Discovering Mantova and Sabbioneta

Arrival in Mantua in the late morning and free lunch. In the early afternoon free visit of the city. Mantua is a jewel of Italian art and architecture that embellishes Lombardy. Built around three lakes fed by the river Mincio, it is the city of Virgilio and Gonzaga characterized by a charm that overwhelms and reaches the heart of those who visit it and never forget it. Surrounded by lakes and an environment of great naturalistic value, rich in art and history, Mantua was transformed by the Gonzaga in a city-court of great splendor: the testimonies of its past can be admired in the courtyards, in the squares and arcades that recall the splendors of the sixteenth-century courts. Do not miss the Palazzo Ducale, Piazza Sordello, Casa Rigoletto, Piazza delle Erbe and the Basilica of Sant'Andrea. Late afternoon transfer to the hotel for accommodation, dinner and overnight. 

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Mantua to visit the interior of Palazzo Te: commissioned by Federico II di Gonzaga to the artist Giulio Romano, between 1525 and 1535, Palazzo Te is one of Mantua’s jewels of inestimable beauty and cultural value. Inside Palazzo Te are particularly distinguished by the Sala dei Cavalli, intended for ceremonies and the reception of guests, the Chamber of Love and Psyche, where Federico II di Gonzaga brought only the most important guests, and of course the Chamber of Giants; The latter is undoubtedly the most famous and spectacular of the entire residence, with frescoes representing the expulsion of the Giants by Zeus. But it is the structure itself that makes Palazzo Te one of the most beautiful villas that Italy can boast. Afterwards free lunch and continuation to Sabbioneta for the free visit. On 7 July 2008 Sabbioneta was included, together with the city of Mantua, in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its exceptional city of foundation built in about thirty-five years by the will of Prince Vespasian Gonzaga Colonna. Unesco considers it the perfect example of application of Renaissance theories. Here you can visit the famous Galleria degli Antichi and the Teatro all'Antica. At the end of the free visits is expected to return.