The compact Renaissance city of Mantua offers several excellent touring options. The best self-guided audio tours start at Piazza Sordello, letting you explore at your own schedule while learning about the city’s fascinating history.
Walking tours, which we particularly like for their local expertise, efficiently cover major sites in about 2 hours. The standout choice is the focused 3-hour guided tour – it hits all the essential spots and provides just the right amount of historical context about this UNESCO treasure.
For art lovers, specialized Ducal Palace tours brilliantly showcase one of Italy’s most impressive Renaissance collections. Whatever your interest, you’ll find Mantua’s mix of history, art, and architecture is best explored with expert guidance.
Check out our carefully selected tours below:
Good To Know
- Self-guided audio tours offer convenient, personalized exploration of Mantua’s top sights at one’s own pace.
- Guided walking tours provide in-depth insights into the city’s rich history and architecture from knowledgeable local experts.
- Half-day guided tours combine the must-see Ducal Palace with other key landmarks for a comprehensive introduction to Mantua.
- Highly-rated 3-hour guided tours cover Mantua’s UNESCO-listed historic center, including Rigoletto’s House and Piazza Sordello.
- Accessibility and advance bookings for popular attractions should be considered when choosing the best Mantua city tour.
Mantua: Self-Guided Audio Tour to the City of Lakes
Take a deep dive into the captivating city of Mantua with the self-guided “Mantua: Self-Guided Audio Tour to the City of Lakes“.
This VoiceMap Audio Tour provides lifetime access to explore the City of Lakes at your own pace. The tour starts at the Castello di San Giorgio and ends at the Loggia delle Pescherie di Giulio Romano, covering the city’s highlights.
With offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, you can navigate Mantua with ease using the VoiceMap app on your Android or iOS device.
The self-guided format allows you to start, pause, and restart the tour anytime. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate in this private activity.
Be mindful that entrance fees to museums or attractions aren’t included.
With mixed reviews and some users reporting app access issues, it’s essential to keep an open mind and be prepared for a potentially imperfect, yet insightful, experience exploring the captivating city of Mantua.
Read our full review: Mantua: Self-Guided Audio Tour to the City of Lakes Review
Book now: Check availability
Mantua City Centre Walking Tour
If you’re seeking a more immersive exploration of Mantua’s captivating city center, the Mantua City Centre Walking Tour provides a comprehensive guided experience. Offered by the reputable Alliet’ARTI Tours – Manuela Roversi, this private tour takes you on a journey through the historic heart of the city, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way.
At just $112.72 per group (up to 10 travelers), this tour offers excellent value. You’ll start your adventure at Piazza Sordello, the iconic square, and wind your way through the charming streets, culminating at Piazza Erbe, near the impressive Saint Andrew Basilica.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy insights into Mantua’s rich history and architecture, with opportunities to explore landmarks like places of worship. The tour is accessible, catering to wheelchair users, stroller users, and those with service animals.
With a perfect 5-star rating from two reviews, the Mantua City Centre Walking Tour promises an engaging and unforgettable experience, allowing you to fully learn about the beauty and culture of this captivating Italian city.
Read our full review: Mantua City Centre Walking Tour Review
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Half-Day Guided Tour of Mantua City Centre and Ducal Palace
This half-day guided tour of Mantua City Centre and Ducal Palace, operated by the reputable Alliet’ARTI Tours – Manuela Roversi, offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s historic highlights.
For $118.09 per group (up to 10), you’ll enjoy the services of a professional guide who’ll bring the city’s rich history to life. While the tour price doesn’t include the entrance fee to the Ducal Palace and castle (€15.00 each), it’s a small price to pay for the invaluable guided experience.
The tour starts at Rigoletto’s House in Piazza Sordello and ends at Piazza Erbe, near the Saint Andrews Basilica. Along the way, you’ll discover the city’s hidden secrets and marvel at the grandeur of the Ducal Palace.
With a 5-star rating based on 5 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Mantua. Just be sure to book your Ducal Palace tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, to make the most of your experience.
Read our full review: Half-Day Guided Tour of Mantua City Centre and Ducal Palace Review
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Mantova City Center and Ducal Palace: 3-Hour Guided Tour
Set out on a captivating 3-hour guided walking tour that unveils the rich history and architectural marvels of Mantova’s city center and the renowned Ducal Palace. Priced at $116.58 for a group of up to 5 participants, this tour offers the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a “reserve now, pay later” option.
Discover the UNESCO-listed Mantova, the birthplace of Virgil and the setting for Shakespeare’s Romeo and Verdi’s Rigoletto. Marvel at the Ducal Palace, Italy’s largest museum, featuring 1,000 rooms across 34,000 square meters.
Explore key sites like Rigoletto’s House, Saint George Castle, and the picturesque Piazza Sordello and Piazza delle Erbe. Admire the renowned Mantegna’s frescos in the Camera degli Sposi.
Enjoy a private group experience with a knowledgeable live guide available in multiple languages. Be mindful of the dress code, as churches may have specific requirements.
With an overall rating of 4.9/5 from 45 reviews, this tour promises an engaging and enlightening exploration of Mantova’s rich history and architectural wonders.
Read our full review: Mantova City Center and Ducal Palace: 3-Hour Guided Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Mantua offers a range of captivating city tours that allow you to uncover its rich history and stunning architecture. Whether you prefer a self-guided audio tour or a guided experience, you’ll find an option that suits your interests and schedule. Enjoy the city’s charming lakeside setting and explore its iconic Ducal Palace for an unforgettable visit to this enchanting Italian destination.