Ravenna and Its Treasures – Half-Day Walking Tour

Ravenna, a city steeped in history, boasts a treasure trove of Byzantine-era mosaics that captivate the senses. Set out on a half-day walking tour to uncover these mesmerizing works of art, guided by an art historian who brings the past to life. With skip-the-line access and personalized attention, you’ll explore the significance of iconic sites like the Basilica of San Vitale and the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. Prepare to be transported through time as you learn about Ravenna’s rich cultural heritage, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for the city’s enduring beauty.

Key Points

• Explore the stunning Byzantine-era mosaics of Ravenna on a 4-5 hour private walking tour led by an expert art historian guide.
• Tour includes pre-paid admission to the Basilica of San Vitale and Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, two of Ravenna’s renowned mosaic-adorned sites.
• Tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a personalized experience, and is accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.
• Tour adheres to COVID-19 safety protocols and multilingual guides are available in English, Italian, French, and German.
• Highlights include the magnificent interiors and architectural features of the Basilica of San Vitale and Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

Tour Overview

The half-day walking tour, titled "Ravenna and its Treasures", offers visitors a chance to explore the captivating city of Ravenna, renowned for its stunning Byzantine-era mosaics.

This private tour, with a maximum of 10 participants, is led by a professional art historian guide. Priced at €160 per group, the tour includes admission tickets (€12.50 per person, children under 10 free) and lasts approximately 4-5 hours.

The tour starts at the Basilica of San Vitale and ends at the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. With a 5.0 rating based on 4 reviews, the tour is highly accessible, wheelchair-friendly, and adheres to COVID-19 safety protocols.

Location and Duration

Ravenna, the captivating city in Italy, hosts this walking tour. Lasting approximately half a day, the private tour allows only your group to participate, ensuring a personalized experience. The tour’s duration is flexible, with the start time confirmed in advance with the local provider.

Location	Meeting Point	End Point
Ravenna, Italy	Basilica of San Vitale	Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo

The tour is accessible, accommodating wheelchair users and strollers. It’s also conveniently located near public transportation, making it easily accessible for most travelers. The provider enforces COVID-19 policies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Inclusions and Meeting Point

As part of the tour, participants receive the services of a professional guide, local guide, and professional art historian guide.

The tour also includes pre-paid tickets costing €12.50 per person, except for children under 10 who are excluded from this fee.

The tour begins at the Basilica of San Vitale, located at Via San Vitale, 17, 48121 Ravenna RA, Italy. The tour concludes at the Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo, situated at Via di Roma, 53, 48020 Ravenna RA, Italy.

Participants should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance, as the tour is available from June 15, 2022, to November 17, 2025, Monday through Sunday, from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

Accessibility and COVID-19 Policies

The walking tour is wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of participants.

It’s also located near public transportation, ensuring easy access for all. Most travelers can participate in the tour, as long as they adhere to the COVID-19 policies in place.

These policies must be respected to ensure the safety of both your and the guide. The tour provider is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Guests are encouraged to ask for assistance if needed during the tour, and the team will do their best to accommodate any special requirements.

Highlights and Reviews

Captivating mosaics and detailed historical insights await visitors on this walking tour of Ravenna.

Some of the highlights include:

1. Immersive exploration of Ravenna’s awe-inspiring Byzantine-era mosaics at sites like the Basilica of San Vitale and the Basilica of Sant’Apollinare Nuovo.

2. Insightful commentary from professional art historian guides, who bring to life the rich cultural heritage and significance of these UNESCO-listed wonders.

3. A seamless, private tour experience, with skip-the-line access to the must-see attractions, ensuring an intimate and enriching journey through this remarkable city.

Reviews praise the tour’s exceptional service, as well as the guide’s exceptional knowledge and clarity in communicating the area’s fascinating history.

Multilingual Guides and Transportation

Multilingual guides are available for this walking tour, accommodating visitors from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Whether your preference is English, Italian, French, or German, the tour provider can match you with a knowledgeable guide who speaks your language fluently.

This ensures you fully understand and appreciate the rich history and breathtaking mosaics of Ravenna’s UNESCO-listed sites.

Transportation options can also be arranged upon request, making it convenient to get to the starting point and return to your accommodations after the tour.

With these added services, the Ravenna walking tour is designed to cater to the needs of all travelers, providing a seamless and immersive experience.

Basilica of San Vitale

Basilica of San Vitale stands as a magnificent testament to Ravenna’s rich Byzantine heritage.

This stunning 6th-century structure boasts:

1. Breathtaking mosaics that adorn the interior walls, depicting biblical scenes and figures in vibrant hues.

2. Unique architectural features, including a centralized plan and a striking octagonal shape, characteristic of Byzantine design.

3. Intricate decorative elements, such as the beautifully carved marble columns and elaborate capital designs.

The basilica’s remarkable preservation and artistic splendor make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Ravenna’s cultural and historical treasures.

Visitors can enjoy the captivating stories and symbolism that emanate from these awe-inspiring mosaic masterpieces.

Basilica Di Sant’apollinare Nuovo

The Basilica Di Sant’apollinare Nuovo stands as a sublime jewel in Ravenna’s crown, its towering structure housing a stunning array of mosaic masterpieces.

Visitors will marvel at the vivid depictions lining the walls, which tell the story of Christ’s life and the triumph of Christianity.

The basilica’s grand interior, with its soaring arches and ornate decorations, creates an atmosphere of reverence and awe.

As the final stop on the tour, this architectural and artistic marvel serves as a fitting culmination, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Ravenna’s rich cultural heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. It allows children under 10 to enter free of charge, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, making it easy for families to participate.

How Much Walking Is Involved During the Tour?

The tour involves moderate walking, as it covers the city’s main sights. Guests can expect to walk approximately 2-3 miles at a leisurely pace. Proper footwear and mobility are recommended to comfortably explore Ravenna’s architectural and mosaic treasures.

Are There Any Opportunities for Photography During the Tour?

The tour allows ample opportunities for photography throughout the historical sites. Guests can capture the stunning mosaics and architectural details at their own pace during the leisurely walking tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Our Interests?

Yes, the tour can be customized to your interests. The local provider is flexible and can adapt the tour to focus on areas of particular interest to you, ensuring you have a personalized and enjoyable experience.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Tour?

There are no strict dress code requirements for this tour, but guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as some of the historic sites may be cool or drafty. Casual, modest attire is generally recommended.

The Sum Up

Explore the captivating Byzantine mosaics of Ravenna on this guided walking tour. Enjoy skip-the-line access and insightful commentary from an art historian. With a small group size, you’ll receive personalized attention as you visit iconic sites like the Basilica of San Vitale and Basilica di Sant’Apollinare Nuovo. This tour offers a safe and accessible experience to learn about Ravenna’s rich cultural heritage.