ON THE ROAD TRAVEL Via G.Chiassi, 20/E – 46100 – Mantova Tel. (0039) 0376 1434771 – Fax (0039) 0376 1434772 [email protected] – www.ontheroadtravel.it P.Iva 02411290204

FROM THE GONZAGA TO THE ESTE FAMILY THROUGH THE RIVER PO

Mantova – – Stellata – Ferrara

Lombardia, Romagna

5 days/4 nights

Easy itinerary (mix bike + bus) that leads to the discovery of and Ferrara, two of the most important art cities of the North Italian Renaissance. It is entirely on plain, along the streets that in the past permitted at the two most powerful Lordships of the respective regions to connect, by the figure of Isabella d’Este, and to rule together these territories, enriching the cities and the towns with magnificent palaces and monuments.

Overall length: 142 Km. 82 km on Eurovelo8 route. In 3 and 4*hotels, hostels, holiday farms, - guided tour- without portage Self- guided tour on request ON THE ROAD TRAVEL Via G.Chiassi, 20/E – 46100 – Mantova Tel. (0039) 0376 1434771 – Fax (0039) 0376 1434772 [email protected] – www.ontheroadtravel.it P.Iva 02411290204

Day 1 Excursion to Mantua + Bosco Fontana and Parco Bertone

Length: 35 Km Travel time: 3.30 h (stops and visits not included) Technical Notes: route mostly on bike path and partly on low traffic roads

Meet the guide in Piazza Sordello, Mantua at 11:00 am. While walking down the old town, we can admire the museum complex of Palazzo Ducale, Piazza delle Erbe, the Basilica of Sant’Andrea, the “Rotonda” church of San Lorenzo (exteriors). Free time for lunch. After collecting the bikes, we take the path that runs along the lakes until we reach Gambarara where we continue on the Mantova-Peschiera bike path until we come to the Nature Reserve of Bosco Fontana, one of the most important natural areas in the province and ancient hunting reserve of the Gonzaga family. Not to miss is the 16th century mansion built by duke Vincenzo I Gonzaga. After the tour, we head towards the Bertone Park and pass by the villages of Soave and Maglio before we reach our destination. The “Parco delle Bertone” is a protected area and a green jewel that stands out among the Mantuan countryside and it is home to a center for the reintroduction of the white stork. In the late afternoon, after the visit, we pedal back to town for dinner and overnight.

Day 2 Mantua - Governolo - Ostiglia

Length: 38 Km Travel time: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Technical Notes: route partly on bike path and partly on embankment roads with low traffic.

After breakfast, we start from the lakefront of Mantua and continue towards , home to an important Archaeological Park, the so called “Forcello”. From here we continue to ride up the left embankment of the Mincio towards Governolo, well known from the so called “conca” (navigation lock). Free time for lunch in Governolo or . The route continues along the left bank of the Po until Ostiglia. Dinner and overnight in Ostiglia. ON THE ROAD TRAVEL Via G.Chiassi, 20/E – 46100 – Mantova Tel. (0039) 0376 1434771 – Fax (0039) 0376 1434772 [email protected] – www.ontheroadtravel.it P.Iva 02411290204

Day 3 Ostiglia - Felonica - Stellata

Length: 37 Km Travel time: about 4 h (stops and visits not included) Trechnical Notes: route on embankment roads and low traffic roads.

After breakfast, we return to the bike path until we reach Revere; after crossing the bridge, we continue on the right bank of the Po until . Not far, is the characteristic small town of Bonizzo, where we can visit the Truffle Museum. From Borgofranco we continue on the path that runs along the right bank of the Po. In the course of the journey we pass through the towns of Sermide, Felonica and Quatrelle. Free time for lunch. Once arrived in Stellata of Bondeno, it begins the territory of the province of Ferrara and the bike lane on the right embankment is called “Destra Po”; it is one of the longest routes in (included in the Eurovelo project) which starts from the beautiful star-shaped “Rocca Possente”. Dinner in the neighbourhood and return for the overnight in Stellata.

Day 4 Stellata - Ferrara

Length: 27 Km Travel time: about 3 h (stops and visits not included) Technical Notes: route on embankment roads and low traffic roads

We start after breakfast and, once crossed the river Panaro, we get to the center of Bondeno where we take the pleasant cycle-walk path of the “Burana” which takes to Ferrara; this Renaissance city is famous for its charming historical center. Free time for lunch in Ferrara. In the afternoon, meeting with the guide and visit the old town where we can admire, among many artistic treasures, the “Castello Estense” and the “Palazzo dei Diamanti”. Dinner and overnight stay in Ferrara. ON THE ROAD TRAVEL Via G.Chiassi, 20/E – 46100 – Mantova Tel. (0039) 0376 1434771 – Fax (0039) 0376 1434772 [email protected] – www.ontheroadtravel.it P.Iva 02411290204

Day 5 Ferrara - Mantova

After breakfast, time at leisure to wander Ferrara on your own before we travel back to Mantua by bus with bicycles transportation. End of services.

What you need to know

Period: from April to October. Dates subject to availability of accommodation at the time of booking.

Difficulty: Easy. Cycling tourists of all ages, families of adults and/or with children and animals.

Where the holiday begins: 1st day in Mantova between 08.00 am and 09.00 am

Where the holiday ends: 5TH day in Ferrara before 06.00 pm. The rental bikes must be restituted during opening hours.

Access: Our territory is easy to reach from the nearest north Italian airports (, , Bergamo, Bologna, Venice, Treviso, Parma) with connections by trains and/or bus. That is why itineraries could be accessible by tourists from all over the world.

Accommodation: in 3 and 4 stars hotels/hostels/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with private bathroom

Meals: the stay is in half board. On request it is possible to have only B&B.

Bike rental: the rental is not included. You can either bring your own bike or rent bicycles there. This service is to book in advance, when you register.

Formal documents: identity card or valid passport.

PRICES: - Min. 15 pax €. 395,00 - Min. 10 pax €. 460,00 - Min. 8 pax €. 515,00 ON THE ROAD TRAVEL Via G.Chiassi, 20/E – 46100 – Mantova Tel. (0039) 0376 1434771 – Fax (0039) 0376 1434772 [email protected] – www.ontheroadtravel.it P.Iva 02411290204

Rates include: - Cycling touring guide for the whole period - Touristic guide for park and historical centre visits - Accommodation in hotels/hostel/holiday farms in double or multiple rooms with half board - Bus and bike transportation on return - Insurance

Rates not include: - Bike and helmet rent - Luggages transport - Lunches and beverages - Vistor’s stay tax to pay by accommodations - Tips, personal extras and all not indicated in “rates include”

Supplements: - Bike rent €. 75,00 for 5 days Bikes 7 speed, 28 inches, resistant rubbers, luggage rack or basket

Technical” support services on request and with supplement: - bicycle and helmet rental - children and/or animal trailer - baggage transportation - means of transport for participants assistance - transfers from airports roundtrip by car, minibus and bus depending on the number of participants - passages by boat or ferries persons + bicycles - booking of airplane tickets, train tickets, bus, etc. for departure/arrival of the tourists assistance also in foreign language c/o airports, stations etc.

Self guided tour rates on request starting from € 200,00 per person

• Prices are indicatives and may change according to accommodation availability, number of people and seasonality. Packages could be bought on the websites: • www.ontheroadtravel.it; www.ontheroadtravel.eu; • requests could be reached via e – mail at the following addresses: • [email protected]; [email protected];

• All packages can be personalized according the specific needs of the costumer.