take in the views of the famed countryside - with an additional plus that it’s a fun and eco-friendly mode of transportation. 

A Vespa trip throughout Tuscany isn't just about the destination – it's about the journey. As you ride through historical cities like Florence and picturesque countryside, you'll get a sense of the region's artistic legacy, dramatic landscapes and influence on culture. You'll pass by centuries-old villages, going off the beaten path, all the while uncovering hidden gems that you wouldn’t expect. You might even stumble upon a hidden trattoria or gelateria along the way.

So why wait? Let this itinerary be the inspiration for your future TravelBase Vespa trip through Tuscany and andiamo!


As iconic as ever - still standing strong! Or should we say, leaning strong?

Pisa.png

Leaning Tower of Pisa

Explore the stunning medieval Roman Catholic cathedral dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. 

PisaCathedral.jpg

Pisa Cathedral 

Step into the largest baptistery in Italy and the world itself! 

Pisa_Baptistry.jpg

Pisa Baptistery of St. John

Get all the details of your journey, from the route mapped out to where to stop for the best gelato! 

Red_Vespa_Scooter.jpg

Meet your TravelBase's Vespa trip guide 

leaning-tower-and-cathedral-in-pisa-1600432326h13.jpg

Pisa

Tuscany

Are you ready for one epic road trip that takes you behind the wheels of Italy's most famed mode of transportation? 
The start of your exciting TravelBase Vespa trip through Tuscany begins in the famed city of Pisa. 
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed at your hotel where you can check into your room, and then be introduced to the Vespa Trip guides. From there, it’s time to explore Pisa as an exploratory amuse-bouche before you go off riding! 

The city itself is prominent for the Leaning Tower of Pisa, which is a stunning landmark that is unmissable. A freestanding bell tower that is famous for its unintended tilt, it has continued to lean over the centuries due to various factors from the soft ground it was built on. To this day, the Leaning Tower of Pisa is considered a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Pisa is also home to other notable landmarks and cultural attractions that you can explore, such as the Pisa Cathedral, the Pisa Baptistry, and the Pisa Museums. By evening time, you’re invited to have a classic Italian drink at a local bar with all of the Vespa Trippers and guides before you embark on your journey the next day!


Art & Culture

Sightseeing

Adventure

Stories of engines, design and passion to craft the Vespa that you're riding on!

PiaggioMuseum.png

Piaggio Museum

Walk across this signature convex structure that harks characteristic of bridges from a bygone era.

Pontedera_-_Ponte_napoleonico_visto_da_sud.jpg

Ponte Napoleonico

A 100 metre long wall covered by a mosaic with Meccano shaped motives by the late artist Enrico Baj.

Pontedera_Arredo_006.jpg

Enrico Baj Mural Wall

Take a lovely stroll down this piazza lined with tall trees, and see the town's social scene come to life.

PiazzaGiuseppeGaribaldi.jpg

Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi

Palazzo_Pretorio,_Pontedera.jpg

Pontedera

Now, the next day is when your Vespa Trip through Tuscany truly starts, as you’ll get to strap on your helmet and take a step to the pedal of your shiny pastel-colour Vespa. Yep, this is the moment you'll be handed keys to the kingdom - well, your fantastic two-wheeler kingdom, that is. Right away, you’ll set off on a journey on your new Vespa that will have you zipping through the winding roads that adorn the Tuscan landscape, heading into the idyllic countryside where the vineyards meet the olive groves. 

While you’re riding your Vespa on your way to Siena, the Medieval Tuscan city is only the endpoint as there are plenty of enriching sights to explore along the way. Your first stop will be the artisanal town of Pontedera, where the emblematic Vespa itself was born. Here, you can visit the Vespa museum (Museo Piaggio) for free. 

Pontedera, with strong roots in Italy’s industrial history, has an artistic soul on the Era and Arno rivers. The whole city is like an open-air museum, from the 100m long wall covered by a mosaic aka the Enrico Baj to the designer benches that welcome anyone in Piazza Garibaldi. 

Take in the famed sights of San Gimignano and its surrounding Tuscan countryside from this panoramic spot.

VistaPanoramica.png

Vista Panoramica

Find out why this city is called Medieval Manhattan by climbing up to its great heights.

San_Gimignano_-_Torre_rognosa_da_torre_grossa.jpg

Climb the Torre Grossa

A cult classic and a world champion of gelato - taste their inventive flavours like saffron with pine nuts! 

GelateriaDondoli.jpg

Eat one of Italy's best gelato at Gelateria Dondoli

A picturesque triangular-slope square where the locals love to hang out, sitting by the historical well in the centre.

PiazzaSanGimignano.jpg

Piazza della Cisterna

SanGimignanoPanorama6.jpg

San Gimignano

After the birthplace of the Vespa in Pontedera, you’ll cruise for about an hour on your Vespa through the ancient countryside where the sky meets the swaying meadows, dotted with Parish churches and Tuscan villages. Take in the sights of what makes Tuscany just so romantic and peaceful - from the neatly planted vineyards to the pebble roads, no wonder why it's so easy to fall in love with Central Italy. On one of the many scenic hills of this region, you’ll then arrive at a walled Medieval town known as San Gimignano. 

