My parents surprised me with a cycling trip to Italy, focusing on the art and architecture of northern Italy. At first, I thought it would be boring, but it turned out to be an amazing adventure.

On the first day, we arrived in Mantua, a city surrounded by three lakes. The city center had four main squares and two grand palaces, some dating back to medieval times. We visited the Palazzo Ducale, once the largest palace in Europe, where the Gonzaga family lived for centuries. Inside, we saw incredible frescoes painted by Andrea Mantegna in 1474. One fresco depicted the Gonzaga family, with detailed arches and lifelike figures. The ceiling was painted to look like an open sky, adding to the grandeur.

The next day, we embarked on a 35 km bike ride. We started in Mantua and headed north towards Lake Garda, passing through a nature reserve and along the river. The scenery was breathtaking, and we stayed at a cozy family-run hotel in Borghetto, a charming village.

On day three, we explored the village on a 25 km circular route. We rode along a cycle track that led us through a park with a lake and even a maze. It was fun trying to find our way out, and we spotted deer along the way. We enjoyed a lovely picnic amidst nature.

The following day, we cycled 40 km north towards Lake Garda, passing through orchards and vineyards. We stayed in a town with medieval walls on the southern edge of the lake, where we stopped for lunch before heading east to a village near Verona, just 20 km away.

Day five was dedicated to exploring Verona. The city had so much to offer, including the impressive Roman amphitheatre called the arena. Built in the first century, it once hosted gladiator contests and now hosts open-air opera performances. We also visited “Juliet’s house,” a popular tourist spot associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Despite not believing in romantic wishes, it was interesting to see. Instead of shopping, I chose to spend the afternoon exploring Verona further.

Overall, the trip exceeded my expectations. I discovered the beauty of Italian art and architecture, enjoyed cycling through picturesque landscapes, and explored fascinating historical sites.