I recently traveled to Milan, Italy, while on assignment for another publication. After freaking out my fitness app by walking 20,000-plus steps each day for two days, I was tired but also ready to see more of the Italian fashion capital, which dates back over 1,000 years in its “modern” form, but was first founded over 2,400 years ago.

So instead of hopping back on the flying bus for home, I booked a cozy apartment and headed to the local scooter rental shop. I saddled up a Vespa 125 Primavera scooter (above) from HP Motorrad, located on the eastern outskirts of the city. I’m a Vespa GTS 300 Super owner myself (and president of Vespa Club Portland), and it seemed apropos to see Milan from the seat of such a domestic icon, proudly made in Italy.