Culture, art and bags of charm are what Mantua does best. Surrounded by three lakes, it's got history and architecture aplenty. You'll start the day by following your guide on a walking tour through the city of Virgil and the Gonzagas, exploring the four grand piazzas. Once you've got your bearings, the next four hours are yours to roam Mantua. Entry to the Virgilio Museum is included, as a visit here is highly recommended to learn about the poet Virgil's birthplace within a historic 13th-century palace. Afterwards, set sail from Peschiera for a two-hour boat trip to see Sirmione peninsula and the Grottoes of Catullus. If the weather's kind, you could opt for a dip in the lake.

All of it, the museum tour was,nt my thing, would have prefered more of walking tour. The guide was brilliant gave us advice on what to eat and drink. He was witty and funny and knowledgable. The bus driver was excellent,we felt very safe in his hands. The boat trip was lovely.

Guided tour didn't really happen, we were walked to a church then told about another one we should go and look at. Pointed out where the Virgil museum, told us we could go there at any time then left. Thursday is market day in Mantua, mainly stalls were cheap clothing / fabric. Back on the minibus at 1pm then drove to Peschiera where we had about an hour before being collected for the boat. Boat ride was fab and best part of the day. Ducal Palace worth a visit, entry €18.

The overall trip was good. The boat trip with swim was great. Mantua was a bit of a disappointment. The Virgil museum was interesting but the town itself wasn't pretty or inviting

This trip was far too long for what was offered, from our pick up to our drop off it was a solid 12 hours. The boat trip added almost 3 hours to the day, and was unnecessary, consisting of a 1/2 hr wait to board followed by 3/4 hour out and back cruise with a 20 min stop for some swimming in the middle of lake Garda. This trip would be more enjoyable by doing it on a non market day , and dropping the cruise , allowing more time in Mantova and it's various museums.

I enjoyed the guided tour and boat trip but for me getting to view Palazzo Te was my personal highlight. The tour allowed enough free time for me to do this.

My wife and I experienced this tour last year. This year we opted out of the guided walk in order to visit the Ducal Palace and the new museum. Enjoyed the boat tour again.

Why you’ll love this…

Your guide will lead you on a cultural tour around Mantua
The citiy's four grand piazzas are well worth a look
There's a visit to the Virgilio Museum to learn about the famous poet's life
You'll enjoy a two-hour boat trip to see Sirmione peninsula

Important to know

Pick-up times are a rough guide only and can vary due to reasons out of our control. With this in mind, please arrive at least 10 minutes before your allocated pick-up time, and allow for slight delays
Bring a hat
Bring suitable footwear
Food and drinks not included
Some entrance fees and optional extras are payable locally
Please note that all times are approximate and subject to change
Dress appropriately – no shoulders or knees showing – when visiting religious buildings
Bring bathing gear and sunblock
Bring a towel

Cancellation policy

Receive a 100% refund if you cancel up to 1 day before the experience begins.

What’s included

Transport
Guide
Escort
Admission fees
Boat cruise

Booking fee

Good news! No extra fees are applied to this booking.

Location

Provider

TUI ITALIA S.R.L.

What people say about this experience

4.2/5

All reviews are verified

Based on 20 reviews

Review categories

Safety

4.2/5

Service

3.8/5

Staff

4.2/5

Value for money

4.2/5

All ratings (20)

5 stars (8)

40%

4 stars (9)

45%

3 stars (3)

15%

2 stars (0)

1 star (0)

J
Jackie
Traveled as a couple
June 27, 2026
5
United Kingdom
All of it, the museum tour was,nt my thing, would have prefered more of walking tour. The guide was brilliant gave us advice on what to eat and drink. He was witty and funny and knowledgable. The bus driver was excellent,we felt very safe in his hands. The boat trip was lovely.
K
Karen H
Traveled as a couple
August 9, 2026
3.8
United Kingdom
Guided tour didn't really happen, we were walked to a church then told about another one we should go and look at. Pointed out where the Virgil museum, told us we could go there at any time then left. Thursday is market day in Mantua, mainly stalls were cheap clothing / fabric. Back on the minibus at 1pm then drove to Peschiera where we had about an hour before being collected for the boat. Boat ride was fab and best part of the day. Ducal Palace worth a visit, entry €18.
D
Daniella
Traveled as a couple
July 6, 2026
3.8
United Kingdom
The overall trip was good. The boat trip with swim was great. Mantua was a bit of a disappointment. The Virgil museum was interesting but the town itself wasn't pretty or inviting
R
Rob
Traveled as a couple
June 23, 2026
3.4
United Kingdom
This trip was far too long for what was offered, from our pick up to our drop off it was a solid 12 hours. The boat trip added almost 3 hours to the day, and was unnecessary, consisting of a 1/2 hr wait to board followed by 3/4 hour out and back cruise with a 20 min stop for some swimming in the middle of lake Garda. This trip would be more enjoyable by doing it on a non market day , and dropping the cruise , allowing more time in Mantova and it's various museums.
C
Christopher
Solo traveler
September 25, 2025
5
United Kingdom
I enjoyed the guided tour and boat trip but for me getting to view Palazzo Te was my personal highlight. The tour allowed enough free time for me to do this.
J
John Philp
Traveled as a couple
July 18, 2025
5
United Kingdom
My wife and I experienced this tour last year. This year we opted out of the guided walk in order to visit the Ducal Palace and the new museum. Enjoyed the boat tour again.