5 Star Ave Maria boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 30 of 166
John G.
3 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The trip was made more enjoyable by having a great tour guide, Hein. His local knowledge of history, culture and traffic patterns proved to be invaluable. The boat staff overall were also very accommodating and the food preparation superb. Even when we had a slight water leak in our cabin during overnight heavy rain, the crew expressed concern and responded quickly to the issue. Some suggestions for future tours include: 1) Providing name tags for the guests on the first day 2) Look into ways to improve the air flow within the cabins.
Overall we could recommend this tour and look forward to our next adventure.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Kayla G.
3 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Great Trip!!
Amazing leaders on the barge.
Would suggest everyone to take
this trip. Venice to Mantova.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
ANNE MARIE H.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
We loved our bike and barge trip from Venice to Mantova. The guides were helpful and friendly, the barge was extremely comfortable, the chefs were masterful and the scenery was gorgeous! It was one of the best bike and barge experiences we've had.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
ANNE MARIE H.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
We had the best of many worlds on our trip. Patient, helpful and friendly guides; outstanding chefs; competent and patient captain and crew. The scenery was gorgeous and we especially loved the areas around Venice and Murano. Our cabin was super clean and comfortable. And our fellow travelers were so easy to be with. We noticed the shower was actually the biggest shower we used during our three weeks in Italy! A little rain towards the end of the trip, but nothing anyone can do about that.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
susan g.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The fun interaction with all the other people on the barge. Also, the fantastic guides and crew - all were great. Food terrific as evidenced by the 5 lbs. I gained!
While the terrain was flat, there was a couple of days when we had gravel and tree roots which made the going a little tougher and hard on the butt and lower back. An additional cushioned seat cover would have helped. Many people had Emile’s which were helpful over the rougher terrain. I never thought I would need one but I am almost 85 and have a broken down lower back. I really struggled on the second day when we did 50 km and some lengthy rough patches. People with e-bikes felt they were very good bikes, heavier than a regular bike but expected. The regular bikes were excellent other than a little more cushioning would help. The scenery along the way is not very interesting.
but earlier reviews mentioned that. It’s more about the fun of the group. This is likely my last bike trip but it was a great one. All of the bike & barge trips are terrific.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Wyatt G.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Hard to pick any single thing - the staff was likely the best part, with great tour leaders, followed by how good the food was!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Susan R.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Fabulous trip! Tripsite personnel were great and the Ave Maria and staff were outstanding!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Robert H.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The six “ crew members” , especially Sylvia who’s English was great and energy outstanding! Next the food! Amazing. Finally the biking and scenery and tours along the way.
I would definitely recommend others to plan an extended stay in Venice before the cruise begins as it is such a wonderful place and more time is needed to see it all.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Lisa F.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
There were countless unforgettable moments on our trip! Every day was filled with excitement, from leisurely bike rides along the River Po through picturesque cornfields and poplar tree groves to tasting grappa and exploring the captivating carnival museum. Arriving in Venice by boat was an absolute blast, and witnessing the mesmerizing glass-blowing demonstration on Murano Island was genuinely fascinating. The food on board surpassed all expectations, and the crew's warm hospitality, wealth of knowledge, and lively spirit made the journey even more enjoyable. The delightful surprise of receiving a cookbook on our final night was the perfect ending to an already incredible experience. My advice to anyone considering this tour is simple: book it for an unforgettable adventure!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Jill W.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Great crew and food. I thought stops and rides were well planned for a vacation in Europe .
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Genevieve C.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The meals were delicious, staff professional and knowledgeable!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Darlene M.
5 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
It’s hard to pick one thing. The ride leaders & rides were awesome. They took the time to make sure there was a great bike fit. Food was spectacular everyday. Fresh and delicious. The crew were funny and knew their boat. Rooms were clean and ready for us when we arrived. And Venice to Mantova—perfect. I highly recommend this trip and this boat.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Tricia B.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The Mantova to Venice trip cannot be broken into more or less memorable. It is just one great memorable experience. From the skipper who manoeuvres that large ship in tight spaces, to the chef and sous chef with their delicious meals, the skippers mate who cuts breakfast fruits with such delicacy and the guides who have such a knowledge and love of their country. All are top knotch. The itinerary varies with stops on the way to visit local places of interest so that one gets both exercise and to learn about the area.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Judy J.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The excellent Tour Guides! I felt totally safe on every outing! They were so attentive to everyone's needs and requests.
