Mantua, jewel of the Renaissance and city of Art

Individual arrival in Mantua and accommodation in the chosen hotel. Walk to discover Mantua with a private guide starting from the large Piazza Sordello, with the Cathedral of San Pietro, overlooked by the medieval Palazzo Bonacolsi, Palazzo del Capitano and the Magna Domus. The itinerary includes a passage under the Tower of the cage, with the pillory still visible. Continue towards Piazza Broletto with the Palazzo della Podestà, the Arengario and the Civic Tower. We arrive in Piazza Erbe, now as in the past, the liveliest in Mantua with the imposing Palazzo della Ragione and the Renaissance Clock Tower to be discovered. The itinerary ends by arriving at the prestigious Basilica of Sant’Andrea designed by Leon Battista Alberti. Free lunch and in the afternoon guided tour of the Ducal Palace, the Reggia dei Gonzaga, grandiose and imposing, considered one of the largest museum complexes in Europe, with its 950 rooms, as well as gardens, internal squares and courtyards. The visit itinerary includes the Castle of San Giorgio, a medieval fortress of the city inside which Andrea Mantegna frescoes the Italian masterpiece of the fifteenth century, the Camera degli Sposi. At the end of the visit, free time, dinner in a typical restaurant in the historic center of Mantua, overnight stay in the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and individual transfer to Palazzo Te, an extraordinary suburban villa, an architectural and decorative masterpiece of Giulio Romano, Raphael's most capable pupil. Do not miss the Sala dei Cavalli with the portraits of the steeds of the Gonzaga House, the Chamber of Cupid and Psyche, which hosted the banquet of Emperor Charles V and the scenography and engaging Hall with the fall of the Giants. Free lunch. In the afternoon excursion by boat. Boarding from Mantua to sail slowly towards the Mincio Oasis, among reeds and water lilies, among myriad canals that cross the wide expanse of water. You can admire rare species of birds and the setting sun on the river, up to Lake Superior, the summer theater of the inevitable and spectacular flowering of the Lotus flower. Natural and unusual landscapes of a unique nature that stages different settings and views in every season. Duration approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes. Return to Mantua and free time. Free dinner and an overnight stay in hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel and individual departure to Sabbioneta, included with Mantua in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites since 2008 and one of the most beautiful villages in Italy of the Touring Club. Guided walk inside the walls and through the streets of this fortified citadel born from nothing. The tour includes the entrance to the Ducal Palace with the famous equestrian statues of the Gonzaga’s, the Incoronata Church and the Synagogue. Lunch in a restaurant to taste a menu of typical local dishes. At the end, return to the places of belonging.