From the Po to Garda: a motorcycle itinerary to Mantua

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Summer is officially here, and what better way to make the most of the sunshine than a day trip on your motorcycle, setting off to discover the finest roads Italy has to offer riders. Nothing should be left to chance: the best addresses carefully curated and quality protective gear for your safety, as recommended by SHOEI ITALIA (Srl), riding towards new destinations and memorable stories. The lush Pianura Padana sets the scene for a journey criss-crossing varied landscapes, from rich wildlife and dense greenery to quiet lakes, dramatic viewpoints and UNESCO heritage sites, bringing together nature, culture and local food.

Strap on your helmet and get in the saddle: all that is left is to ride towards Mantua, setting off on an unmissable itinerary – created in partnership with SHOEI ITALIA (Srl) and Motociclismo magazine – that will take you from the Po to Lake Garda.

What to See

Travelling on two wheels lets you make the most of the Po Valley landscape, dotted with poplar groves, lakes, towns and historic villages. Mantua is an open-air museum, a cradle of the Italian Renaissance thanks to the legacy of the Gonzaga family; an unmissable stop is Palazzo Castiglioni, a 14th-century residence of the Bonacolsi family, looking out onto Palazzo Ducale, the historic heart of artistic and political life. Palazzo Te was commissioned by Federico II Gonzaga, featuring the famous Sala dei giganti frescoed by Giulio Romano, while Castello di San Giorgio, first a fortress and later a noble residence, houses the magnificent Camera degli Sposi. From Mantua to Sabbioneta, listed among the ‘Borghi più belli d’Italia’ and known as ‘little Rome’ for its wealth of artistic treasures including Palazzo Ducale, one of the town’s oldest buildings with splendid inlaid wood and gold ceilings. From San Benedetto Po, with its Abbazia di Polirone, to Borghetto sul Mincio and Valeggio, to admire Castello Scaligero, Parco Sigurtà, the Ponte Visconteo and the ancient hamlet, where time seems to have stood still since the Middle Ages. Head to Cavriana to visit the prehistoric stilt houses before making your way to Castellaro Ragusello, a picturesque village overlooking a small heart-shaped lake. A visit to the Santuario della Beata Vergine delle Grazie in Curtatone is essential, where you are greeted by a mysterious stuffed crocodile suspended at the entrance.

Where to eat

A refreshing break from the ride is the perfect chance to sample regional cooking in all its variety. In San Benedetto Po, Scacciapensieri makes an enticing stop, set within an old palazzo next to Abbazia di Polirone, where you can enjoy traditional Mantuan pumpkin tortelli in a relaxed setting. La Chiusina offers dining directly beside the river Mincio, serving fresh and saltwater fish, while Ristorante Corte Bondeno, set in an 18th-century farmhouse, showcases classic Lombard-Emilian dishes surrounded by the calm of the plains.

Where to stay

For a proper biker’s rest, the Po Valley offers places to rediscover peace and quiet in well-kept retreats between countryside and town. L’Ulma e l’Opi is a delightful B&B just minutes from the centre of Guastalla, surrounded by farmland, where careful attention to detail and guest comfort blend with a soothing palette inspired by nature. If you prefer the charm of Mantua, book a room at Residenza Ca’Tazzoli, once the home of historical figure Don Enrico Tazzoli, one of the Martyrs of Belfiore back in 1852.

For more ideas on exploring Milan and its surrounding roads on two wheels, download Best for Riders, the dedicated guide by Flawless and SHOEI ITALIA (Srl).