San Gimignano has, hands down, one of the most breathtaking skylines in the world. Tall toppling stone towers will automatically daydream you away to the Middle Ages, and as you roam these streets that haven’t changed their design much since then, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped through an actual Renaissance painting itself. 

This is the town to have a glass of Vernaccia, a white wine that is produced within the surrounding hills of San Gimignano itself. Since you’re here just in time for lunch, you can pair your wine with some of the local’s favourites - like homemade pici pasta, Ribollita (a thick vegetable and bread soup), and crespelle with asparagus and ribola cheese.

Food & Drinks

A medieval church that's as striking on the outside as it is on the inside.

Duomo_di_Siena-9635.jpg

Duomo di Siena

A huge public square where the glorious past meets the present, with dashing horse races and modern-day festive. 

Siena14.jpg

Piazza del Campo

When you step into this enchanting Duomo library, make sure you look up to see the intricate Pinturicchio frescoes!


Piccolomini_Library_02.jpg

Piccolomini Library

Pappardelle with wild boar ragu? Yes please! This affordable and much loved local spot has all the classic Tuscan dishes.

2.jpg

Eat traditional Tuscan food at Antica Trattoria Papei

Siena.jpg

Siena

End your first day by arriving in Siena, about a 45-minute drive from San Gimignano. Siena is a Tuscan city that will easily bewitch its visitor with a true love-at-first-sight feeling. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is quintessential what makes Tuscany much loved: its sensational art collection, architecture that weaves through its contrade (distinctive urban districts) and a history that reaches back further than the Romans - all the way to the Etruscans. 

Siena is already prominent for its annual horse race, the Palio di Siena, which takes place in the city's main square, the Piazza del Campo. There, in the centre of town - you can wander around the Piazza del Campo, and soak up what is considered one of the most beautiful squares in all of Italy. The square is surrounded by soaring medieval buildings, including the Palazzo Pubblico, which is home to the city's government. 

For dinner, sit out on one of the many places lining the piazza (unlike other landmark dining locations, most of the ones here aren’t actually a tourist trap), grab a coffee or gelato as dessert, or just people-watch and enjoy the jovial atmosphere as the locals do. It makes a simple yet delightful way to end the evening.


Pop into a wine bar or a winery for a tasting of the region's finest, the Chianti Classico.

 ChiantiClassico.jpg

Sip on a glass of Chianti Classico

You'll pass by endless vineyards that are so picturesque that it's worth a short pitstop here and there for a photo-op.

20141020_Tuscany_046.jpg

Explore Italy's famed wine region of Chianti

This beautiful castle is perched above the town of Greve, with its origins going back to as far as the year 931.

CastleMontefioralle.jpg

Castle of Montefioralle

Located in the same spot since 1729, this Tuscan butcher shop is now like an institution in Tuscany's gastronomic world. 

macelleria-falorni.jpg

Antica Macelleria Falorni

RaddaInChiantiPanorama1.jpg

Radda

You didn’t think you’ll embark on a Vespa adventure in Tuscany without diving into one of the world’s most beloved wine and its region, did you? 

Sprawling between the gently sloping hillsides of Siena and Florence is Chianti, a region within Tuscany known for its namesake type of wine. Made from the Sangiovese grape, the Chianti region produces both red and white wines. But it is the red Chianti Classico that it’s best known, which is a full-bodied wine with flavours of irresistible cherries and that masculine leather. 

Even on your Vespa ride, you’ll notice countless vineyards ebbing and flowing alongside the road until you reach Radda. Radda is the capital of the Chianti region and will give you what an authentic charming Italian town feels like - without the tourist crowds. You can check out La Bottega di Giovannino, a petite wine bar located in town. There’s also Bar Ucci, which has a special focus on Chianti Classico. 

Another pit stop close by is Greve, a Medieval town where you can explore artisanal local shops like the Macelleria Falorni (locals say that this is the oldest butcher shop in the Western world). Also don’t miss out on the triangular-shaped square of Piazza Matteotti! 


Nature

Chianti Region

You'll always remember Florence from this panoramic open view where you can truly take in the city.

PiazzaleMichelangelo

Piazzale Michelangelo

Climb up its tower and walk around the interior of the gigantic dome for the full experience.

FlorenceDumo.jpg

Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore

The original one still stands tall at the Accademia Gallery of Florence in all of its glory.

Michelangelo's_David_2015.jpg

See the original Statue of David

Arguably the most poignant and dynamic art museum in Italy - this is one cultural institution not to miss out on.

Ufitzi.jpg

Uffizi Gallery

upwk62067407-wikimedia-image.jpg

Florence

The cradle of the Renaissance, a whole historic centre that’s been crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all located on the Arno river itself… It can only be the golden child of Central Italy and the capital of Tuscany, Firenze. Also known as Florence, a city that is steeped in old-world romance, filled with legendary art that has influenced Western civilization and where Tuscan food is as mouth-watering as it could get since the cooking is from seasonal ingredients grown in the Florentine countryside. For any traveller, Florence is a force to be reckoned with. 

