Discover the capital city of the mosaics, a treasure chest of art, history and culture with an ancient and glorious past behind it
Description
Ravenna’s significance during the 5th and 6th centuries is immortalized in the breathtaking mosaics that adorn its ancient early Christian and Byzantine monuments.
These masterpieces, a testament to unparalleled artistry and cultural heritage, have earned eight of the city’s historic sites a well-deserved place on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Celebrated for their universal value, uniqueness, and extraordinary craftsmanship, Ravenna’s mosaics stand as a dazzling legacy of a bygone era.
Duration:
8 hours
Availability:
Everyday except bank holidays
Starting time:
8:30 am
Program
Ravenna was once one of the most significant cities in the Western world. As the last capital of the Roman Empire in the West, it later became the capital of the Gothic kingdoms of Italy and Byzantine Italy. Over time, history moved on, leaving Ravenna in relative obscurity.
This isolation, however, became a blessing in disguise. Some of the greatest architectural and decorative masterpieces of the late antique and early medieval periods were preserved, untouched, until modern times recognized their profound aesthetic and spiritual significance. Once dismissed as relics of decadence and the so-called Dark Ages, Ravenna’s treasures are now celebrated as works of extraordinary artistic and cultural value.
The early Christian Byzantine mosaics in Ravenna are unparalleled worldwide, making the city a true European “superstar.” Visitors from across the globe are drawn to these intricate mosaics, rich in allegorical meaning and dazzling beauty.
With your expert guide, you will explore the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, showcasing Ravenna’s earliest mosaic program (dating to the mid-5th century, with interiors inspired by the 4th century). You will also visit the stunning Basilica of San Vitale, the Neonian Baptistery with its exceptional early Christian mosaics, and St. Apollinare Nuovo, each offering a glimpse into Ravenna’s remarkable artistic heritage.
After a break for lunch, you will reach Classe to visit the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare in Classe, Unesco World Heritage monument of Ravenna (6th century AD), built on the place of martyrdom of Ravenna’s first bishop. Known for its magnificent polychrome mosaics in the apse and the ancient marble sarcophagi lining the naves, the basilica is the greatest one of the Early Christian period known today.
The tour includes:
- transportation private air-conditioned minivan with professional driver
- private English-speaking tour guide
- pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Bologna
- a private guided visit to Ravenna highlights
- a private guided visit to St. Apollinare in Classe Basilica
- admission tickets and reservation to St. Vitale Basilica, Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Neonian Baptistery, St. Apollinare Nuovo Basilica and St. Apollinare in Classe Basilica
- admittance tickets with reservation to all monuments indicated in the itinerary
- complimentary bottled water available on the minivan
- transportation private air-conditioned minivan with professional driver
- private English-speaking tour guide
- pick-up and drop-off at your accommodation in Bologna
- a private guided visit to Ravenna highlights
- a private guided visit to St. Apollinare in Classe Basilica
- admission tickets and reservation to St. Vitale Basilica, Galla Placidia Mausoleum, Neonian Baptistery, St. Apollinare Nuovo Basilica and St. Apollinare in Classe Basilica
- admittance tickets with reservation to all monuments indicated in the itinerary
- complimentary bottled water available on the minivan
Prices per person:
2 pax: Eur 680,00
3 pax: Eur 500,00
4 pax: Eur 410,00
5 pax: Eur 356,00
6 pax: Eur 320,00
Group quotations on request.
Prices are subject to confirmation at booking time. There might be prices increase on occasion of big events and due to the rise in raw materials and VAT.
Additional info
- The starting time will be confirmed at the time of booking.
- This tour involves long walking stretches and is therefore not recommended for individuals with limited mobility.