Mantua Magic: A 4-Day Adventure for the Whole Family!

Discover the magic of Mantua: a family adventure filled with history, culture, and endless fun!

28 August 2023

A family-friendly trip to Mantua, Italy offers a perfect blend of history, art, and enchanting landscapes. Explore the Palazzo Ducale, a magnificent Renaissance palace, where kids can dress up as nobles or knights for an interactive experience. Take a leisurely bike ride around the scenic Lakes of Mantua, surrounded by picturesque countryside, or visit the Puppetry Museum for a delightful display of traditional Italian puppetry.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Mantua's Treasures

  • Start your day with a stroll around Piazza Sordello, a majestic square filled with history and charming cafes.
  • Visit Palazzo Ducale, a Renaissance masterpiece with stunning frescoes by Mantegna it's like stepping into a time machine!
  • Enjoy a boat ride on the enchanting lakes surrounding Mantua the perfect way to soak in the city's romantic atmosphere.
  • Marvel at the elaborate Teatro Bibiena, an 18th-century theater known for its jaw-dropping Baroque architecture.
  • Satisfy your hunger at Osteria dell'Oca, where succulent dishes like pumpkin-filled tortelli and donkey stew will leave you drooling!
Day 2

Exploring Mantua's Artistic Side

  • Immerse yourself in Mantua's cultural heritage at Palazzo Te, a magnificent palace adorned with Giulio Romano's captivating frescoes.
  • Visit the Museo di Palazzo Ducale that houses an awe-inspiring collection of artworks, including masterpieces by Veronese and Rubens.
  • Take a leisurely walk along the cobblestone streets of Mantua's historic center, and don't forget to admire the city's beautiful medieval towers.
  • Indulge in a gelato break at Gelateria Ciacco, where heavenly flavors like pistachio and balsamic vinegar will tantalize your taste buds.
  • To end your day on a high note, enjoy an evening performance at Teatro Sociale, the city's oldest theater that hosts a variety of shows.
Day 3

Venturing Beyond Mantua

  • Explore the charming town of Sabbioneta, known as the "Little Athens of Mantua," with its well-preserved Renaissance architecture.
  • Pay a visit to the Gonzaga family's royal summer residence, Palazzo Te, a delightful palace that embraces both nature and art.
  • Enjoy a picnic amidst the peaceful surroundings of Parco del Mincio, a stunning nature reserve offering scenic trails and abundant wildlife.
  • Taste traditional Mantuan delicacies at Trattoria Ai Garibaldini, where you can savor dishes like risotto alla pilota and torta sbrisolona.
  • Take a leisurely bike ride along the banks of the River Mincio, relishing in the beautiful countryside scenery.
Day 4

Uncovering Mantua's Hidden Gems

  • Discover the secret underground tunnels of Mantua at the Rotonda di San Lorenzo ideal for adventurers and history enthusiasts.
  • Lose yourself in the enchanting Giardini Pubblici, a peaceful park filled with blooming flowers, serene ponds, and hidden sculptures.
  • Grab a quick bite at Pasticceria Caffè Pavesi, a historic pastry shop serving mouthwatering treats like "sbrisoline" cookies and Montenegrins.
  • Visit the captivating Palazzo d'Arco, a charming residence-turned-museum that showcases a unique blend of local and Asian art.
  • End your day with a romantic gondola ride along the picturesque canals of Mantua, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of this hidden gem.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Mantua, Italy by plane is to fly into Verona Villafranca Airport (VRN) and then take a train or bus to Mantua.

Car

To get to Mantua, Italy by car, you can drive along the A22 highway if coming from the north or south, or the A4 if coming from the east or west. Mantua is well-connected to the Italian road network.

Train

There is no train station in Mantua, so the best way to get there by train is to take a train to Verona Porta Nuova station and then transfer to a bus or taxi for the remaining journey.

Boat

There are no direct boat routes to Mantua, as it is an inland city. However, you can explore the surrounding lakes and waterways by boat, such as Lake Garda or the Mincio River.

Bus

The best way to get to Mantua, Italy by bus is to take a bus from major cities such as Milan or Verona. There are direct bus services available that will take you directly to Mantua's bus station.

Destination

Mantua

Welcome to the picturesque town that boasts more romance than Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet – Mantua! Prepare to be serenaded by enchanting architecture, mouthwatering cuisine, and maybe even a stray Italian opera singer or two.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

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Mantua on a Budget: Uncover the Marvels in 2 Days

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Mantua, located in northern Italy's Lombardy region, is a hidden gem for tourists seeking a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. This enchanting city boasts a captivating UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic center, Renaissance architecture, and palaces like Palazzo Ducale, where the illustrious Gonzaga family once ruled. Visitors can explore stunning gardens, indulge in delicious regional cuisine, and witness the iconic Palio di Mantova, a vibrant horse race that showcases the city's deep-rooted traditions.

Mantua: 4 Days of Renaissance Delights

Mantua, Italy, offers a captivating blend of history, art, and culture for tourists. Explore the magnificent and perfectly preserved Renaissance architecture, such as Palazzo Ducale, surrounded by tranquil lakes and picturesque streets. Visit the charming Piazza delle Erbe, where you can indulge in delicious local cuisine while immersing yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere.