11:15 AM – The journey begins:
Participants meet at Pier B1, “Navi Andes.”
11:30 AM – We set sail!
Boarding and start of the scenic cruise through the lakes of Mantua and the natural wonders of Mincio Park, a WWF-protected area. Here, the spectacle is twofold: on the one hand, the wild and lush natural environment, and on the other, the city revealed in a completely new light.
From the lake, Mantua reveals itself in all its glory: the Historic Centre, the Royal Palace, the Castle, the towers, and the domes seem to float on the water, reflected in a breathtakingly scenic effect.
Then, nature takes centre stage: amidst floating expanses of lotus flowers and water caltrops, the sudden flight of herons, night herons, and kingfishers creates a living mosaic of colours, scents, and sounds that captivates all the senses.
12:30 pm – Lunch on board with a panoramic view:
As the motorboat continues its course through calm waters and fairytale landscapes, a traditional Mantuan lunch will be served, offering a true journey through the flavours of local tradition:
Starter: Tasting of Mantuan cured meats served with soft polenta
First Course: Pumpkin and sausage lasagne, a staple of local cuisine
Main course: Roast meat inspired by the Gonzaga family's cuisine, served with rosemary-scented baked potatoes
Dessert: The classic artisanal Sbrisolona and a refreshing lemon sorbet
Drinks: ¼ litre of Lambrusco Mantovano wine and ½ litre of mineral water
2:30 PM – Return and City Discovery:
Arrive in Mantua and meet your guide for a walking tour that will take you to the authentic and picturesque heart of the city. A journey through medieval alleys, elegant squares, and majestic palaces, where every corner tells a storey.
Together, we will admire:
Piazza Sordello, Piazza Broletto, Piazza Erbe, the Bonacolsi Palaces, the Torre della Gabbia, the Palazzo del Podestà, the Palazzo della Ragione, the Rotonda di San Lorenzo, and the imposing Basilica of Sant’Andrea, an undisputed masterpiece by Leon Battista Alberti.
