Top 3 Itineraries in Mantua

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By Erica Firpo

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Introduction

Experience Mantua your way with our top 3 itineraries! Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a mix of both, these itineraries cater to every type of traveler. Stay tuned to find out how to make the most of your time in Mantua.

A well-designed Mantua itinerary should capture the essence of the city by blending sightseeing with authentic local experiences. Crafting the perfect itinerary can take many hours of research and planning if you don’t know where to start.

To simplify your planning, we have reviewed the biggest selection of vacation packages in Mantua and curated the top 3 best itineraries. These travel plans cover everything you need to consider when planning a trip to Mantua.

For the ultimate experience, you’ll also need the perfect place to stay. Luckily, the list of top-rated hotels in Mantua includes options for every budget and preference.

So, why wait? Scroll down to discover 3 perfect itineraries for Mantua!

Popular Types of Trips to Mantua

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Mantua.

If you only have a few days, Mantua weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Mantua offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Mantua are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Mantua’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Mantua offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Italy's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Mantua truly unforgettable!

Find Trips to Mantua

If you’re as convinced as we are that Mantua belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Mantua are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Mantua and start planning your next trip!

The Top 3 Best Mantua Travel Itineraries

Discover the perfect Mantua itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Mantua for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Mantua without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Mantua!

3. The Ultimate 15-Day Road Trip Itinerary Through Mantua and Beyond

photo of view of Panoramic view at the City of Mantova (Mantua) with Lake (Lago di Mezzo) - Italy.

A scenic 15-day road trip through Mantova, Bolzano - Bozen, Venezia, Bologna, and Lido is one of the best ways to experience Italy. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 15-day itinerary means that Mantua can easily be combined with other top destinations in Italy without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Mantova, Bolzano - Bozen, Venezia, Bologna, and Lido by public transport, renting a car in Italy opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 15 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Bolzano

  • Arrival city: Bolzano - Bozen
  • Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Bolzano, e.g., Stadthotel Scala Stiegl
  • Sightseeing: Piazza Walther
Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Bolzano. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Bolzano - Bozen, Ponte d'Adige - Sigmundskron, Obereggen - San Floriano d'Ega, and Völs am Schlern - Fiè allo Sciliar

  • Destinations: Bolzano - Bozen, Ponte d'Adige - Sigmundskron, Obereggen - San Floriano d'Ega, and Völs am Schlern - Fiè allo Sciliar
  • Driving distance: 287.28 km, approx. 4 hours and 33 minutes
  • Accommodation: 1-star hotel in Mantua, e.g., Relais Corte Pontigliardo
  • Sightseeing: Obereggen, South Tyrol Archeological Museum, Messner Mountain Museum Firmian, and Parco Naturale Sciliar-Catinaccio
Set out on a day of discovery and visit Obereggen, South Tyrol Archeological Museum, Messner Mountain Museum Firmian, and Parco Naturale Sciliar-Catinaccio. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Bolzano - Bozen, Ponte d'Adige - Sigmundskron, Obereggen - San Floriano d'Ega, and Völs am Schlern - Fiè allo Sciliar, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest. By the end of the day, check-in at a new hotel, located in central Mantua.

Day 3: Discover Mantova

  • Destinations: Mantova
  • Driving distance: 7.13 km, approx. 45 minutes
  • Accommodation: 1-star hotel in Mantua, e.g., Relais Corte Pontigliardo
  • Sightseeing: Museo di Palazzo d'Arco, Te Park, Parco del Mincio, Science Park, and Te Palace
  • Recommended tour: Mantovagando
Spend the day exploring Museo di Palazzo d'Arco, Te Park, Parco del Mincio, Science Park, and Te Palace. Take scenic drives or walking tours to experience the area’s charm at your own pace.

Day 4: Experience Mantova

Continue your journey through Mantova, where you can explore Basilica di Sant'Andrea, Bridge of St George, Piazza delle Erbe, Ducale Palace, and Scientific Bibiena Theater. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot. Wrap up the day by checking in at a hotel in the heart of Bologna.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Bologna

  • Destinations: Bologna
  • Driving distance: 603 metres, approx. 8 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Bologna, e.g., We Bologna
  • Sightseeing: Piazza Maggiore, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Palazzo Re Enzo, Fontana del Nettuno, and Palazzo d'Accursio
  • Recommended tour: Bologna City Walking Tour
Drive through Bologna, stopping to visit Piazza Maggiore, Cattedrale Metropolitana di San Pietro, Palazzo Re Enzo, Fontana del Nettuno, and Palazzo d'Accursio. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Bologna

  • Destinations: Bologna
  • Driving distance: 3.07 km, approx. 40 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Bologna, e.g., We Bologna
  • Sightseeing: Palazzo Pallavicini, International Museum and Library of Music, Two Towers, and Piazza Santo Stefano
  • Recommended tour: Bologna Food Tour from a local perspective
Spend time discovering Palazzo Pallavicini, International Museum and Library of Music, Two Towers, and Piazza Santo Stefano, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture.

