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Natural and architectural beauties
Mantua-S.Benedetto-Borgoforte-Rivalta-Mincio Park-Peschiera del Garda
Mantua and Mincio Park are rich of extraordinary natural and architectural beauties… and not only, because it is also an area of many food specialities, like the ‘salami mantovano’, pumpkin tortelli and Mantua mustard. The old town centre was declared a World Heritage site in 2007 and Mantua was Italian Capital of Culture in 2016. It is a town where history and old art are harmoniously mixed with a modern lifestyle. Mantua is situated in the middle of the Po-valley and is since its origins surrounded by water of three artificial lakes, which receive water from the Mincio. When, at the end of a sunny day, you make a stop at one of these lakes you will be enchanted by the sunset colouring the lake totally red.
During the months July, August and September standing on the lakeside of the ‘lago Superiore‘ in the Belfiore park, you can admire the lotus’ floating on the water like an island. In the 6th century BC Mantua was an Etruscan town and its name is derived from the Etruscan god Mantus. It was Gonzaga-family, in the Renaissance, who made the town flourishing and a cultural centre. The current city centre with its monuments and town walls are dating from this period.
When you visit Mantua you admire her profile you will feel yourself as between heaven and water, like the famous writers and musicians did like Virgil, Dante, Shakespeare, Verdi, D’Annunzio, etc.. They all wrote about the history of the town, described its alleys, squares, palaces, lakes in their legends, stories, and passionate love affairs. Visiting Mantua and the MINCIO PARK will be an unforgettable experience!
The daily program of the 4- day tour
Today in the afternoon if you arrive early it is possible to make a tour through the old center and the lakes surrounding it. Mantua has a beautiful old town center with nice Renaissance Palaces like the Ducal Palace of the Gonzaga family with 500 rooms and the Palazzo Te. The palazzo del Te has frescoes of Giulio Romano, which are rich with symbols and myths. It was also called the palace of Deception, because Frederico II Gonzaga used it for entertainment and his mistress lived here. There is also the Castel San Giorgio where Mantegna painted the Bridal chamber. After dinner, you can make a stroll through the old centre and discover the fascination of this Gonzaga town by night.
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 40 km /25 miles
Today you will cycle towards the Mantuan Oltrepò, following the course of the Mincio River. Along the route, you will encounter the ancient Court of Virgil, a site connected to the great poet, and continue until the Dam of Governolo, traditionally known as the place where Pope Leo I met Attila in 452 AD, stopping the Hun invasions. The itinerary concludes with the return to Mantua along a stretch of the Po River, surrounded by the Mantuan countryside and a relaxing natural landscape, perfect for reconnecting with yourself and escaping the stress of everyday life.
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 55 km /34 miles
Today’s route takes you through the Mincio Park, a protected natural area renowned for its lush vegetation and rich wildlife. Its waters are home to numerous species of water birds, including the distinctive purple heron. The park also features an important system of historic locks and canals, as well as remarkable architectural and artistic landmarks, such as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and several Gonzaga family villas.
* The boat tour is only possible on Saturday or Sunday. On other days you return to the town by bike
* The daily division of the routes can be changed if you like
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 30 km /19 miles
Departure after breakfast
The daily program of the 5- day tour
Today in the afternoon if you arrive early it is possible to make a tour through the old center and the lakes surrounding it. Mantua has a beautiful old town center with nice Renaissance Palaces like the Ducal Palace of the Gonzaga family with 500 rooms and the Palazzo Te. The palazzo del Te has frescoes of Giulio Romano, which are rich with symbols and myths. It was also called the palace of Deception, because Frederico II Gonzaga used it for entertainment and his mistress lived here. There is also the Castel San Giorgio where Mantegna painted the Bridal chamber. After dinner, you can make a stroll through the old centre and discover the fascination of this Gonzaga town by night.
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 40 km /25 miles
Today you will cycle towards the Mantuan Oltrepò, following the course of the Mincio River. Along the route, you will encounter the ancient Court of Virgil, a site connected to the great poet, and continue until the Dam of Governolo, traditionally known as the place where Pope Leo I met Attila in 452 AD, stopping the Hun invasions. The itinerary concludes with the return to Mantua along a stretch of the Po River, surrounded by the Mantuan countryside and a relaxing natural landscape, perfect for reconnecting with yourself and escaping the stress of everyday life.
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 55 km /34 miles
Today’s route takes you through the Mincio Park, a protected natural area renowned for its lush vegetation and rich wildlife. Its waters are home to numerous species of water birds, including the distinctive purple heron. The park also features an important system of historic locks and canals, as well as remarkable architectural and artistic landmarks, such as the Sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, and several Gonzaga family villas.
* The boat tour is only possible on Saturday or Sunday. On other days you return to the town by bike
* The daily division of the routes can be changed if you like
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 30 km /19 miles
In the morning, you will travel by bus with your bikes to Peschiera del Garda, located on the shores of Lake Garda. You will have time to explore the historic town center before cycling along the famous Mincio bike path, which connects Peschiera to Mantua through a stunning natural landscape. An ancient Roman city, once known as Arilica, Peschiera del Garda preserves important historical landmarks, from defensive military structures to religious buildings, such as the Sanctuary of Madonna del Frassino, a site of pilgrimage since the 16th century. The route passes through an area perfect for relaxation, including the Laghetto del Frassino Oasis and the Mincio Valley, both surrounded by pristine, lush nature. This region is also the heart of the Lugana wine area, famous for producing the DOC Lugana wine, one of the first Italian wines to receive DOC status in 1967, ideal when paired with typical Lake Garda dishes, such as bigoli with sardines, sarde in saor, and risotto with tench
Overnight with breakfast in Mantua
Distance: 45 km /28 miles
Departure after breakfast
Impressions of Mantua & Mincio Park
Mantua-S.Benedetto-Borgoforte-Rivalta-Mincio Park-Peschiera del Garda
LEVEL 1,5
The routes are easy to follow and you cycle for a big part on cycle paths along the Mincio and Po. There are some easy dirt roads and quiet country roads. Also suitable for families.
Total km: Total km 125 – 170 km /78 – 106 miles
DEPARTURES:
Self-guided: Thursdays and Fridays from 1 March until 30 October 2026. Be aware that the boat tour is only possible on Saturday or Sunday on the other days you cycle back to Mantua. The bike/bus to Peschiera is only possible on Sundays. Routes can be swapped between them. In the winter only on request.
PARTICIPANTS:
2 or more persons.
START / FINISH:
Mantua / Mantua
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