Finally dragged ourselves away from Lake Garda this morning. Had to pay €2 to clean the toilet cassette in a special machine – no other option on the campsite unfortunately – add that to the tourist tax and the cheap Acsi site has gone up a few bob!
Heading towards Parma, the satnav seemed to delight in taking us on crazy routes through little towns. Everything seemed to be suddenly rattling which we’ve not experienced in this van before – but then, we haven’t bought it on Italian roads before.
Passing this place called Mantova, Guy said he thought he’d heard of it but I couldn’t find it in the rough guide until the penny dropped that it had two names – there were four pages on Mantua!
Having had enough of Italian road surfaces already, we decided to pull in to a motorhome park just over the bridge from the city.
On the walk in, we came across a classic car rally – some shiny old cars, a timer clock, people standing around, but not a lot happening.
We later came across them all again in one of the town’s squares, accompanied by a big group of bored policemen with nothing to do.
Next thing we saw was a ‘bike tree’ – Guy always told me they grew on trees …they don’t cost anything apparently! 😂
Surrounded by lakes and with a very impressive skyline, I wouldn’t say Mantua was beautiful, but it certainly grabs your attention. There are domes, spires and towers everywhere and the place is full of piazzas – some completely empty, others full of people.
We wandered around for a few hours then it seemed like the Sunday evening passeggiata was starting. Everyone wandering around with an ice cream, dressed as if they’re about to attend a wedding. As we didn’t get the email about the dress code it was time for a sharp exit!