Vita Pugna boat/barge tour reviews — 31 to 60 of 86
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
Sharman H.
November 5, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The food by Sylvia and Irena was delicious and the daily movies by Hugo gave us a sweet memory .
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Sarah E.
October 22, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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!
- 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
Lev Z.
October 19, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Jean M.
October 18, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Tom N.
October 18, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The boat breaking down (and the way the crew accommodated the changes).
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Jerline (and Alan) S.
May 28, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Lynn C.
May 25, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
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 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!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
GAIL B.
May 16, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Andrew D.
May 14, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Melissa L.
May 14, 2022
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- 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
Gail S.
December 11, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Jeanne H.
December 6, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Gillian C.
December 3, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Gill and Martin C.
December 3, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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......
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Rita W.
November 20, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- 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
Kimberly N.
October 22, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Sandra B.
July 12, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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 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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Catherine P.
July 12, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The entire trip was great. Have highly recommended it to others!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Berry B.
July 12, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Our guide (Sylvia) embellished every part of the day, the staff was very friendly, cooperative, accommodating and full of fun...great trip, thanks
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Susan J.
July 8, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Sue F.
May 29, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
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 questions/concerns I had, and I love the online chat feature! We are looking at another bike/barge for 2020 and after going through another company a couple of years ago, will only use Tripsite now. Kudos to all and thanks so much for making our 2019 vacation one for the books!
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Sue H.
January 15, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
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.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Wendy S.
January 4, 2019
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
The most memorable part of our Mantova to Venice trip was visiting chioggia, the carnival museum and the cheese factory.
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Lynn Y.
December 17, 2018
Verified Reviewer
· Mantova to Venice or Venice to Mantova
Best part? The wonderful food served everyday
- Countries included in this tour?
- Italy
Nancy B.
December 11, 2018
Verified Reviewer
· Bolzano-Mantova-Venice
Most Memorable Part? Riding our bikes back to the barge in Venice in a rainstorm. The laughter and camaraderie was priceless.
- 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
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