Mantova is located in the Italian province of Lombardy. It is situated east of Milan and south of Verona and Lake Garda. The nearest airport is in Verona. Venice and Milan are roughly an hour away. Mantova is accessible from the A22 motorway called an autostrada in Italian. Mantova is linked directly by train from Verona and Modena. The direct train trip from Milan is painfully slow and service is infrequent. Train travel from Venice to Mantova requires a change in Verona.

Mantova is small and compact and easily navigated on foot. Palazzo Te is the only structure of note situated outside the city walls. Taxis are readily available at the train station. Boat tours depart from the jetties on Lago di Mezzo and Lago Inferiore. The following bike trails are ideal for families. Mantova Lake Trail is an easy 23.5 km (14.6 miles) loop. This flat trail starts and ends at the Andes boat jetty. The Mantova-Peschiera Bike Path, part of the Ciclopista del Sole, follows the River Mincio from Mantova to Peschiera del Garda. The flat, mostly paved trail is 37 km (23 miles) one-way. The Province of Mantova website has a detailed trail map (click Mantova in Bici to download the PDF); hard copies are available from the tourist office in Mantova.

While there is no right and wrong time of year to visit Mantova there are few things to keep in mind when traveling with children. Mantova is hot and humid in summer. In winter, Mantova is frequently fogged under. Lotus flowers and water lilies bloom in July, August and September. The best months for bike touring are May, June and September. The temporary art exhibits at Palazzo Te are seasonal events.