Vita Pugna

Name: Vita Pugna
Brand: Tripsite
SKU: ts115o1093
Rating: 4.9 (10 reviews)

Comfort Class Barge

Italy

The Vita Pugna is a romantic Dutch barge which has been sailing since 2008. She has 21 guest cabins with comfortable low twin beds and en-suite facilities. They also offer the convenience of attractive, traditional portholes, which can be opened for fresh air. The sundeck has plenty of seating where you can enjoy the passing scenery.

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Overview
The Vita Pugna is a romantic Dutch barge which has been sailing since 2008. They also offer the convenience of attractive, traditional portholes, which can be opened for fresh air. The corridor is air-conditioned. The sundeck has plenty of seating where you can enjoy the passing scenery.
Overview
Boat size: 36 m long and 5.4 m wide
Capacity: 21 guests
Decks & Cabin Layout
Cabins: 10
Standard twin cabins (including one accommodating up to 3 guests) of 7/8 m2
Cabin Amenities
All cabins are equipped with comfortable low twin beds & en-suite facilities, and are all on the lower deck
Bed size is 1.90/2 m x 0.75/0.80 m
Traditional portholes, which can be opened for fresh air
Each cabin has individually controlled air conditioning
Hairdryers (limited number, available on request)
Complimentary courtesy kit: soap, shower gel, shampoo, shower cap
Electricity 220V - 50Hz with Schuko bipolar sockets
Boat Features & Amenities
One sundeck, free hot drinks, free wi-fi, Large 42" screen in lounge for video/internet
Dedicated bike storage
Spacious air-conditioned lounge/restaurant with 5 tables
Cash or credit cards are accepted on board
Wifi- free in the common area
Laundry: No
Smoking: Every cabin is equipped with smoke detectors, so it is strictly forbidden to smoke in the cabins (and in all common areas). It is possible to smoke on the deck outside.
Food & Beverages
Special diet requests: Any vegan or gluten-free diet requests will incur a €50/person surcharge, to be paid in advance.
Water on board is drinkable and there is a water dispenser
Drinks, such as wine, beer, and soft drinks are available for purchase on board
Click here for a virtual tour!
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View 43 Photos
Photos
Tours
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Tours sailing on Vita Pugna — 1 to 2 of 2
Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
8 days from €1065
4.7 out of 5
Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
View Tour
Easy Bike + Boat Tour in Italy
This bike and boat tour in Italy has been one of our most popular tours for years. Blending nature, culture, and fine cuisine, it is a delightful and relaxed journey along the River Po, offering more…
Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
11 days from €1805
4.9 out of 5
Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
View Tour
Easy–Moderate Bike + Boat Tour in Italy
This bike and boat tour in Italy is a variation of the classic tour Mantova - Venice, combining a self-guided hotel to hotel tour and a bike and boat tour. You will bike through Veneto…
Bicycles
Unisex/Men’s Touring Bicycle
A low entry unisex or men's frame, ideal for an upright but relaxed riding position
Aluminum frame
Upright handlebar
Selle Royal saddle
Water bottle cage
27-speed (Shimano Deore)
Flat pedal
Mechanical V-brakes
Rear rack
Mudguards
28-inch wheels
Schwalbe anti-puncture tires
Unisex Electric Bicycle
A low entry unisex frame
Upright handlebar
9-speed (Shimano Deore)
Centrally located Bosch motor Active Line Plus (250Wh, engine torque 50 Nm)
Bosch battery Power Pack (36V, range approx 90 km average speed on flat terrain)
Ergonomic grip
Selle Royal saddle
Flat pedals
Mechanical V-brakes
Rear rack
Mudguards
28-inch wheels
Schwalbe Marathon Plus anti-puncture tires
*NOTE: E-bikes feature a small electrical engine and battery that assist and ease your pedaling but you still have to pedal yourself. While riding an e-bike can greatly contribute to the enjoyment of your trip, it is not intended for untrained cyclists as it is not easy to handle such a bike. The engine and battery make the bike much heavier than a regular bike and it also accelerates faster. Handling it well requires good basic cycling skills and confidence.
Accessories
Included accessories
Mudguards
Trip computer
Helmet
Brand: Limar
Size: one size (55 - 61)
Adjustable size system and cool pads
Weight: 260 g
10 vents with bug net
Certified CE (TÜV) and CPSC-USA
Ortlieb pannier (12L) - The innovative QL1fixation system is easy to handle and the bags attach to the rack with one click
Self-guided tours only:
Front bike map holder with removable transparent hood or Kickfix water-resistant removable rigid handlebar bag with waterproof double-sided maps envelope
Repair kit (one kit for every two bicycles) (1 pump, 1 tube, 2 Allen keys, tyre levers, patches, and mastic sealant)
*Bikes and accessories available may differ per tour. Please check each tour page under bike information for details.
