4 Star Vita Pugna boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 14 of 14
Stephen F.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
1st I have to complement Claudia for all her help! The crew of the Vita Pugna were exceptional, particularly George our guide. This was our 4th boat bike tour in Europe. I would not recommend anyone cruising on the Vita Pugna. The walls were paper thing and we got one good night's sleep. We asked the people next to us 2x to be quiet. They kept talking to late in the night and we felt we were in the room with them. The meals and chef were excellent. Captain was the hardest working one I have ever seen. I definitely would go with this crew on another boat in the future. Bikes were good. Touring/ sites were special. Some people should have rented ebikes as we had to wait up to as 1/2 hour at times for them to catch up and we were not going fast. Crew was extremely helpful both at the beginning during and at the end of our tour. Back to Claudia. she answered all of my questions. Help us get on the right transportation from the airport to the island of Quidecca, where we stayed in a hotel the night before the trip. We met 4 other couples at the hotel. Only difficulty we had was finding the boat on the date of departure. I was unable to load the map for direction. We were finally able to find the boat. I would recommend a separate email at the end with the necessary directions/ map to the boat. One more time I need to mention how much I appreciated Claudia's and the other tour specialists. You were the best I/ we ever have had! Thank you. Steve and Barbara Ferrin.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Carl M.
4 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The cruise was interesting and extremely well organized. The tour guide, Hugo, was exceptionally good and well informed. He was a very good riding guide and for tours of the cities we visited, and he adapted to changes in weather very well.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Clifford C.
8 months ago
Verified Reviewer
· Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
The entire trip was an insightful and delightful experience, providing access to the heart and soul of everyday-life in "working Italy", versus an antiseptic highlight-reel tour of famous monuments and churches. That said, the overwhelming uniqueness and timelessness of Venice couldn't help but be a highlight. I wouldn't have minded a somewhat more strenuous cycling experience; however, that was more than offset by the enjoyment of the comaraderie of a relatively small tour group (20), forged both on the cycling paths and over fabulous gourmet meals provided by the two young chefs aboard the Vita Pugna.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Samantha T.
May 31, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Our favorite day was probably our stop in Bergantino - we knew the cheese tasting would be fabulous. The stop at the Museum of the Ride was unexpectedly terrific - a real highlight.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Helen K.
May 24, 2023
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The crew on the boat was very accommodating; any issues with our cabins was readily addressed. The chef was excellent; one of the best we've experienced on the many bike tours we've been on. The menus included regional favorites and we all received a cookbook that included recipe favorites from several chefs.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Matthew H.
November 23, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The food, the guide and the route and biking were all great. Excellent value for a low budget trip.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Dick S.
October 19, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The food was outstanding! Great chefs. Amazing how hard our small crew worked to provide everything needed. All ran smoothly. Michaela was an outstanding leader. We were disappointed in the lack of coordination between the leader and the bikers as we ride. Corners were not posted at turns; some ended up going the wrong way, and we spent time finding them. Fortunately one person in the “lost” group was able to call our leader. There should always be arrangements for a “sweep” with phone communication to the guide.
Coming home, the pack with the trip literature was stolen. I would like to get another copy of that excellent information. How?
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Charlotte S.
December 11, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Matthew B.
October 22, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Kim F.
July 24, 2018
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Mantova to Venice was wonderful. Very pretty scenery with lots of unique places to stop.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
JoAnn Grand
November 25, 2015
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The biking was not as scenic as other trips I have been on. However the food, staff and guide were excellent.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Alfred Lilly
November 24, 2015
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Mike Tansey
November 24, 2015
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Recommended for novice cyclists only. Not challenging enough for experienced cyclists.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
James Varah
November 20, 2015
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Our tour guide Marco was ok, but not outstanding. His commentary was adequate, but we got more from the notes provided.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
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