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A full-day in Ravenna

Ravenna, IT

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Experience the magic atmosphere of Ravenna with a full-day guided tour! Step back in time as you explore the UNESCO monuments in the city center. Marvel at the stunning Basilica di San Vitale, adorned with marvelous panels depicting Emperor Justinian and his captivating wife Theodora. Next, visit the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, a powerful building with magnificent decorations and mosaic scenes. Be inspired by the starry sky in the dome that influenced Cole Porter's iconic song Night and Day. Journey to the Neoniano Baptistery, decorated with beautiful mosaics, stuccos, and polychrome marbles. Admire the processions of virgins and martyrs in the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo and pay homage to the tomb of the legendary poet Dante Alighieri. Complete your tour at the Archiepiscopal Museum, home to the renowned 6th century ivory throne and the beautiful mosaic of the Virgin. Discover the wonders of Ravenna and immerse yourself in its rich history and culture.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
Admission Not Included
5 hours - 6 hours
Suitable for 1-15 Participants
Private Tour, Small Group Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Visit the Basilica di San Vitale, a stunning Byzantine basilica
Explore the Mausoleo di Galla Placidia with its magnificent mosaics
Admire the beautiful mosaics and marbles at Battistero Neoniano
Witness the processions of virgins and martyrs at Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo
Pay homage to Dante's tomb and Quadrarco of Braccioforte

Included

Guided tour

Not included

Lunch
Admission fees to monuments

More about this experience

Introduction

Welcome to Ravenna, a stunning city that is rich in history and culture. If you have never visited Ravenna before, then a full-day guided tour is the perfect way to explore all that this beautiful town has to offer. Ravenna is known for its UNESCO World Heritage Treasures and is a mosaic of art and culture, ensuring a truly unforgettable experience.

What to expect?

During this full-day tour, you can expect to spend around 6 hours immersing yourself in the magic atmosphere of Ravenna. The tour includes visits to the city's most famous UNESCO monuments, which are all located in the city center. Marvel at the awe-inspiring Basilica di San Vitale, adorned with wonderful panels showcasing the opulence of the Byzantine court. Explore the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, with its magnificent decorations and mosaic scenes that create an otherworldly atmosphere. Visit the Neoniano Baptistery, a Catholic baptistery equally adorned with stunning mosaics and polychrome marbles. Discover the Basilica of Sant'Apollinare Nuovo, once the private chapel of the Ostrogoths King Theoderic, showcasing beautiful processions from the Byzantine period. Don't forget to pay your respects at the tomb of the legendary poet Dante Alighieri. These are just a few of the highlights and experiences that await you in Ravenna.

Who is this for?

This full-day guided tour of Ravenna is perfect for both history enthusiasts and culture seekers. If you have a passion for art, architecture, and ancient history, this tour will be a dream come true. It is also an excellent opportunity for anyone who wants to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Ravenna and learn about its rich heritage. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends or family, this tour caters to all who appreciate the beauty and significance of historical sites.

Why book this?

Booking this full-day tour of Ravenna is a fantastic way to make the most of your time in this enchanting city. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you'll gain a deep understanding of Ravenna's history, its artistic treasures, and its cultural significance. Explore ancient UNESCO World Heritage monuments and be captivated by the incredible mosaics that decorate each site. Learn the stories behind these architectural wonders and gain insights into the lives of emperors, empresses, and renowned poets. By booking this tour, you will have an immersive and educational experience that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for Ravenna's art and culture.

Good to know

Before embarking on your full-day tour of Ravenna, it's important to note that lunch is not included. However, fear not, as the city offers a wide range of delightful cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious meal during the lunch break. It's also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as there will be quite a bit of walking involved in this tour.

Reviews

Visitors who have experienced the full-day tour of Ravenna rave about the incredible beauty and historical significance of the monuments they visited. Many have expressed awe at the intricate mosaics and stunning decorations found in the Basilica di San Vitale and the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia. Travelers have also praised the knowledgeable guides who brought the history and stories of Ravenna to life, making the tour both informative and engaging. Overall, visitors have expressed their satisfaction and gratitude for having the opportunity to explore Ravenna's rich cultural heritage through this captivating tour.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

End point

Your Itinerary

Basilica di San Vitale

The Basilica of S. Vitale (half VI cent.) is decorated with wonderful panels showing the Emperor Justinian with his fascinating wife Theodora. From the richness of the garments, her jewels, her diadem and decoration of the materials used we can deduce the splendour of the byzantine court. It took about 22 years to complete the building which started under the reign of the Goths and was finished under that of Byzantines who had conquered Ravenna in the year 540. Unfortunately we do not know the name of the architect of this amazing basilica. He was certainly a great artist and a man of a daring technical thought!

Admission Not Included

Mausoleo di Galla Placidia

Mausoleum of Galla Placidia (beg. V cent.), a powerful building commissioned by the Roman Empress of the Western Roman Empire. On entering you will be impressed by the magnificence of the decorations and of the mosaic scenes and especially by the unreal atmosphere in which you find yourselves. In the sarcophafus in front of the entrance, according to the tradition, Galla Placidia should rest but this is improbable. In it there was an unidentified body sitting on a cypress throne. The body was visible through a hole of about 20 centimetres placed on the back of the sarcophagus. In 1577 some boys throwing some candles into it burnt the body!! The hole was closed with plaster and then with Greek marble. On the back you can still see the visible traces. The astonishing starry sky in the dome inspired many international artists for their works; Cole Porter wrote his unforgettable song Night and Day after visiting this monument !!

Admission Not Included

Battistero Neoniano (Battistero degli Ortodossi)

Neoniano Baptistery (beg. V cent.) the catholic baptistery equally decorated by wonderful mosaics, stuccos and inlays of polychrome marbles.

Admission Not Included

Basilica di Sant'Apollinare Nuovo

Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo which was the private chapel of the Ostrogoths King Theoderic showing the unforgettable processions of the virgins and martyrs dating back to the byzantine period.

Admission Not Included

Dante's tomb and Quadrarco of Braccioforte

Don’t miss to to visit also the the Tomb of the poet Dante Alighieri, the father of the Italian language and the author of the Divine Comedy which represents his masterpiece. He spent in Ravenna his last three years of his life and he died here in 1321. Near his tomb the church of Saint Francis where his funerals were celebrated.

Archiepiscopal Museum

The Archiepiscopal Museum houses the renowned 6th century ivory throne and the mosaic of the Virgin in a praying position.

Battistero degli Ariani

the King Theodoric’s Arian Baptistery (early 6th century) is an ancient building from the Ostrogoth time.

Admission Not Included

Additional information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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Reviews

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2024-11-29 22:23