Reviews
Jerline (and Alan) S.
1 month ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Excellent food; schedule done as advertised; crew was upbeat, helpful; guide in great shape. I suggest on the middle days to check out some of the small nearby towns to break up the long distances. Very good bike also.
Lynn C.
1 month ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
Italy
We are so glad we did the extension of Bolzano to Mantova! Absolutely stunning scenery along a paved bike path! 'Ride with GPS' provided the perfect directions for the first three days. Although we were surrounded by the mountains, the path was basically flat, following the River Adige downriver. When we reached the boat (early) we were welcomed aboard with a cool drink, our luggage had been transported, and we were able to continue to explore the city on foot.
Of course the boat & bike trip was equally memorable, especially the food -- a gourmet meal every night, prepared by a chef, who excitedly announced the meal, it's relation to the region and the perfect wine to pair. Bike tour guide was enthusiastic, knowledgeable and caring to all. Aboard the Vita Pugna, we were 18 total bikers, a perfect number! We became attached to all! The majority had booked through Tripsite for this and many other previous trips. Nice to hear they were very much pleased with Read More
GAIL B.
1 month ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The crew of the Vita Pugna was first class. Sylvia prepared delicious meals using fresh local items. She gave us a book of the recipes used. Hugo was a fantastic tour guide providing us with a wealth of information and lots of laughs. He woke up early to see our group of three get underway to the airport in Venice safely. Good thing he did because when we got to the marina gate it was LOCKED! Promptly he called the night security guard to unlock the gate and we were on our way once again. Hugo videoed highlights of each day and provided everyone with the link. This was a really special surprise and a wonderful keepsake of the trip.
Andrew D.
2 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Staff was wonderful. Hugo was great. Food was delicious. Very enjoyable experience. Would’ve liked to spend a few more hours in Ferrara, that was my only suggestion. Most memorable was the the small things Hugo went out of his way to show us like the nighttime cemetery and the cat house along one of the trails. He was a pleasure to be around. All the staff was. Francisco was a doll. Very nice experience indeed.
Melissa L.
2 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
This was my fourth bike and barge trip. Vita Pugna and it’s team (Samuele, Silvia, Francesco and Hugo) have ruined all future bike and barge rips! Our tour guide, Hugo, went above and beyond everyday and the food was amazing.
Charlotte S.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Being in Venice, great dinners, excellent staff, incredibly good background material and maps (wish we got this before the trip so we could have been better prepared). We would have appreciated “corners” and a “sweep” when biking.
Gail S.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The staff of the Vita Pugna, Michela, Esther, Danilo & Sam were superb!! They ensured our experience was a great one from the fabulous food to the wonderful guiding while cycling.
The weather cooperated for the most part as it was in the latter part of October, but I would suggest if possible to go earlier in the season.
Jeanne H.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
My most memorable part of the trip for me was seeing the beautiful
countryside as we bicycled
along the Poe River. Another highlight was the delicious food prepared by our chef.
Gillian C.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The whole 7 day bike/barge trip exceeded expectations in EVERY way! Very professional, helpful and friendly crew; great bikes and accommodation plus simply incredible food. A truly fantastic experience
Gill and Martin C.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
My wife and I travelled around the world from New Zealand to participate in this bike/barge trip - and that long journey was well worth it! EVERYTHING about the experience was first class and could not be faulted; the tour leader and cooking staff, the on board catering, the accommodation on the Vita Pugna, the e-bikes and the scenery were fabulous - and the two extra aspects to the trip (the weather and our fellow guests!) were also the best!
As a result of the comments above, we will be thoroughly recommending this trip, through Tripsite, to anyone interested in this type of holiday......
Rita W.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The warm companionship of the trip leader and staff on the boat was outstanding as well as the fabulous meals taken from local/seasonal sources. Bikes were kept in top working condition, the trails and tours followed scenic and cultural experiences, and the leader's interaction with the local people made for a most genuine and memorable trip.
Matthew B.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The Crew on the boat (Captain Eduardo, Sylvia, & Barb) and our biking guide Antonella were all PHENOMENAL. The service and the food are first class.
Kimberly N.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
I really enjoyed the staff, Sylvia and Barbara and the delicious dinners! They were so cute and fun. Loved the cheese factory, and Antonella was a wonderful tour guide.
Sandra B.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
This was our 4th Bike & Barge trip with Tripsite. Our most recent was on the Vita Pugna from Mantova to Venice early May, 2019. We loved our first trip and didn't think it was possible, but somehow, they just keep getting better!
