Vespa sightseeing tour & rental – Meet Split on two wheels

Exploring Split on Two Wheels: Our Honest Take on the Vespa Sightseeing Tour & Rental

If you’re considering adding a Vespa adventure to your Split itinerary, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a lively, private way to see the city’s key sights in about 90 minutes, with the option to rent a Vespa for a full day. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the reviews and details paint an interesting picture for travelers looking for a mix of fun and sightseeing.

What immediately draws us in are the stunning views from Marjan Hill and the chance to hop between beaches like Kasjuni and Obojena—all on two wheels. Plus, the private aspect means you get a more tailored experience, which can make a simple city tour feel a bit more special. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is the need for a valid driving license and, importantly, some comfort riding a scooter—this isn’t for absolute beginners.

All in all, if you’re someone who enjoys a bit of freedom and want to avoid crowded bus tours, this Vespa experience could be just right. It seems particularly suited for those who love a quick, scenic jaunt combined with the thrill of riding a scooter. Let’s unpack what makes this tour tick, and where it might fall short.

<h3 id="section-0">Key Points

• Private, personalized experience with just your group
• Includes safety gear to keep you comfortable and protected
• Highlights Marjan Hill and beaches, offering great photo ops and views
• Optional Vespa rental for a full day to explore at your pace
• Requires a valid driving license and some riding experience
• Affordable price point for a half-day tour, with a flexible cancellation policy

What Is the Vespa Sightseeing Tour & Rental in Split?

This tour is a relaxed, private adventure designed to give you a quick but memorable glimpse of Split’s top sights. For just over an hour and a half, you’ll hop onto a Vespa and zip through some of the city’s most beautiful spots, with stops to snap photos and enjoy the scenery.

The tour is priced at $80.86 per group (up to 2 people), which makes it a reasonably affordable way to add some excitement to your day. The rental option, allowing you to keep the Vespa for the entire day, opens up even more opportunity to explore at your own pace—think of it as a rolling, fun-based transportation pass.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Safety gear, like helmets, is included, which is always a plus and makes you feel a bit more secure on the road. However, the driver’s license is not included—it’s your responsibility to have a valid license, and if you’re driving yourself, you’ll need experience and a deposit.

Notably, reviews mention some issues with the guide service—specifically, that sometimes the guide only provides a map and not a guided tour, which can be a disappointment if you’re expecting more commentary or insights. Still, the core of the experience is the freedom to ride and explore.

Meeting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at Poljana kneza Trpimira 1 in Split and wraps back at the same spot. The scheduled duration is roughly 90 minutes, making it a manageable add-on for a busy sightseeing day. If you opt for the full-day rental, you’ll find ample opportunity to explore beyond the main sights.

What Does the Itinerary Cover?

The main stops include:

• Marjan Park and Hill: This is the highlight, offering a spectacular view of Split and the surrounding islands. It’s the highest vantage point in the city, providing a perfect photo backdrop and a chance to appreciate the landscape. The reviews note that this stop is free of admission fees, making it a budget-friendly highlight.

• Kasjuni and Obojena beaches: These are some of Split’s most popular beaches, perfect for a quick dip or just relaxing on the sand. The tour gives you the chance to see the beaches’ natural beauty without spending hours walking or driving.

The itinerary emphasizes scenic viewpoints and beach visits, which are among the most photogenic and relaxing parts of any Split trip.

How Do the Reviews Shape Our Understanding?

One reviewer, who clearly had a positive experience, said, “Sime was extremely nice to my wife and me! The rental was very affordable and he made great recommendations.” This suggests that, when run smoothly, the experience can be friendly, informative, and very enjoyable. The safety check before riding helps put less confident riders at ease.

However, a less favorable review points out that “the guide only gave us a map,” indicating that some may expect more guided commentary or insider tips. Plus, the previous issue with the guide refusing to rent because your were American was addressed, with the provider explaining that safety and riding experience are the priorities, not nationality.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy riding scooters and want a quick, fun way to see some of Split’s best views and beaches. It’s ideal for those who appreciate flexibility—if you rent the Vespa for the whole day, you can explore further or revisit your favorite spots.

Keep in mind, you’ll need a valid driver’s license and some riding experience. This isn’t a beginner-friendly activity, and safety is emphasized. If you’re traveling with someone who prefers to sit out, the private nature of the tour means you can choose your pace.

Potential Downsides or Considerations

While the overall concept is appealing, some travelers might find the lack of guided commentary disappointing, especially if you’re hoping for an informative city tour. Also, the reviews show that safety and driver experience are non-negotiable, so if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, this might not be the best fit.

Weather can also impact this experience—poor conditions might cause cancellations, though the policy offers full refunds if that happens.

The Practical Side: Pricing, Duration, and Booking

At just over $80 for a group of two, this experience offers a good value for the scenic access and freedom it provides. The one-and-a-half-hour tour is short enough to fit into most sightseeing plans but long enough to give you a sense of the city’s highlights.

Booking about 54 days in advance suggests it’s popular, so if you’re interested, it’s best to reserve early. The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, which adds peace of mind.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

If you love the idea of zipping around a charming Croatian city on a Vespa, taking in panoramic views and relaxing on beaches, this tour could be just right. It’s an excellent choice for those who value independence, scenic stops, and the fun of riding a scooter, rather than a fully guided tour with extensive commentary.

However, if you’re not comfortable on a motorbike or looking for an in-depth, guided experience, this might not meet your expectations. It’s also worth noting that some reviews mention a lack of guide interaction, so if that’s what you seek, look for options explicitly offering guided commentary.

All in all, this Vespa experience offers a blend of adventure and sightseeing suitable for those ready to handle a scooter and eager to see Split from a different perspective.

FAQ

Do I need a driving license to participate?
Yes, if you want to drive the Vespa yourself, a valid driver’s license is required. The activity also requires some riding experience, so beginners or those uncomfortable on scooters should reconsider.

Can I rent the Vespa for a full day?
Absolutely. The rental option allows you to keep the Vespa for the entire day, providing flexibility to explore further or revisit favorite spots at your own pace.

What safety measures are included?
Safety gear, including helmets, is provided. The experience emphasizes safety, and the guide will ensure you feel comfortable before riding.

Is this experience suitable for families or kids?
Since riding a Vespa requires a driver’s license and some riding skill, it’s generally suited for adults or experienced teens. It’s not specifically tailored for children or families with young kids.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The views from Marjan Hill are often cited as the standout. The beaches and scenic drives add a relaxing, picturesque element to the experience.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund, per the policy.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking about 54 days in advance is typical, as the tour is popular and booked well ahead of time.

Is there a guide, or is it just the rental?
It can vary; some reviews mention a guide providing minimal commentary, mainly a map, while others might find the guide helpful. Confirm your expectations when booking.

If you’re craving a fun, flexible way to explore Split’s highlights—especially if riding scooters is your thing—this Vespa tour and rental could be just the ticket. For those looking for a quick, scenic, and private experience, it’s worth considering, with the caveat to ensure you’re comfortable on a scooter and eager to hop on two wheels.