5 of the best trips to take on two wheels

Before scooters became associated with mods, Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck whizzed around Rome on a Vespa in the classic 1953 film Roman Holiday. Rent your own with tour company Scooteroma and fly through the ancient tangled streets like a local, alongside expert guides keen to impart their knowledge. scooteroma.com

INSIDER TIP: Be transported to Jean Shrimpton’s stylish ’60s era at Hotel Retrome. Its graphic interiors, lacquer surfaces, mid-century chairs and teak sideboards say retro like no other stay in Rome. From €70; retrome.net

Bustling markets, vineyards and remote hilltop villages are yours to stumble upon during a six-day tour of postcard-perfect Provence. Experienced guides lead groups to beautifully preserved examples of Roman architecture and time-warp walled towns, where you can buy the linens, ceramics, herbs, soaps and olives that the region is known for. scooterbella.com

INSIDER TIP: Stay at one of Domaine des Andéols converted farm buildings – art-filled, Philippe Starck-furnished and set in 25 acres of lavender fields and cypress trees. From €192; andeols.com

From sprawling desert highways to the sun-bleached ’60s architecture of Palm Springs, this is how to do Cali in style. Rent a scooter for a half or full day and discover the natural beauty of the Indian Canyons, landmark Pioneertown, and the A-list homes and hangouts scattered throughout this iconic resort town. scootpalmsprings.com

INSIDER TIP: Recharge at the newly revamped L’Horizon Palm Springs resort and spa – a luxurious mid-century-modern marvel in the sparse SoCal desert. From $405; lhorizonpalmsprings.com

The design-led Barceló Illetas Albatros seafront hotel offers cherry-red scooters to guests, the ideal way to explore the hidden coves, woodland and idyllic hillscapes that dot Mallorca’s sun-soaked coastline. As evening sets in, take to the wraparound terrace and one of the Balinese beds, which are perfect for sundowners, then whizz off to nearby Palma for an abundance of restaurants serving fresh seafood – rustic charm in true Spanish style.

INSIDER TIP: After a long day in the saddle, unwind with a signature Polynesian massage in the hotel’s chic spa. From €79; barcelo.com

Home to over four million motorcycles, Ho Chi Minh City is best explored on two wheels. Join the throngs zipping between traffic with this 12-day tour of Southeast Asia, which includes four separate Vespa experiences that take in foodie destinations, local industries (including incense making and rice-wine production), fishing ports and the historic temples of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

INSIDER TIP: Extend your stay and travel to the Shinta Mani Club in Siem Reap, and book in for the swing-seat dining. From £2,200 for a two-week tour including four nights in Shinta Mani. originaltravel.co.uk