Our guide, Hein, was knowledgeable, friendly, and personable. The staff was wonderful and the dinners were amazing! At each port, they shopped daily for fresh foods and wine, and served us the local specialties of the area. Each night before serving, they described the menu, explained how it was prepared, and paired it with a local wine recommendation.
The cozy, comfortable barge accommodates 20 guests. Even though we represented 6 different countries, there were no differences at all. Everyone was enthusiastic, energetic, fun, friendly and helpful.
The bikes were exceptional and made the rides smooth and comfortable. I usually struggle to keep up, but didn't have any problems this time. The bikes contributed to my ease, and the Read More
1 Reply
Catherine P.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The entire trip was great. Have highly recommended it to others!
Berry B.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our guide (Sylvia) embellished every part of the day, the staff was very friendly, cooperative, accommodating and full of fun...great trip, thanks
Susan J.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Just finished the Venice to Mantova about the Vita Pugna. This trip was amazing and exactly as advertised with easy cycling on flat roads. Normally I would have liked more miles but with a record breaking heat wave (topping at 44C one day) that week, the distances worked out well. The chefs Sylvia and Irene are hugely talented and every meal was a delight. I really can't praise the food enough! Fabio did an excellent job as guide and is extremely knowledgeable about the area and gave excellent advice. Eduardo the captain was also very personable and friendly, overall a super crew who obviously enjoyed working together. Our international group had a great time cycling together despite the heat. I hope to do this trip again someday.
Sue F.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our fabulous 2019 vacation was aboard the Vita Pugna (very clean and comfortable) biking from Mantova to Venice. We were well taken care of by Captain Edoardo, crew/chefs Silvia and Barbara (delicious meals and afternoon snacks plus breakfast!) and our wonderful guide Fabio. I can’t say enough about each one of them, the patience of Fabio is extraordinary. He went above and beyond to make sure each guest was comfortable cycling and informed of routes/plans throughout the week. At the end of the tour he went out of his way to assure that each person knew exactly how to get to their destination when departing the barge. The biking (the bikes were in great shape!) was fun/well organized, the food was outstanding, the landscape/pubs/villages/museum/cheese factory/cappuccino stops, etc. were wonderful. We loved the night walks and the walking tours by local guides. Tripsite provided second to none customer service through our booking process. They were quick to answer any Read More
Sue H.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
Italy
Couldn't ask for more. We absolutely loved our bike/barge tour in Italy from Bolzano to Mantova to Venice in August on the Vita Pugna. The staff were fantastic and our guide Michela was amazing. We had a lot of fun, met some great people and visited some very beautiful places. The biking was not difficult. The food on the Barge was first class and plenty of it. Would absolutely recommend this trip. Can't think of the most memorable part of the trip it was all amazing. The first three days was challenging following the instructions, but we got there in the end. Was sorry to say goodbye to everyone.
Wendy S.
3 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The most memorable part of our Mantova to Venice trip was visiting chioggia, the carnival museum and the cheese factory.
Lynn Y.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Best part? The wonderful food served everyday
Nancy B.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
Italy
Most Memorable Part? Riding our bikes back to the barge in Venice in a rainstorm. The laughter and camaraderie was priceless.
Kim F.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Mantova to Venice was wonderful. Very pretty scenery with lots of unique places to stop.
Art W.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The food on the barge was terrific--as was our guide Fabio.
Come prepared for 5 serious days of biking as well as bringing the right/complete biking clothes.
April S.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Had an absolute great time on this Tour. Venice was amazing and Mantova as well. Our cook was Erica who is wonderful chef. Every meal was impressive— creative and delicious. This was my fifth bike/barge tour and she is definitely the best cook. Really enjoyed my fellow Travelers, as well.
Vita Pugna
1 Reply
Robert V.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Every aspect of the trip was as expected or better.
Joanne B.
4 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The best parts of the trip were the staff, the food and the camaraderie. The bike rides, the scenery and the towns visited could not have been better. It was an all around outstanding vacation!!!
Rita L.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Most Memorable Part: Being part of a bike family for a week with wonderful people from several countries! And our tour guide, Helmut ... Capt. Giovanni ... Crew/Chefs Sylvia and Samule, who made the week even more special! Riding through the small towns was fun!! Ready to go again!!!
Susan E.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The trip was amazing: excellent food prepared by our 2 chefs; our guide was well-prepared, thoughtful, good-natured; the route was beautifully planned and educational, the bikes were more comfortable than my own, the weather was fortunately perfect, and we had a great group to bike with. The experience went way beyond my expectations . Can’t wait to plan the next biking adventure.
