Even if it has just turned seventy, no way does it show its age! I'm talking about the mythical Vespa, a genuine icon of the made in Italy phenomenon, a two-wheeler created in the Piaggio workshop in distant 1946, which was to become a symbol of lightheartedness and freedom after the troubled years of war.

This motorcycle, a combination of practicality and elegance, resulted from the creativity of an engineer Corradino D’Ascanio and soon captured worldwide attention, irrespective of fashion trends and changing times. According to a popular story, the name is due to Enrico Piaggio, who is alleged to have exclaimed that it looked just like a wasp on seeing the first prototype (vespa is the Italian for wasp) And, in fact, it really did take off and fly …

Everyone likes the “most popular scooter in the world” : even New York's MoMa has a 1955 specimen on display, grey as might be expected.

It has also appeared in numerous films: Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn dashing through Rome astride a Vespa on their holidays "Vacanze romane" is an unforgettable scene.

It also featured in Federico Fellini's famous film "La dolce vita", starring Marcello Mastroianni and even James Bond used it on one of his reckless missions.

Many very cool actors such as charming Brad Pitt, have immortalized images of themselves at the steering wheel of a Vespa, whether brand new or vintage matters little.

So why not take the opportunity and go for a delightful Vespa ride along the roads by Lake Orta and relish the experience of riding through medieval towns and breathtaking scenery?

You will really feel as though you had" wings under your feet" as an Italian song dating back a few years says.