Informed us about the areas we visited.
They were very respectful at all times.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Eva B.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
I loved everything about this adventure.
My ebike was easy to understand and to ride. The whole crew were so amazing, welcoming and attentive. Our meals were delicious. We rode through the countryside and along the river. At times we were on main roads..but not for long.
I had a memorable time on the Ava Maria, a very positive experience.I would definitely do it again.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Robin L.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Our tour guides, Hein and Irene made the tour so special! The chefs, Alberto and Francesco were amazing. Captain "Van Gogh" was great. The tour was a blast from start to finish!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Yvonne L.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Fabulous trip!! We did this same trip 8 years ago
and returned again this summer with friends as it was our favorite trip… it did not disappoint!
Highly recommend….from the great scenery to the fabulous meals and amazing tour guides!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Mary D.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
It’s awfully hard to pick out “the most memorable” part of the trip. The whole experience was great: the biking, the connections made with fellow riders, the crew, the food, the boat. It was all top rate. I guess I’d have to pick out the biking as the most memorable. The points of interest along the way were great. I loved the cheese factory, the glass blowing place, the carnival museum and the distillery. I probably wouldn’t have chosen to visit those places if on my own, but in the end I truly enjoyed them. The Ave Maria is a beautiful boat. The bikes were almost new and in excellent condition. The crew (and guides) made everything go smoothly. The chefs took my food intolerances seriously and made it easy for me to enjoy the food on board.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Keith N.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
It was our first trip on a smaller boat and we enjoyed getting to know all the other bikers and also the crew. It was also our first trip with a guide(s) and it was nice to not be concerned with navigating. The guides were excellent and the mini tours we interesting. My only suggestion is it would be nice to know more about the lunch stop ahead of time so we could decide whether we wanted to bring a lunch or eat at the restaurant.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Rochelle F.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The guides and staff were fantastic.
The trip was a wonderful way to see Italy minus the crowds.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Andriette P.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The excellent crew, good food and beautiful bike rides and scenery.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Catherine J.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The trip was well organized, our boat was comfortable and the food was incredible! The tour took us through quaint little villages and the arranged stops were all informative and enjoyable. My favourite was Grana Parma. We chose self-guided, and enjoyed the flexibility that gave. Sylvie took time each day to explain any potential areas of concern. Overall, a great experience!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Kathleen D.
9 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Beautiful bike trails and amazing food! The boat staff were amazing and very friendly. The tour guide Sylvia was so very helpful to our group who did our own tour.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Gayl G.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The crew worked very well together, supporting each other.
Also, the fact that the number of guests was not large, contributed to a sense of community.
For suggestions: I couldn't get wifi in my lower deck room - as was true for others I spoke with, and had to go to the dinning room for service.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Lisa A.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The most memorable moment of my trip was the guided tours through special viewings of Venice and surrounding islands to capture the true essence of the Italian culture is our expert tour leaders, Silvia and Marco. My favorite part was stopping through one of the smallest villages and see an elderly man raising the flag at noon, as he has done daily for many decades.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Sandra M.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The crew was wonderful and made everythingspecial. The food was amazing. Would highly recommend this trip.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Amber H.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
This was my first trip to Italy and a Bike and Barge. I loved it!! The staff were amazing, the food was delicious, Sylvia and Helmet were so fantastic at guiding us through beautiful cities and helping when needed, the crew on the barge were always friendly. I'm ready to go back and travel with Sylvia again! Five Stars!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Barbara E.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
This was my first Bike and Barge and it was fabulous! The staff went above and beyond all expectations to make this event even more wonderful than I could have imagined. What a beautiful way to see Italy. A huge thank you to Sylvia and Helmet and ALL the crew!!!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Beilby K.
November 2, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Sights to ride to everyday except one when we were rained out. Crew including leaders, chefs, and captain. The food was amazing everyday with themed creations representing the area we visited. Better wifi in cabins too. More technology using laptop, TV screen, music, etc. Could use some more shelves, cubbies, hooks for gear in cabins. Faucets that pour water over the deepest part of the sink not so close to the edge causing water all over sink top.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Carl A.
November 1, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Standing on top of the boat enjoying the view, especially the sunsets. Our guide and the crew were excellent.
Our local guide for the tour in Mantova spent far too much time in the church and no time on the archeological site in the middle of town.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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