Laurie P.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Most Memorable Part: The beautiful scenery of Italy and the connections we made with the other guests!!!
Rosemary B.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
Italy
Most Memorable Parts: the swimming off the boat, out in the ocean after a hot bike ride, were amazing.
The historical information from our tour guides was outstanding.
The food was DELICIOUS.
Sunsets out on the water were glorious
Cynthia W.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Everything was excellent! There were a limited number of available rental helmets, I highly recommend bringing one's own from home.
Rita L.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
What a wonderful week!! Excellent staff...Captain, Helmut, Silvia & Samuele! Food was 5-Star, very comfortable accommodations! Helmut was a great guide, knowledgeable and made sure we all had a good, safe time! Bike riding was so much fun and we saw many different towns and sights we would have missed in a bus! Meeting so many wonderful, fellow bikers from different countries was so enjoyable! This trip was more than I ever expected!! Loved it!! Definitely will travel with Tripsite again!!! Bike On!!!!
Kim B.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Everything was memorable. I took this trip with my sister not having any expectations. Besides the great accommodations, food & scenery, there were strangers from 8 different countries that became a bike family for 8 days. It was a wonderful trip.
Ann karen watson
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
This was a fabulous trip. Truly amazing. The food was the best surprise of the week!! It was delicious!!! Our tour guide Tamara was excellent, she made every day very very interesting. She went above and beyond. Can't wait to do another trip with Tamara!!
Carmel M.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
Italy
Every aspect of the trip made for a memorable experience. Having done both the hotel to hotel and the guided section gave us a truly great opportunity to see a part of Italy that is so varied in both history, culture, food and landscape.
William H.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Great trip. Irene was a great guide. She adopted my suggestion that she wait for the stragglers to catch up to the stopped leaders so the stragglers could have a short rest also. Her suggested side tours were great. Our chefs, Samuel and Enrico were great as well. Superb food. First class trip.
A. Harris
6 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
A fabulous experience. We will seriously consider further barge/bike holidays with you.
JoAnn Grand
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The biking was not as scenic as other trips I have been on. However the food, staff and guide were excellent.
Alfred Lilly
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Understanding the trip was planned for little difficulty, expected that the terrain would be flat, but was hoping for more scenery and countryside to take in while biking. Perhaps if there was an option of having a sag vehicle for those who couldn't/didn't want more difficult terrain so the option was available for those who could do more ... and see more. Overall great experience, friendly crew and excellent food!
Brian J Craig
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our Guide, Rosita was excellent, friendly, pleasant and very knowledgeable. Would recommend her anytime.
Mike Tansey
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Recommended for novice cyclists only. Not challenging enough for experienced cyclists.
Christopher Manning
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano - Mantova - Venice
Italy
Route guides(arrows)could in some areas(particularly in the Bolzano to barge section when riders on their own) be more clearly marked and better positioned.
Steph,our guide,and the boat crew combined to make this a special experience.
Gail Whitty
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
I love our leader Michaela and we want to do another trip with her. I have recommended the Pugna boat Mantova-Venice trip to many people.
James Varah
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our tour guide Marco was ok, but not outstanding. His commentary was adequate, but we got more from the notes provided.
Sandra Ware
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Tedious farm land, 30 mile an hour winds. Our guide and staff were fabulous! Put them on a little more picturesque route and I would say yes. Marco was absolutely wonderful!
Claudia Abdinoor
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our group had the misfortune of 25mph+ headwinds for 4 consecutive days through barren landscape. My hesitation to recommend this trip is not however based on the weather but rather the lack of interesting terrain. I liken this biking to a trip thru Nebraska. Our stops in the villages were poorly timed, shops were closed and our short stop precluded investigating any historical attraction. The charming aspects of European villages, exploring the local cuisine were non existent. Every day we were advised to bring a sandwich. In complete contrast, the bike/barge trip in France visited medieval villages and provided enough time to enjoy a meal in a bistro. Understandably this trip along the Po might be selected by those not willing to bike the hills but biking for hours on an elevated levee and looking at clods of freshly tilled earth is hardly a huge endorsement for this option.
Alexandra Lapko
7 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our first bike and barge experience made unforgettable by creative, delicious and healthy meals, an outstanding guide with a great sense of humour, extensive knowledge of the areas we cycled through, and much patience and warmth. We arrived as nervous neophytes and left feeling we were part of the family....and cycling athletes to boot!
Bill Goss
9 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
This was our first experience with an inclusive tour and we were a bit apprensive about the lack of freedom. No worries! It was a great trip and we would do it again. The small boat/group was key. Great food, excellent tour leader and first rate crew. We would not want to be in a larger group. Three cheers for the older and smaller boat!
Show All 49 Reviews