Day 7: Spend Time in Bologna

Explore Devotional Portico of St. Luke, Arco Del Meloncello, and Museo Ducati at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Bologna

  • Destinations: Bologna
  • Driving distance: 11.02 km, approx. 1 hour and 6 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Bologna, e.g., We Bologna
  • Sightseeing: Villa Ghigi, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Porta Galliera, Botanical Garden and Herbarium, and La Piccola Venezia
  • Recommended tour: Pasta mama, Home cooking lessons at Grazia's house
Continue your road trip through Bologna, enjoying the flexibility to explore Villa Ghigi, Pinacoteca Nazionale, Porta Galliera, Botanical Garden and Herbarium, and La Piccola Venezia and nearby points of interest.

Day 9: Wander Through Bologna

  • Destinations: Bologna
  • Driving distance: 156.73 km, approx. 2 hours and 29 minutes
  • Accommodation: hotel in Venice, e.g., Anda Venice Hostel
  • Sightseeing: Basilica of San Domenico, Church of the Holy Savior, Porta Castiglione, Porta Maggiore, and Porta Santo Stefano
  • Recommended tour: Hidden Venice Walking Tour
Visit Basilica of San Domenico, Church of the Holy Savior, Porta Castiglione, Porta Maggiore, and Porta Santo Stefano as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Venice.

Day 10: Uncover Venezia

Continue your exploration of Doge's Palace, St. Mark's Square, St Mark's Campanile, and Saint Mark's Basilica, taking your time to enjoy scenic drives or leisurely strolls that add to the adventure.

Day 11: Journey Through Venezia

Take in the highlights of Gallerie dell'Accademia, Grassi Palace, and Peggy Guggenheim Collection, with plenty of opportunities to pause for a break in charming villages or serene natural settings.

Day 12: Travel Through Venezia

Take the opportunity to explore Palazzo Contarini del Bovolo, Grand Canal, and Teatro La Fenice, some of the top attractions in the area. Discover the surroundings by taking detours through charming villages and serene nature.

Day 13: Enjoy the Best of Venezia and Lido

Explore Venetian Arsenal, Chiesa di San Zaccaria, and Giardini della Biennale as you near the end of your road trip. Take advantage of the opportunity to delve into local culture, whether through a museum visit or a tasting experience.

Day 14: Maximize the Last Day in Venezia and Lido

Enjoy your last full day on the road, visiting Basilica di Santa Maria della Salute, Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art, Rialto Bridge, and Punta della Dogana - Pinault Collection and making time for spontaneous detours or local events. Return to Bolzano for your final night. End the day's journey with a check-in at a top-rated hotel in Bolzano.

Day 15: Bid Farewell to Bolzano

  • Departure city: Bolzano - Bozen
  • Driving distance: 4.74 km, approx. 14 minutes
  • Sightseeing: Funivia del Colle
Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Bolzano. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 2496 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Mantua.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Mantua for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

2. The Top Recommended 4-Day Mantua City Itinerary

photo of view of Aerial panoramic view at the City of Mantova (Mantua) with Lake (Lago di Mezzo) - Italy..

Enjoy a 4-day city break in Mantua with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 4-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Mantua without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Mantua

Arrive in Mantua and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Scientific Bibiena Theater.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Antica Osteria Ai Ranari is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Mantua's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Mantua by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Bridge of St George, Te Park, Parco del Mincio, Ducale Palace, and Te Palace.

Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Mantua in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Savor Your Final Moments in Mantua

Spend your last few hours in Mantua soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Mantua, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Mantua travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

1. The Perfect 3-Day Mantua Weekend Itinerary

photo of view of Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale), Piazza Ducale square, Sabbioneta town, Mantua province, Lombardy region, Northern Italy.

A 3-day weekend getaway in Mantua offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Mantua itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the town in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 3 days to spend, this is the perfect Mantua weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Mantua

Arrive in Mantua around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.
  • Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
  • Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Piazza delle Erbe, and soak in the surroundings.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Mantua’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Mantua with sightseeing, food, and drinks.
  • Morning: Visit Te Park early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
  • Afternoon: Continue to Ducale Palace, stopping by Parco del Mincio for a break and some photos.
  • Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.

Day 3 - Depart from Mantua

Make the most of your last few hours in Mantua before your departure.
  • Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
  • Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.
For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Mantua. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Mantua itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

What To Discover Next in Mantua

As you explore Mantua, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Mantua for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Mantua in a way that feels truly unforgettable!

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