MOST people flying into Pisa head straight for the obvious charms of Florence and Siena. But it is well worth spending a day or two exploring Tuscany’s less-crowded northern region.

If you have only time to see one attraction in this neck of the woods, then head for Pontedera, a 20-minute drive from Pisa. On the site of the iconic transport company’s former factory, the Museo Piaggio is home to the world’s biggest collection of Vespa, Piaggio and Gilera motorbikes.

Although best known for the cult Vespa scooter, Piaggio manufactured almost every mode of transport, from cars, buses, motorbikes and trucks to aircraft and trains. The museum traces the entire collection and provides a fascinating social and economic history of the area.

The company was founded by Rinaldo Piaggio in 1884. By the second world war Piaggio was one of the most important European aeronautics, railway, steamship and transatlantic liner manufacturers.

In 1946 Rinaldo’s son Enrico envisaged and produced the Vespa, a vehicle that came to symbolise post-war reconstruction in Italy. Since then, more than 100 Vespa models have been produced and 20 million sold, making it one of the most successful post-war brands ever created. The first Vespa prototypes are on display alongside more modern models, such as the Montlhéry and Siluro, as well as the Dalì, designed by Salvador Dalì, the Catalan artist, in 1962.

If you’ve time left over, it’s worth visiting Pisa’s food, clothing and gift markets, which come alive during the festive season.

Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) has return flights to Pisa departing Glasgow Prestwick in December from about £55 including tax.

Museo Piaggio, viale Rinaldo Piaggio 7, 56025 Pontedera, is open Wed-Sat 10am-6pm, free entry. For more details call 00 390 587 27 171 or see www.museopiaggio.it/english/museo.htm

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