A Vespa road trip through Tuscany just can’t be completed without a stay in Florence. With tons of sights to see - you’ll have your pick all around the city. The Uffizi Gallery rivals Paris’ Lourve Museum, and if you go early in the morning, it’ll feel like you have most of the art museum to yourself. Or, visit the original sculpture of David that’s located in the Accademia Gallery of Florence. Roam within the walls of the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore. Take a stroll down the arched bridge of Ponte Vecchio. And be sure to make your way to our favourite spot in the whole city, Piazzale Michelangelo where you can see all of Florence from its grand open balcony. 

When it’s time, you’ll continue your Vespa trip out into the Florentine hills, where the Tuscan landscapes will roll out in front of you. About 45 minutes outside of the city, you’ll arrive at Lago Le Certane, to have a breather on the lake before driving to Vinci. Vinci, while small in size, is rather impactful since one of Italy’s most famous people in the world originates from here - Leonardo da Vinci. 


Be truly immersed into the lifestyle of Italian aristocracy as you wander through this palace's garden and grounds. 

palazzopffanner.jpg

Palazzo Pfanner

A Romanesque church that stands the test of time in Lucca, you'll find this strikingly on Piazza San Frediano.

Basilica_di_San_Frediano_Lucca.jpg

Basilica of San Frediano

Stroll all along Lucca's historical walls that have stood here since the Renaissance period.

Muri_di_Lucca.jpg

Take a walk on Lucca's historic city walls

Also known as Orto Botanico Comunale di Lucca, this lush part of the city takes you into an evergreen world of wonder. 

Lucca_-_Orto_botanico_comunale_di_Lucca_-_202109071458.jpg

Be enchanted by the Botanical Gardens of Lucca

Lucca,_Torre_Guinigi_zu_S._Frediano_,Turm_2011-09.jpg

Lucca

Lucca has this small-town feel for a Tuscan city, that offers a close-to-the-sea alternative to its hilly Siena and Florence. It's easy to overlook Lucca for first-timers in Tuscany (especially since Florence and Siena get so many hearts swooning away). Still, the humbleness and local scene of Luca is what adds to this city's allure and why it's worth uncovering on this Vespa trip. 

Explore the well-preserved historic centre of Lucca, which is surrounded by ancient walls. The walls, which were built in the 16th century, are now a popular place for walking and biking and offer stunning views of the city and surrounding Tuscan countryside. 

Lucca’s historic centre is also home to many beautiful churches, such as the Basilica di San Frediano and the Cattedrale di San Martino, as well as the Puccini Museum, which is dedicated to the famous composer. 

When you’re hungry, definitely cosy into one of Lucca’s trattorias with traditional Tuscan cuisine heavily influenced by the region's rich agricultural history. Look out for classic dishes like pappardelle al sugo di cinghiale (wide pasta noodles with wild boar sauce) that are cooked in Chianti Classico wine. 


Admire the classical beauty of this luxurious historical spa where the Romans have long bathed in its healing thermal waters.

Montecatini_Terme.jpg

Terme Tettuccio

A true hidden gem... Exclusive to this TravelBase Vespa tour is the GPS location to a enchanting local spot just for you! 

swimming.png

Secret swimming location off-the-beaten-path!

For a spectacular view of Bagni di Lucca, stroll down this bridge to take in the town which is very postcard-worthy!

Serchio_Ponte_a_Serraglio.jpg

Stroll down Ponte a Serraglio

What a wild ride it has been through Tuscany! Now time to depart from your two-wheel bestie.

Vespatravelbase.png

Returning your Vespa

Cappella_Demidoff_(Bagni_di_Lucca)_10.jpg

Bagni di Lucca

The fifth and last day of the Vespa trip in Tuscany is where you can choose between spending the day at the beach - yep, few actually know that Tuscany has pristine beaches to be discovered! Or you can continue on driving your Vespa to Bagni di Lucca. 

Not that we need another reason to be absolutely smitten with Tuscany, but in the area of Bagni di Lucca is home to several thermal baths. The most famous of these is the Terme Tettuccio, which is located a stone-throw away in Montecatini and offers a variety of treatments and therapies. You can visit them as a treat to relax and unwind, especially at the end of an adrenaline-fuelled Vespa tour! 

From Bagni di Lucca, there’s also one last surprise on the Vespa trip. Closed off from the outside world and unbeknownst to many travellers in Italy is Montefegatesi. Along the route to Montefegatesi, you’ll be whisked away off the River Lima to swim in a secluded spot that’s not even indicated on the map! You can only find this authentic hidden gem via the GPS coordinates that TravelBase Vespa tours will secretly share with you. 

To wrap up the Vespa trip, you’ll ride back to Pisa where you first embarked on this grand journey. It’s time to say goodbye to your new two-wheeled best friend and end this adventure that’s for sure one for the books. 

Terme Čatež Thermal Spa

Tips and Tricks