7 classic Italian journeys, from Vespa rides to vintage trams

This article was produced by Traveler of the National Geographic (UNITED KINGDOM).

Italy has not stopped moving since the Romans began to build their vast road network, and the country has a penchant for speed and drama – despite its reputation for a slow and savored approach to life. Whether you choose to climb a courageous Vespa or a Zippy vaporino, mount a red poker ferrari or a sky cable, this way of exploring brings a new perspective and a close interaction with masterful examples of Italian crafts.

Lake Como by Vaporina

Dark varnished wood, polished with a bar sparkle; Metallic details all in curves, shiny under sunlight; The soft leather benches, for having rejected with an icy glass – the vintage vaporinas of Lake Como are arte work, partial. The mode of visibility of choice since the late 1800s, these ships transported visitors between opulent hotels, cities by the water and hidden villas in a high style. Operators like Como Classic Boats offer pilot guides who will zoom you through the extent of Pic de Bleu, highlighting the monuments such as the Palatial Villa del Balbianello, presented in the film of James Bond Casino Royale. One hour round from € 370 (£ 314).

Tuscany by Vespa

Audrey Hepburn and the 1953 Roman Holiday film by Gregory Peck made the world renowned Italian scooter, and the vehicle retains a lot of star power today. Its design of the 1940s has barely changed over the decades, and the region that makes them has an equally timeless appeal. Be behind the handlebars during a guided trip of a day with Vespa Tuscany visits. Its 20 miles route passes in front of the vineyards and cypress chianti, and it includes a stop for lunch and a tasting of olive oil. From € 95 (£ 82) per person.

Turin by vintage tram

Bunch the tram number seven of Turin and you might think that you have entered a time machine. Its beautifully preserved cars – constructed variously between 1910 and the 1950s – took the passengers in front of the beautiful baroque buildings, the brilliant windows of the Porta Nuova station of the 19th century and the Duomo of the Renaissance era. Sit for the complete loop, about an hour, or jump and turn off for galleries visits and stands at stands in Art Nouveau cafes – its circular route is perfect for relaxed visits and a good deal, also, the same price as a standard turin transport ticket. Tickets from € 1.90 (£ 1.60).

Matera by luxury train

In April, Orient Express launched its Dolce Vita service, putting Italy at the forefront of a new era in luxury rail travel. Indeed, a high -end charming hotel on the slopes, its seven passenger cars are filled with head sees with Italian design in the middle of the century, from metallic polished with exquisite fabrics in juicy shades. Find in the dining car – Order a Negroni or a dish in a menu designed by the chef rented Heinz Beck – while looking at the landscape slipping on the top of the mountain, the city of Matera, listed by UNESCO, which houses the old dwellings of the cut caves of Tufa Stone. Two night trips to Rome-Matera from € 5,780 (£ 4,990) per person.

Emilia-Romagna by Ferrari

This region is famous for the house of cheese from amonggiano Reggiano, Parma ham and balsamic vinegar – unless you are oil, in which case you will know as the birthplace of the Ferrari. Supercar fans flock to the city of Maranello to visit the official Ferrari museum (€ 27 / £ 23), while 12 miles in the north is the Autodromo di Modène circuit (two towers of € 704 /607 £), where you can take the wheel yourself. Even better is the possibility of testing a Ferrari in the Apennines of Modena, by feeling the guttural roar of the engine while you attack the hairpins that coat the hair and pass wooded hamlets in a blur. 10 km test (just over six miles) from € 190 (£ 163).

Capri by yacht

Liked by a jet of the 1960s which included Grace Kelly and Sophia Loren, the sunny island of Capri – off the coast of Amalfi and South South – has long been a word for glamor. Its rugged coast and its hidden caves, framed by sparkling waters in varied blues and vegetables, are better explored by the yacht – but you do not need to be in possession of a list of list A. The visit of Capri island has a traditional style gozzo Boats, available for private rental on time or day. Private two -hour visit from € 190 (£ 163).

Aosta Valley by cable car

Floating above the plunging valleys, alpine meadows and ash peaks from the Aosta valley, Skyway Monte Bianco takes place from Courmayeur to transport visitors to the highest point in Italy-Punta Helbronner, an allegiance at 11.370 feet above the French border. On the way back, stop at the Pavilion station halfway to visit the Boundary Mont Blanc cave, which houses some of the highest vineyards in Europe and a high experimental altitude cellar. Courmayeur-Punta Helbronner from € 58 (£ 50).

Published in the September 2025 issue of Traveler of the National Geographic (UNITED KINGDOM).

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