5 Star Vita Pugna boat/barge tour reviews — 1 to 30 of 50
Cheryl R.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Our Tour Guide, Hugo made the entire trip. His enthusiasm, knowledge and energy made for a very busy, exhausting and fun filled week.
The cuisine was out of this world. The ladies did such a wonderful job.
RettaLeigh K.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Wonderful itinerary. Incredible bike trails.
Terrific crew. The swim in the Adriatic was fantastic.
Pamela R.
6 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
We saw such beautiful scenery and wonderful sites from ages past. But our tour guide made the trip for us. He was entertaining, informative, and we always knew what we were seeing. He welcomed our questions and kept us well informed of our next moves. He also put together an excellent video of our trip so I didn’t feel I needed to stop and take pictures of every little thing. He captured the trip beautifully. Also, the people we met I hope will be in my life from now on. Great experience I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Ray T.
7 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The crew was great, the food fantastic !
John S.
10 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The food was outstanding. The cycling was very enjoyable.
Lisa S.
11 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
There were many highlights.
Poppies growing in the fields, fantastic meals, especially the dinners, amongst them. Thanks to the crew for very efficient bike deployment in the mornings and end of day. Captain very skilled.
We are used to boating, so cabins quite good. However some type of screens on the portholes would make sleeping a bit more comfortable without as many mosquitoes and not having to use aircon so much - so a good investment to invent some screens.
On the biking side, keeping the group together was good, but having one day being more free to bike with map and explore on our own might be nice. However we understand the importance of not loosing anyone. Stops in shade would be better than in the sun.
Loved Georgio's sense of humour and depth of knowledge.
Overall a fantastic experience and first time at bike and barge!
Twyla F.
11 months ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The food on board was amazing! I am a vegetarian the chef made sure my meals were amazing!
Sharman H.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
The food by Sylvia and Irena was delicious and the daily movies by Hugo gave us a sweet memory .
Sarah E.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
While the touring each day was beautiful, the most memorable part of the trip were the evening meals. Chefs Sylvia and Irena delighted us all with outstanding dishes featuring local ingredients and recipes. A gourmet bike tour!
Lev Z.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
With the exception of the room, which could be a bit larger, and Wi-Fi, which could be stronger and steadier, everything else of the tour was outmost enjoyable: the route and rides, the equipment, the food, the guide, the people in the group.
Jean M.
1 year ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
We enjoyed everything about the tour! Our group was very international representative of Italy, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Switzerland, UK, and Germany. Our guide was Giorgio. He was knowledgeable about the area and it’s history and took us on many side trips including a gastronomic experience at a local cheese factory.
After biking all day we returned to a fresh snack and of course an outstanding meal at dinner made by our exceptional cook who greeted us every evening with a heartfelt Buona sera! We felt the crew did an outstanding job and were always willing to help with any given situation. Great job everybody!
Thank you all!
Jean and Brian Mearon
Jerline (and Alan) S.
2 years 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.
2 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
Italy
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 the service, commenting on the excellent website, to find the the most details that enabled them to choose the perfect tour. Loved the side trips on the bike too! Museums, cheese factory, coffee stops, historical tours with local guides! This trip had it all!
GAIL B.
2 years 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 years 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 years 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.
Gail S.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
4 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.
Sandra B.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
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 pace was ideal!
The routes were well planned, the scenery was lovely, the designated stops were interesting, informative and great fun!
Since the boats and owners, countries, food, scenery, cultures and customs are all different, we don't compare trips. We just embrace the differences and look forward to our next (5th) adventure with Tripsite. They're so great to work with and have always made every effort to accommodate their guests.
Donna • 5 years ago
Thank you for this very helpful review. We have only done one tripsite vacation which was fabulous.
Were you using an ebike.
Catherine P.
5 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.
5 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.
5 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.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Sue H.
5 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.
5 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.
5 years ago
Verified Reviewer
Vita Pugna Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Italy
Best part? The wonderful food served everyday
Nancy B.
5 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.
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