“Hello, I am Maximo. Max. Mad Max.” Clad in a leather jacket, bright red pants, leather riding gloves and mirror sunglasses, Max makes for a slightly intimidating driver as I prepare to climb aboard his Vespa for a tour of Rome.

Navigating the jumble of cars, scooters, buses and the occasional tram jostling for position on Rome’s sometimes chaotic streets can be intimidating, and negotiating the City of Seven Hills by foot can be taxing, so a tour on the back of a Vespa is an appealing option. Besides, who doesn’t like the idea of playing Audrey Hepburn for a day, Roman Holiday-style? Sure, I don’t look quite as dainty, but a girl can dream.