The hotel Doria we stayed in Ostiglia was full of cyclists, 6 Italians and a canadian couple. All were of a similar vintage to us. The hotel did have a swimming pool and was close to the main river Po track, plus the big lock up garage so perfect for cyclists. The canadians were on a 6 week trip and had already covered an impressive distance, but they hadn’t had many days off. Views below of leaving Ostoglia.

It was an easy ride of 42kms to Mantova but signs were not always that forthcoming. In fact at one point we ended up on a tiny track through the forest, which I’m sure wasnot a cycle route. Coffee and orzo was obtained at a tiny cafe in Governole where the Minimicio river joined the Po and where there was a very odd small castle.We were also given a plate of biscuits with our drinks, that was a first . According to the map we were meant to be cycling through a national park but it seemed more like very smelly farm lands.We saw our first river boat today so it seems the season has started for the ferry slowly going up and down, but not sure if there would be room on the boat for bicycles.Apparently last year it didn’t run at all with the drought . We also saw our first tour group of cyclists, it was a huge group at least 30.

Lunch was the first Trattoria we could find where we could park our bikes on arrival in Mantova.A very old Ostellerie with an impressive menu. Hubby opted for guinea fowl the speciality of the region, half a bird appeared on his plate. They did have horse on the menu and I thought only the french ate horses .

Matova/Manua is an impressive town full of history from the Romans, afterwards becoming a reputable self governing town, before it was taken over by force by a rich family the Gonzagas in the 1300s who made Mantua into a court city, famed in the Renaissance period, they created 3 lakes from the river Minimico around the city trying to imitate Venice. The Gonzagas ruled till 1707, Napoleon took over for 20 years followed by the Austrian Hapsburg empire till 1866 only then did it finally became Italian.It has been a UNESCO town since 2008, but at the moment it is very pleasant to wander round not packed with tourists.It has also a gastronomy reputation but not at silly Perth prices.

Our appartment is on the top floor lovely roof top views, apparently now the town has UNESCO rating even lifts in old buildings are often not allowed because it changes the fundamental appearance of the older buildings.

Tomorrow a relaxing sightseeing day before heading back to the Po, probably 4 days (maybe nights aswell if we slow down anymore) cycling before we reach Milan which is where we will leave the Po. You can continue to Turin and over the Alps to France but that will NOT be for us with a 1,600 metre climb over Col de Tendre.!!l