We have time to stay somewhere before a bike and barge trip. Several of us have been to venice. Is 5 nights in Mantua too much?? We don't like touristy areas, love food and want to walk and bike etc. Without a car should we stay right in town or are there taxis? Any light you could shed on this would be helpful. If we want to day trip to verona should we stay near train station. How do you get around in the area??
Posted by
3124 posts
Mantua is lovely, but I'm not sure it merits 5 nights unless you really like to settle in with the RS "temporary local" approach. Verona is also lovely, as is Ferrara. Culturally (at the time of the Este dynasty), Mantua and Ferrara were closely associated.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Verona is one of our favorite cities in Italy. Definitely worth two nights there.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Mantua is large enough to have both city buses and taxis, but not particularly crowded with tourists. If you are there for a couple of days, I recommend taking bus 17 to the Duke's summer retreat at Sabbioneta (about 33 km).
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2332 posts
Trains provide easy transportation in that area, and I always enjoy staying in the historical center when possible. We love Verona and Ferrara. With a daytrip or two, I think you'd have a great stay in Mantua.
Posted by
west Chester, PA
372 posts
We recently stayed in Verona and day tripped to Mantua (Mantova). It was a lovely city and nice day visit with lots of schoolchildren touring, not so much tourist buses. We always stay in Verona, which gives us more options to visit the lake, go to the other cities on the same train line or head to Venice for the day (we go early and stay late, but my husband and I get very seasick, can’t even watch the boats bob on the water). Good luck with your decision, there are so many fabulous places to visit, so little time!