Italy by Vespa-Weeklong Tours of Tuscany

DENVER, March 4 -- Imagine cruising winding, open roads through the fields of the Chianti countryside of Central Tuscany in Italy, not on a crowded tour bus, but in quintessential Italian fashion -- on a Vespa® motor scooter. Mark Smith and Stan Gallery, partners of Colorado Vespa in Denver, are the visionaries who developed the exclusive Italy By Vespa Tours through the Chianti region, after visiting this exquisite area of Italy more than 20 times.

Past endless rows of vineyards, stately lines of cypress and silver-green olive groves rimming an ancient abbey, Vespa Italy tour guides, along with Smith and Gallery will lead an intimate group of 16 travelers on a series of scenic day trips from the four-star Palazzo Leopoldo Hotel in Radda, through the Tuscan countryside aboard individual Vespas, with a freedom few travelers have experienced.

``We'll sip espresso at an outdoor cafe, sample sweet Vin Santo at a tiny enoteca, or savor a meal bursting with fresh produce, homemade pastas and grilled meats that make rural Italian cuisine so legendary,'' says Smith. ``Experience the magnificent Italian countryside while riding the quintessential symbol of Italy, the world-famous Vespa. The freedom, camaraderie and laugh-out-loud fun will be a weeklong adventure you'll remember the rest of your life.''

The extensive Vespa-rich itinerary includes: -- Wine Day - a ride to Castello D'Albola, one of the most beautiful drives in Tuscany (and one of the least known) and a sampling of the estates world-renown vintages. -- Luxury Day - starting with a relaxing shiatsu massage at Palazzo Leopoldo and then a ride to Montevarchi, shopping at the Prada outlet followed by a visit to the Estate Il Borro, owned by the Ferragamo family and lunch at their posh restaurant. The day concludes with a candlelight dinner at Vignale, complete with live music. -- Nature Day - a drive to visit Europe's only cashmere goat farm (run by American veterinarian Nora Kravis), a guided walk to discover wild boar and foxes, and a hunt for the delectable porcini mushrooms for which the region is famous. -- Culinary Day & Arts and Crafts - a trip to the local butcher's for sausages and salami, a class in cooking in Palazzo Leopoldo's 18th Century kitchen (optional) and a ride to visit famous terracotta and pottery makers Ruffoli + Fabbri and Ceramiche Rampini. -- History Day - A tour of the Pinacoteca Di Siena by art historian and heraldry expert Countess Francesca Fumi Dei Cambi Gado and a visit to a 12th-Century fortress near Gaiole built by the Prince Ricasoli family. -- Vespa Cross-Country Day - a wonderful drive starting from Radda, past the monastery of Santa Maria Novella, the Castle of Castelveccio and culminating in Panzano in time for market day and a picnic "al fresco."

The itinerary also includes free time for self-guided tours or simple relaxation. The seven-day 2002 spring tours begin Sunday, May 5 and run through Monday June 3rd while the autumn tours begin Sunday, September 8th and continue through October 21st. Prices for the Italy By Vespa Tour include ground transportation to and from the Florence Airport and Palazzo Leopoldo in Chianti, seven nights at the historic, four-star Palazzo Leopoldo, including daily breakfast, meals included in the itinerary and admission to sightseeing activities unless otherwise specified start at $4495 (single), $6995 (double occupancy) and do not include airfare. Additionally, trip-goers will receive a commemorative ``Italy by Vespa'' hand-made Vespa Helmet at the beginning of the trip to use for the duration and keep as a personal souvenir.

For more information or to make reservations, please contact: your local Vespa boutique ( www.vespausa.com for locations) or: Dustin Gabel, U.S. Tours Coordinator at Colorado Vespa, 1426 Larimer Street, Denver CO 80202 or call 720/932-7271 or visit the web site at www.coloradovespa.com/italy or email at dustin@coloradovespa.com.

VESPA MODELS

Vespa models start at $2,980 for the 50cc ET2 model and $3,980 for the 150cc ET4 version, are available in nine contemporary colors, and come with a one-year factory warranty and a complimentary one-year Vespa Roadside Assistenza program. Handbrake controls are the same as a bicycle, providing simple, easy motoring. Well-balanced and maneuverable, the Vespa is the quintessential urban vehicle, imparting a sense of freedom and independence while remaining environmentally conscious with average fuel economy ranges from 45-70 mpg in city traffic.

Manufactured by Piaggio in Tuscany, Italy, the Vespa was designed in 1946 by Enrico Piaggio as a solution to transportation following the destruction of World War II. Combining the best elements of aeronautics, automobiles and motorcycles, it instantly became an icon of design and economy. In 2000, after a 15-year hiatus, the fabled Italian scooter returned to the United States to entice new generations with its efficient, entertaining and still nostalgic nature.

PIAGGIO USA

Piaggio USA is an active member of the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) and encourages riders to always wear a helmet, appropriate eyewear and proper apparel. The company suggests that all scooter owner/operators attend a motorcycle/scooter rider training course to learn how to safely and skillfully operate a Vespa and recommends the MSF RiderCourse® (800/446-9227) as the best introduction to riding. For additional information, or to locate a dealership or boutique in your area, visit the Web site at www.vespausa.com .

(C)Piaggio 2002 Vespa(R) and Piaggio(R) are registered trademarks of Piaggio Group